JPH044496A - Goods housing column for automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the goods housing efficiency of the above good housing column by providing flappers for absorbing impact produced when a falling commodity collide with guide plates in a path so that the flappers can get into and out of the path. CONSTITUTION:When a can is put in the column 2 from a housing port at the upper end section of the column 2, the can falls down onto the uppermost flapper 10. The flapper 10 rotates downward against the elastic force of a plate spring 12 and allows the can to fall down further. The falling can falls down onto the second flapper 10. The second flapper 10 also rotates downward and allows the can be fall down onto the third flapper 10. Thus the can finally reaches a supporting piece 20 provided at the bottom of the column after colliding with the flappers 10. When the next can is put in the column 2, the can also falls down onto the preceding can in the same manner while the impact force at of all is absorbed by the flapper 10. Therefore, the goods housing efficiency of the column can be improved.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Objective of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a product storage column for a vending machine that stores cylindrical products such as cans by stacking them vertically in a horizontal position. (hereinafter referred to simply as columns).

(Prior Art) There are the following types of columns for vending machines that store cylindrical products, such as cans, stacked vertically in a horizontal position.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a vending machine 510
Four rows of columns 512 are provided in the depth direction, that is, in the front-back direction, and cans are stored from the storage opening at the upper end of this column 512, and a bending device 514 provided at the lower end of the column 512 is provided.
The cans stacked vertically were discharged in order.

When a can is stored through the storage opening, the column 512 rapidly falls from the top to the bottom of the column 512, damaging or denting the surface of the can, or damaging the liquid stored in the can. In order to prevent homing from occurring, as shown in FIG.
was formed in a meandering, so-called serpentine shape.

As a result, when a can is stored from the storage opening, the can falls to the bottom while rolling along the front or rear wall of the column 512 formed in a serpentine shape. Therefore, the surface of the can was not scratched or dented, or homing occurred.

Furthermore, a bending device 514 could be provided between columns 512 and 512 adjacent in the front-back direction.

As such a vending machine 510, for example,
There is one disclosed in No. 3-20282 and the like.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) In the vending machine 510 having the above configuration, since the column 512 is of a serpentine type, the depth dimension of one column 512 is much larger than the diameter of the can to be stored. Not only is it necessary to increase the size, but since the column 512 meanders in a serpentine shape, the dead space between the front wall of the column 512 and the rear wall of the column 512 that are adjacent in the depth direction inevitably becomes large. Therefore, when a plurality of columns 512 are arranged in the front and back direction, the vending machine 5
There was a problem that the depth dimension of 10 was large, and there was also a problem that the storage efficiency of the cans was poor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a column for a vending machine that solves the above-mentioned problems, reduces the depth dimension of the column, and improves product storage efficiency.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) The column of a vending machine according to claim 1 of the present invention is a column of a vending machine that stores cylindrical products by stacking them vertically in a horizontal position. The front and rear walls of the passage through which the products fall from the product storage opening to the product delivery exit in the column are formed by upright flat guide plates, and the front and rear walls, or at least one of them, This is a column of a vending machine characterized in that a flapper for absorbing shock when a product falls is provided on a certain guide plate so as to be able to enter and exit the aisle.

The column of a vending machine according to claim 2 of the present invention is a column of a vending machine that stores cylindrical products by stacking them vertically in a horizontal position, and the columns of the vending machine that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vending machine are A plurality of product storage columns are provided by a guide plate that serves as a front wall and a rear wall from the product storage opening to the product delivery exit.

In the column of a vending machine according to claim 3 of the present invention, horizontal shafts are provided on one guide plate at required intervals in the vertical direction, and protrusions are provided on the other guide plate at required intervals in the vertical direction. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a flapper which is biased by an elastic body and is pivotally supported on the shaft so that the distal end thereof is located near the lower part of the protrusion while protruding into the passage. It is.

In the column of the vending machine according to claim 4 of the present invention, one guide plate is provided with a horizontal shaft at a required interval in the vertical direction, and the other guide plate is provided with a horizontal shaft at a different level from the shaft. and the flapper is pivotally supported on the shafts of both guide plates in a staggered manner so that the flapper is biased by an elastic body so that the tip thereof is located near the lower part of the protrusion while protruding into the passage. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that:

The column of the vending machine according to claim 5 of the present invention is the column according to claim 1, claim 3, or claim 4, characterized in that the flapper is formed in a plate shape that swells downward and is curved. .

The column of the vending machine according to claim 6 of the present invention is characterized in that the flapper is formed into a flat plate shape and the tip thereof is bent upward. It is something.

In the column of the vending machine according to claim 7 of the present invention, the shaft is provided on one guide plate so as to be positioned at a different level from the protrusion,
The flapper is provided in a flat plate shape, and its tip is bent so as to bulge slightly upward, so that when the flapper hangs down along the guide plate, the upwardly bulged tip covers the shaft. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein a protrusion is formed in the passage.

In the column of the vending machine according to claim 8 of the present invention, one guide plate is provided with a horizontal shaft at a required interval in the vertical direction, the base of the flapper is pivotally supported on the shaft, and the base of the flapper is A projecting piece that projects further upward is extended by the base, and when the flapper is hanging down along one guide plate, the tip of the flapper covers the projecting piece of the lower flapper and moves the lower flapper into the passage. The item according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made to protrude into = 10
− is.

In the column of a vending machine according to claim 9 of the present invention, a plurality of columns are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vending machine, and the front wall and rear wall of the columns adjacent in the longitudinal direction are formed by one guide plate. According to claim 1 or claims 3 to 8, the invention is characterized in that:

The column of the vending machine according to claim 10 of the present invention is the column of the vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide plate serving as the front wall and the rear wall of the columns adjacent in the front and back direction is meandered in the vertical direction. be.

(Function) With the column of the vending machine according to claim 1, the products stored from the product storage opening are dropped by flappers provided on the guide plate on the front and rear walls of the column, or at least on either wall. While absorbing the impact caused by the product, the product falls downward and reaches the product exit.

In this column, since the front wall and the rear wall are formed of upright flat guide plates, the dimension of the column in the depth direction can be reduced.

The column of the vending machine according to claim 2 is formed by a guide plate that also serves as the front wall and rear wall of the columns arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vending machine. No dead space will be formed.

In the column of the vending machine according to claim 3, the falling direction of the product stored from the product storage opening is changed to the inside of the passage of the column by the protrusion provided on the other guide plate. It is supported by a flapper that protrudes from one guide plate. The flapper supporting the product rotates downward due to the weight of the product against the elastic force of the elastic body, causing the product to fall downward.

This dropped product reaches the position of the protrusion provided one level below the protrusion, and is again changed in its falling direction to the inside of the passage and is supported on the next flapper. and,
The products fall onto the protrusions and flappers one after another, and reach the product delivery port of the column.

In this case, the impact force when the product is dropped is absorbed by the protrusion and the flapper, so the surface of the can is not dented, scratched, or homing occurs.

In the column of the vending machine according to claim 4, the product stored from the product storage opening is supported by a flapper protruding from one guide plate, and the flapper supporting the product rotates downward due to its weight. to drop the product downward. This fallen product falls onto a flapper provided on the other guide plate and is supported. The flapper supporting the product also rotates downward due to the weight of the product, causing the product to fall downward. The products then fall one after another onto the flappers arranged in a staggered manner, and reach the product exit of the column.

In the above column, the flappers are arranged in a staggered manner, so they can absorb the impact force when the product falls, preventing the surface of the product from being scratched, dented, or homing. .

In the column of the vending machine according to the fifth aspect, since the plate-shaped flapper is curved and bulged downward, it is possible to stably support falling products.

In the column of the vending machine according to claim 6, since the tip of the flapper is bent upward, the product falling onto the flapper will not slide off the tip due to the impact.

In the column of the vending machine according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the product stored from the product storage opening changes its falling direction slightly toward the inside of the passageway by the protrusion, and falls onto the flapper. The flapper, on which the product has fallen, rotates downward against the elastic force of the elastic body and hangs down along the guide plate to which the flapper is attached. In this state, the tip of the flapper fits over the shaft and forms a protrusion in the passage, so as with the protrusion, it is possible to change the falling direction of the product slightly inward of the passage. can. Then, the product whose falling method is changed slightly to the inside of the product aisle falls onto the next protrusion, and further falls onto the next flapper. The products fall one after another in the order of the protrusion and the flapper, and finally reach the product delivery port of the column.

With this column, the impact force when the product falls is absorbed by the protrusion and the flapper, and when the flapper hangs down along the guide plate, the tip of the flapper forms a protrusion, so the protrusion The impact force is also absorbed by the

In the column of the vending machine according to claim 8, when a product is stored from the product storage opening, the product falls onto the flapper. The flapper on which the product has fallen is rotated downward by the weight of the product, causing the product to fall downward, and the tip of the flapper covers the protrusion protruding from the base of the flapper located at the lower stage. When the tip of the upper flapper covers the protruding piece, the flapper rotates so as to protrude into the passage, and catches the product that has fallen from the upper flapper. Then, due to the weight of the picked up product, the flapper rotates downward again, causing the product to drop, and the tip of the receiver also comes to cover the lower protrusion. Then, the products protrude one after another - ・15 - The products fall onto the flapper, reaching the bottom of the column.

With this column, the flapper protrudes as the product falls without using an elastic body, and the column of the vending machine according to claim 9 is characterized by an impact force when the product falls. Since the front wall and the rear wall are formed by one guide plate, the dimension in the depth direction of the columns arranged in multiple rows can be made small.

In the column of the vending machine according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the products stored from the product storage port pass through the inside of the column formed to meander in the vertical direction and reach the column product delivery port.

With this column, the inside of the column is meandering, so
It can absorb the impact force when falling. Further, since the guide plate serves as both the front wall and the rear wall, the column can be formed to have a small dimension in the depth direction.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of a column for a vending machine that accommodates cylindrical cans stacked vertically in a horizontal position will be described based on the drawings.

1 to 7 are drawings of a column 2 of a vending machine 1 showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a passage member that integrally constitutes the rear plate 4 and both side plates 5 of the column 2. The passage member 3 is provided upright from a can storage opening at the upper end of the column 2 to an outlet at the lower part of the column 2, that is, in a substantially flat plate shape. Both ends of the side plates 5 are bent outward to form flange portions 6.
is formed.

Reference numeral 7 is the front plate of the column 2. The front plate 7 has a substantially flat plate shape, and both ends of the front plate 7 are screwed to the flanges 6, 6 of the passage member 3, so that the column 2
form. A plurality of rectangular openings 8 are provided in the front plate 7 in the vertical direction from the top to the bottom at required intervals. Bearing portions 9 are provided at both ends of the upper portion of the opening 8 by cutting and raising.

Reference numeral 10 indicates a plate-shaped flapper, and a shaft 11 is provided at the base of the flapper. The shaft 11 of the flapper 10 is engaged with the bearing portion 9 of the front plate 7, and the flapper 10 is
0 can be rotatably attached to the front plate 7.

Reference numeral 12 is a leaf spring. The upper end of this leaf spring 12 has a cut-out 13 provided above the center of the opening of the front plate 7.
The lower end of the flapper 10 is fitted into a cutout 15 provided at the center of the flapper 10. By this leaf spring 12, the flapper IO is always connected to the column 2.
is biased to protrude into the passageway.

Four rows of columns 2 are provided in the longitudinal direction of the vending machine 1. The distance between the adjacent columns 2 in the front-rear direction is set such that the rear plate 4 of the column 2 at the front and the front plate 7 of the column 2 at the rear are almost in close contact with each other.

Furthermore, a bending device 17 is provided at the lower end of this column 2. Next, this bending device 17 will be explained based on FIGS. 5 to 7.

Reference numeral 14 is a frame material made of a metal plate bent into a U-shape in plan according to the shape of the column 2. This frame member 14 is open on the front side and is formed from a rear surface 14a1 and both side surfaces 14b and 14c.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a solenoid provided at the front of the side surface 14b of the frame member 14, and from this solenoid 16 the sliding rod 1
8 is provided protrudingly. The sliding rod 18 is sucked downward when a sales command signal is input to the solenoid 16, and protrudes upward when no input is received.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a support piece, which is rotatably supported on a horizontal shaft 22 provided on the rear surface 14a of the frame member 14. This support piece 20 is bent in a dogleg shape with the shaft 22 as a boundary, and a holding plate 2 that is one part of the dogleg shape is bent.
4 is large enough to protrude almost halfway into the can passageway of column 2, and the other dogleg-shaped part, that is, the pressing plate 26, is large enough to press the rear temporary fastening piece. There is.

Further, at the upper end of the suppression plate 26, a protrusion 28 protrudes rearward.

Reference numeral 30 is a temporary fixing piece. This temporary fixing piece 30 is rotatably supported on a horizontal shaft 32 provided above the shaft 22. This temporary fixing piece 30 is attached to the column 2.
It is designed so that it can protrude to approximately one-fourth of the passageway of the can. Furthermore, the upper end of the pressing plate 26 of the support piece 20 is brought into contact with the lower surface of the temporary fixing piece 30.

Reference numeral 34 indicates a shaft 36 provided on the side surface 14b of the frame member 14.
This is the first member that rotates around . The tip of the sliding rod 18 is rotatably attached to one end 34a of the first member 34. Furthermore, one end 34 of this first member 34
a is urged upward by a coil spring 38.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a second member that rotatably connects the protrusion 28 of the support piece 20 and the other end 34b of the first member.

The operating states of the column 2 and bending device 17 having the above configuration will be explained.

The can is stored inside the column 2 from the storage opening at the upper end of the column 2 while lying on its side. The stored cans first fall onto the flapper to located at the top. The flapper 10 on which the can has fallen rotates downward against the elastic force of the leaf spring 12, causing the can to fall downward. The fallen can falls onto the second stage flapper 10. Then, this flapper 10 also rotates downward again to drop the can onto the next flapper 10. The cans then fall onto the flapper 10 one after another, and finally onto the support piece 20 provided at the lower end of the column 2. Next, when a can is dropped from the storage opening of column 2, the impact force of the fall is similarly absorbed by the flapper 10 and reaches the bottom of column 2, causing the can that had fallen earlier to be dropped. are stacked on top of each other. When the bending device 17 is not in the selling state, no selling signal is flowing through the solenoid 16 of the bending device 17, and one end 34a of the first member 34 is pulled upward by the coil spring 38. There is.

The other end 34b of the first member 34 is in a downwardly downward state, and the second end 34b connected to the other end 34b is
The member 40 is horizontally connected to the protrusion 28 of the support piece 20 and the other end 34b of the first member 34. In this state, the support piece 20 protrudes from the column 2 and supports the can located at the lowest level as described above. Furthermore, the temporary fixing piece 30 hangs down along the rear surface 14b of the frame member 14 and does not protrude into the interior of the column 2.

Further, a plurality of flappers 10 provided on the column 2 are held in a state where they are retracted outside the passage against the elastic force of the leaf spring 12 when the cans are stacked and stored.

In this state, when a sales command signal is input to the solenoid 16, the sliding rod 18 is attracted downward against the elastic force of the coil spring 38. The first member 34 rotates around a shaft 36, with one end 34a going down and the other end 34a
b rotates upward. As a result, the other end 34b side of the second member 40 is pulled upward from the horizontal state, and the protrusion 28 side is drawn forward. This supports the piece? 0 rotates around the shaft 22, the holding plate 24 supporting the can moves toward the rear surface 14b of the frame member 14, and conversely, the suppressing plate 26 holds the temporary fixing piece 30 inside the column 2. move in the direction of protrusion.

When the holding plate 24 of the support piece 20 moves in the direction of the rear surface 14, the cans in the lowest tier fall downward, and the cans in the second tier are held by the temporary fixing pieces 30. When the solenoid 16 maintains the suction state of the sliding rod 18, the first member 34 returns to its original state around the shaft 32 due to the elastic force of the coil spring 38, and the retaining plate 24 of the support piece 20 The temporary fixing piece 30 protrudes into the inside of the column 2 and is attached to the rear surface 1 of the frame member 14.
It hangs down along 4b. Therefore, the cans in the second tier that had been held by the temporary fixing piece 30 fall onto the upper surface of the holding plate 24 of the support piece 20, and the cans in the third and subsequent tiers also fall onto the upper surface of the holding plate 24 of the support piece 20.
falls one after another inside the.

With the column 2 and bending device 17 having the above configuration, the rear plate 4, side plates 5, and front plate 7 of the column 2 are provided upright and straight, so the diameter of the cans to be stored and the cans can be rotated. The distance between the front plate 7 and the rear plate 4 can be set to be approximately the same as the size of the margin for movement.

Therefore, unlike the serpentine column of conventional vending machines, the depth dimension of the column can be minimized, and when the columns 2 are placed adjacent to each other in the front and back direction, the column 2 and The gap between the column 2 and the column 2 can be minimized, and a large dead space will not be formed unlike a surpaint column. Also,
Solenoid 16 and sliding rod 18 that constitute bending device 17
, the coil spring 38, the first member 34, and the second member 40 are attached to the side surface of the column 2, so there is no need to provide them between the columns 2. Therefore, the distance between the columns 2 provided in the front-rear direction can be minimized. Thereby, the dimension in the depth direction of the vending machine 1 can be made smaller than that of conventional vending machines. Furthermore, when assembling the column 2, it is only necessary to attach the front plate 7 to the passage member 3 and attach a plurality of flappers 10 to this front plate 7, so the assembly is easy and work efficiency can be improved. can.

Next, another structure for attaching the flapper 10 to the passage member 3 will be explained.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, there are cutouts 4 in the side plates 5.5.
2 is provided. This notch 42 has one end 42a
is opened at the rear of the side plate and cut out horizontally,
The other end 42 is continuously bent and notched downward.
b is occluded. Insert the shaft 11 of this flapper 10 through the opening 42a of the notch 42, and
2b. Thereby, the flapper IO can be rotatably attached to the passage member 3.

FIG. 10 shows another structure for attaching the flapper 10 to the passage member 3.

A hole 44 is opened in both side plates 5, 5, and the shaft 11 of the flapper 10 is inserted into this hole 44. A coil spring 4θ is disposed on the shaft 11, and one end of the coil spring 46 is brought into contact with the base of the flapper IO, and the other end is brought into contact with the front plate 7 of the passage member 3.

As a result, the flapper 10 can rotate freely through the passage member 3.
The coil spring 46 protrudes into the passage and is held in place by the coil spring 46.

The installation of the two flappers 10 described above is a structure.
5- However, the installation is easy and the work efficiency can be improved.

Next, examples of other columns will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 11 shows the column 102 of the second embodiment.

Reference numeral 103 is the front plate of the column 102, which is an upright and straight plate.

Reference numeral 104 is a rear plate provided to face the front plate 103.

Reference numeral 105 denotes a flapper rotatably provided on the front plate 103 about a shaft 10B provided at a required interval. The structure for attaching this flapper 105 to the front plate 103 is similar to that described above.

The base portion of the flapper 105 on which the shaft 10B is provided is slightly bent downward, and the central portion of the flapper 105 is a continuous flat plate, and the tip portion of the flapper 105 is further bent upward.

With the column 102 configured as described above, since the tip of the flapper 105 is bent upward, the can will not slide along the top surface of the flapper 105 when dropped.

Further, when the flapper 105 hangs down along the front plate 103, the tip of the flapper 105 serves to change the direction of the fall of the can slightly inward in the passage.

As a result, when a can falls onto the top surface of the flapper 105, the weight of the can causes the flapper 105 to rotate downward and hang down along the front plate 103.
The can that loses support from the flapper 105 falls downward, but at this time, since the tip of the flapper 105 is bent, the direction of the fall is slightly inward from the vertical direction due to this bent part. , and the falling direction becomes meandering.

Therefore, due to the impact when the can falls, the flapper 105
This can be sufficiently relieved by the function of the bent portion at the tip of the flapper 105.

FIG. 12 shows a column 122 of the third embodiment.

In this column 122, the flapper 105 is connected to the front plate 10.
3 and the rear plate 104 in a staggered manner.

With this column 122, the falling cans fall one after another onto the flappers 105 provided in a staggered manner, and the impact force can be sufficiently softened by the flappers 105 and the bent portions of the tips and ends of the flappers 105. .

13 and 14 show the column 142 of the fourth embodiment.
It is.

Reference numeral 143 denotes a front plate that is a straight plate that stands upright from the can storage opening to the can discharge opening.

Reference numeral 144 is a rear plate provided to face the front plate 143.

Reference numeral 145 denotes a plate-shaped flapper rotatably provided on the front plate 143 about shafts 146 provided at required intervals in the vertical direction. The front plate 14 of this flapper 145
The mounting method for No. 3 is the same as that described above, as shown in FIG. This flapper 145 has an arc shape that swells downward and curves.

With this column 142, when a can falls onto the flapper 145, since the flapper 145 is in a downwardly curved state, the dropped can rolls to the center of the flapper 145. Therefore, the can will not slip and fly out of the flapper 145 due to the impact of the fall.

The appropriate distance between the flappers 145 is such that the tip of the flapper 145 covers the shaft 14B of the lower flapper 145.

FIG. 15 shows a column 162 of the fifth embodiment.

This column 182 connects the flapper 145 to the front plate 14.
3 and rear plate 144 alternately in a staggered manner.

With this column 182, the dropped cans fall one after another onto the flappers 145 provided in a staggered manner, and fall toward the bottom of the column 182 while weakening the impact force. Therefore, the surface of the can will not be damaged or dented, and homing will not occur.

FIG. 16 shows a column 182 of the sixth embodiment.

This column 182 has the flapper 145 connected to the front plate 143.
It is rotatably mounted on the

Furthermore, protrusions 147 are provided on the rear plate 144 at required intervals. This protrusion 147
8 is located slightly above the tip of the column 182 when it protrudes into the passageway of the column 182.

With this column 182, the dropped can can be removed from the protrusion 147.
As a result, the falling direction is changed from vertical to slightly inward, and it falls onto the flapper 145. The flapper 145 on which the can has fallen rotates downward and drops the can toward the protrusion 147 located at the lower stage. Then, the cans fall one after another in the order of the protrusion 147 and the flapper 145, reaching the bottom of the column 182. In this column 1B2,
Since the impact force is weakened by the protrusion 147 and the flapper 145, the can will not be dented, damaged, or homing will occur.

-30= Figures 17 and 18 show the column 202 of the seventh embodiment.
It is.

Reference numeral 203 denotes the front plate of the column 202, which is formed of a straight plate that stands upright from the can storage opening to the can exit.

Reference numeral 204 denotes a rear plate, which is formed of a straight plate from the can storage opening to the can export exit, and has protrusions 207 formed at required intervals in the vertical direction.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a flapper, which is rotatable about a shaft 206. Front plate 2 of this flapper 205
The mounting structure for 03 is the same as that described above, as shown in FIG. The flapper 205 has a concave central portion, and a distal end portion 208 thereof continuously protrudes upward. When the flapper 205 hangs down along the front plate 203, the tip 208 protrudes into the passage and is structured to cover the shaft 206 of the lower flapper 205.

Furthermore, a shaft 206 and a tip portion 20 fitted with this shaft 206
Position 8 is formed to be at the protrusion 207 protruding from the rear plate 206 and approximately at the center of the protrusion 207 .

The operating state of the column 202 having the above configuration will be described next.

When a can is inserted sideways from the storage opening at the upper end of the column 202, the can first falls onto the flapper 205. The flapper 205 on which the can has fallen is rotated downward by its weight, causing the can to fall downward. In this case, the tip 208 changes the falling direction of the falling can from the vertical direction to slightly inward, and the can whose falling direction has been changed reaches the position of the protrusion 207 of the rear plate 204. This protrusion 207
When the can reaches the position , its falling direction is changed again into the passageway, and the can falls onto the second flapper 205 from the top.

This flapper 205 also rotates downward due to the weight of the can, causing the can to fall. And flapper 205 one after another
It then passes through the tip 208 of the flapper and the protrusion 207 and falls below the column 202.

With the column 202 having the above configuration, the impact force when the can falls is absorbed by the flapper 205, the flapper tip 208,
Since the three protrusions 207 are weakened, the can will not be damaged or dented, and homing will not occur.

19 and 20 show the column 222 of the eighth embodiment.
It is.

Reference numeral 223 is a front plate that is straight from the product storage opening to the delivery exit.

Reference numeral 224 is a rear plate provided to face the front plate 223.

The reference numeral 225 denotes a flapper, which is rotatable about the flaps 226 provided on the front plate 223 at required intervals. The structure for attaching this flapper 225 to the front plate 223 is the same as that described above, as shown in FIG.

The flapper 225 is a flat plate, and the protruding piece 22 extends upward from the base of the flapper 225 where the shaft 226 is provided.
7 has been extended. That is, the flapper 225 is formed in an angular shape with the shaft 226 as the center. Furthermore, when the flapper 225 hangs down along the front plate 223, the tip of the flapper 225 is formed to press the tip of the protrusion 227 of the flapper 225 provided at the lower stage.

The operating state of the column 222 having the above configuration will be explained.

When a can is inserted into the column 222 from the product storage opening in a sideways state, it falls onto the flapper 225 on the upper stage. The flapper 225 on which the can has fallen rotates downward and causes the can to fall downward.

When the flapper 225 rotates downward and hangs down along the front plate 223, the tip of the flapper 225 presses the protrusion 227 of the lower flapper 225 outward from the column. When the protruding piece 227 is pressed in this manner, it rotates about the shaft 226 and the flapper 225 protrudes into the column. Then, it supports cans that have fallen from above. When a can falls onto the flapper 225, the weight of the can causes the flapper 225 to rotate downward and drop the can. In this way, the tips of the upper flappers 225 successively press the projections 227 of the lower flappers 225, thereby causing the lower flappers 225 to protrude into the passage and support the falling cans. Therefore, the impact force on the can is absorbed by the flapper 225, and the surface of the can is not damaged, dented, or homing occurs. Further, there is no need for elastic members such as springs.

In the above-mentioned first to eighth embodiments, the guide plate formed of a straight plate is not a column meandering in the vertical direction like a serpentine column, but a guide plate formed from a straight plate. It is a plate formed in a flat plate shape, and a protrusion, a reinforcing rib, an opening, etc. may be provided on the surface of the plate.

FIG. 21 shows a column 242 of the ninth embodiment.

Reference numeral 243 denotes a partition wall, which partitions the column 242a and column 242b adjacent in the front and rear direction,
It serves as the front plate of the column 242a and the rear plate of the column 242b. This partition wall 243 is a single plate that is continuously provided from the can storage opening to the can discharge opening, and is provided in a meandering manner as shown in FIG. 21.

Reference numeral 245 denotes a partition wall that partitions the column 242b and the column 242c, and like the partition wall 243, it is provided in a meandering manner.

The meandering state of the partition wall 243 and the partition wall 245 is the same. That is, to describe the partition wall 243, a partition plate 243a of the partition wall 243 is bent from the front to the rear, and a partition plate 243b extends from the lower end of the partition plate 243a.

The partition plate 243b is bent from the rear toward the front, contrary to the partition plate 243a. A partition plate 243c extends from the lower end of this partition plate 243b. The partition plate 243 is formed to be bent from the front toward the rear, contrary to the partition plate 243b. Further, each of the partition plates 243a, 243b, and 243c is curved downward and formed into an arc shape. Similarly, the partition wall 245 has partition plates 245a and 245.
b, 245c.

Next, a description will be given of how the can falls when the can is inserted into the column 242b.

First, the can rolls along the partition plate 245a of the partition wall 245 and reaches the partition plate 243b of the partition wall 243 facing oppositely. Then, the can rolls along 243b and reaches the partition plate 245c of the partition wall 245 again. The cans then roll down inside this column 242b one after another and fall downward.

With the column 242 having the above configuration, since the inside of the column is formed in a meandering shape, it is possible to weaken the impact force when the object falls. Furthermore, since the columns adjacent in the front-rear direction are only separated by the partition wall, the dimension in the depth direction can be minimized.

22 and 23 show the column 26 of the tenth embodiment.
It is 2.

In this column 262, the partition plates 243a, 243b, and 243c of the partition wall 243 of the ninth embodiment 242 are not provided integrally, but are formed separately, and as shown in FIG. The upper and lower ends are connected.

In this column 262, the partition plates are each = 37
- Since they are formed in pieces, partition walls 243 and the like can be easily formed during assembly.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the above, in the columns of the vending machines according to claims 1 to 9 of the present invention, the depth dimension of the column is approximately the same as the dimensions of the products to be stored and the allowance for falling. Because it can be formed into a large size, its depth dimension can be made smaller than that of conventional serpentine columns. Therefore, when multiple columns are arranged in the front and back direction, can also be formed small in size.

In the column of the vending machine according to claim 10, when a plurality of columns are formed in the front-rear direction, the front wall and rear wall of columns adjacent in the front-rear direction are formed by one guide plate. The spacing between columns can be eliminated, and there is no dead space like in conventional serpentine columns. Therefore, the size of the vending machine in the depth direction can be reduced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vending machine showing the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the column, and FIG. 3 is a front plate and flapper attachment. is an enlarged perspective view showing the condition; FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the state in which the front plate and flapper are installed; FIG. Figure 7 is a side view of the bending device in a state where cans are not being sold. Figure 7 is a side view of the bending equipment in a state where cans are being sold. Figure 8 is a side view of the bending device in a state where cans are being sold. Figure 8 is a side view of the bending device in a state where cans are being sold. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment; FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view showing the flapper attached to the column; and FIG. 10 is another embodiment showing how to attach the flapper shaft and column. For example, FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a column in the second embodiment, FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a column in the third embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of a column in the fourth embodiment. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the column of the fourth embodiment; FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing how the flapper is installed in the column of the fourth embodiment; and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the column of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of the column of the sixth embodiment, FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of the column of the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of the column of the seventh embodiment. FIG. 19 is a vertical sectional view of the column of the eighth embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the installation of the flapper in the column of the eighth embodiment. is a perspective view showing the state, FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of the column of the ninth embodiment, FIG. 22 is a longitudinal sectional view of the column of the tenth embodiment, and FIG. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view of the column of the tenth embodiment. is an enlarged perspective view of the column of the tenth embodiment; FIG. 24 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a conventional vending machine; and FIG. 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a serpentine column. . [Explanation of symbols] 1... Vending machine 2... Column 3... Passage member 4... Rear plate 5... Side plate 6 ...Flange part 7...Front plate 8...Opening part 9...Bearing part 10...Flapper 11...・Shaft 12...Flat spring 13...Cut-and-raised 15...Cut-and-raised 17...Bend device 102... of the second embodiment Column 122... Column 142 of the third embodiment... Column 162 of the fourth embodiment... Column 182 of the fifth embodiment... Column 202 of the sixth embodiment... Column 222 for the 7th embodiment...Column 242 for the 8th embodiment...Column 262 for the 9th embodiment...Column for the 10th embodiment Figure 22 Figure 11 Figure 25 Figure 12 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 20 Figure 19 Figure 21 Figure 22

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A product storage column for a vending machine that stores cylindrical products by stacking them vertically in a sideways position, comprising: The front and rear walls of the aisle where products fall are formed by upright, substantially flat guide plates, and the guide plates on the front and rear walls, or at least one of the walls, are designed to absorb shock when the product falls. A column for storing products in a vending machine, characterized in that a flapper is provided to move in and out of the aisle. 2. A product storage column for a vending machine that stores cylindrical products by stacking them vertically in a sideways position, from the product storage opening of the product storage column adjacent to the vending machine in the front and rear direction to the product delivery port. A product storage column for a vending machine, characterized in that a plurality of the product storage columns are provided in a front-rear direction by a guide plate serving as a front wall and a rear wall. 3. One guide plate forming the product storage column is provided with horizontal shafts at the required intervals in the vertical direction, and the other guide plate is provided with protrusions at the required intervals in the vertical direction, protruding into the aisle. 2. A product storage device for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein a flapper is pivoted to said shaft and is biased by an elastic body so that a tip thereof is located near a lower part of said protrusion when the flapper is in a closed state. Column for. 4. One of the guide plates that form the product storage column is provided with horizontal shafts at the required intervals in the vertical direction, and the other guide plate is provided with horizontal shafts that are at different levels from the above-mentioned shafts. The flapper is pivoted to the shafts of both guide plates in a staggered manner so that the flapper is biased by an elastic body so that the flapper is protruded from above and its tip is positioned near the bottom of the protrusion. The product storage column for a vending machine according to claim 1. 5. Claim 1, Claim 3, or Claim 4, characterized in that the flapper for shock absorption is formed in a plate shape that swells downward and is curved.
Column for storing products in the vending machine mentioned above. 6. Claim 1, Claim 3, or Claim 4, characterized in that the flapper for shock absorption is formed in a flat plate shape, and its tip is bent upward.
Column for storing products in the vending machine mentioned above. 7. A shaft for supporting a shock-absorbing flapper is provided on one guide plate so as to be positioned at a different level from a protrusion provided on the other guide plate, and the flapper is provided in a flat plate shape, and its tip is slightly rounded. The flapper is bent so as to bulge upward, and when the flapper hangs down along the guide plate, the tip bulging upward covers the shaft to form a protrusion in the passage. The product storage column for a vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: 8. One of the guide plates forming the product storage column is provided with horizontal shafts at required intervals in the vertical direction, and the base of a shock-absorbing flapper is pivoted to the shaft of the one guide plate, and the flapper A protrusion projecting upward from the base of the flapper is extended by the base, and when the flapper hangs down along one guide plate, the tip of the flapper covers the protrusion of the lower flapper, and the lower flapper 2. The product storage column for a vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the column protrudes into the aisle. 9. A claim characterized in that a plurality of product storage columns are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vending machine, and the front and rear walls of the product storage columns adjacent in the longitudinal direction are formed by one guide plate. 1 or a column for storing products in a vending machine according to claims 3 to 8. 10. The product storage column for a vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide plate serving as the front wall and the rear wall of the product storage column adjacent in the front and back direction is meandered in the vertical direction.