JPH10302149A - Automatic lending facility - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively accept the requests from plural users at a time or almost at a time by using the idle ones of plural receiving parts and then accepting a lending or returning request at every receiving part. SOLUTION: A receiving part A consists of three receiving areas A1, A2 and A3 which can accept both lending and returning requests and are located at the right and left sides and the center parts respectively of a cabinet front face. Thus, the users can use the idle receiving areas and accordingly are not kept waiting so frequently for using the part A despite the concentration of users. Furthermore, the users are not kept waiting so frequently for using the part A even when the lending or returning requests are concentrically accepted since each of areas A1 to A3 can accept a lending or returning request. As a result, the requests of users can be effectively accepted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a receiving unit for receiving a lending request and a returning request for an article, a holding unit for holding a lending or returning article from the outside so as to be freely taken in and out, and A storage unit for storing, a transport unit that transports the article for lending or return and transfers the article between the holding unit and the storage unit, and an article for lending in response to the lending request And carrying out a lending process of transporting the product from the storage unit and transferring it to the holding unit, and in response to the return request, a return process of transporting an article for return from the holding unit and delivering the product to the storage unit. And automatic control equipment for controlling the operation of the transport means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Automatic lending equipment operates transport means in response to a user's lending request and return request received by a reception unit, and conveys a lending article corresponding to the lending request from a storage unit. To transfer the goods to the holding unit, or to transport the goods for return corresponding to the return request from the holding unit to the storage unit. , A single receiving part capable of receiving both a lending request and a return request is provided, and a holding unit corresponding to the receiving part is provided. For this reason, even if one user is using the reception unit and another user tries to use the reception unit, until the lending process or return process according to the lending request or return request of the preceding user ends, The other user will have to wait for the reception to be used,
When there are a plurality of users at the same time or almost at the same time, there is a disadvantage that those users are inconvenienced. Therefore, in order to improve such inconvenience, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-131993, a lending reception part that accepts only a lending request for goods and a return reception part that accepts only a request for returning goods are provided. And a receiving unit is configured by providing a holding unit corresponding to each of the receiving portions, and each of the receiving portions can receive a lending request or a return request. Proposed.

[0003]

However, since the reception unit is provided with a lending reception part for receiving only a lending request and a return reception part for receiving only a return request, the use of the lending reception part is not possible. When there is a high concentration of services or when the use of the return reception part is concentrated, the user may have to wait until the reception part according to the request becomes empty, and there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to efficiently use the reception part. Also, even when accepting a lending request and a return request from the same user, the user must move to a separate reception area according to the lending request and the return request. There are difficult disadvantages. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to enable a user's request to be efficiently received.

[0004]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of users at the same time or substantially at the same time, an automatic lending facility uses an available reception part among a plurality of reception parts.
A lending request or a return request can be received at each of the reception portions, and a lending process or a return process according to the request can be performed using a holding unit provided corresponding to the reception portion. Therefore, even if a plurality of users are concentrated, the user can use the vacant reception part, so that there is little possibility that the user will be required to use the reception part. In addition, in each of the reception parts, both the lending request and the return request are made. Therefore, even if reception of lending requests is concentrated or return requests are concentrated, there is little risk of waiting for use of the reception unit, and both lending requests and return requests from the same user In the case of accepting the request, the user can accept the request using one reception part, so that the request of the user can be efficiently received.

[0005] In the automatic lending facility according to the second aspect, since the receiving portion is configured to be able to receive a lending request or a return request for a plurality of articles at the same time, lending for a plurality of articles of the same user is possible. Requests or return requests can be efficiently received.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the automatic lending facility may execute a lending process or a return process for a plurality of articles when a lending request or a return request is received by another receiving portion.
Since the lending process or return process being executed and the lending process or return process according to the lending request or return request received by the other reception unit are executed alternately, the request received later by the other reception unit is Corresponding processing can also be started quickly, for example, if the request received in the other reception part is a request for one article, the subsequent user will be processed until processing for a plurality of preceding articles is completed. There is little possibility of waiting for a long time. In particular, when a common conveyance unit is provided in each reception unit, there is little possibility that the conveyance unit will be occupied for a long time for processing of a plurality of preceding articles, and the conveyance unit will be occupied later in other reception units. Processing for the received request can also be started quickly.

[0007] In the automatic lending facility according to the present invention, if a return request is received by another receiving part during the lending processing, the lending processing being executed is interrupted and the other receiving part receives the request. Since the priority is given to the return process corresponding to the return request, the returned item is stored in the storage unit as a rentable item without waiting for the preceding lending process to be completed, increasing the lending opportunity of the item. Thus, the user's lending request can be efficiently received.

[0008] In the automatic lending facility according to claim 5, the reception part receives another lending request or return request while executing the lending processing or the return processing according to the lending request or the return request received by the receiving part. Because it is configured to be possible, without waiting until the preceding lending process or return process is completed,
Another lending request or return request can be efficiently received using the time during which the lending process or the return process is being executed.

[0009] The automatic lending facility according to claim 6 is configured such that the reception part can receive another lending request or a return request in a state where the return part is held in the holding part corresponding to the reception part. Therefore, another lending request or return request can be continuously and efficiently received after the return request without waiting until the preceding return processing is completed.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1 to 4 show an automatic lending / returning device for a video cassette V in a case, which is an example of articles, as an example of an automatic lending facility. A receiving section A for receiving a video cassette V and a cassette loading / unloading port C1 for inserting / removing the video cassette V from outside.
Are provided on the front side of the cabinet C, and an article storage device D is stored in the cabinet C.

The article storage device D has a cassette storage space 71 in which video cassettes V for rent can be individually stored.
A cassette storage section H having cassette storage shelves Ha and Hb in which a plurality of video cassettes V are arranged in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, and a holding section in which a video cassette V for lending or return is held so as to be able to be taken in and out from the outside. The three cassette loading / unloading sections B1, B2, B3 and the video cassette V for lending or returning are transported, and the video cassette V is transferred between the cassette loading / unloading sections B1, B2, B3 and the cassette storage section H. A cassette transfer device G as a transfer means and a transfer control device E to be described later for controlling the transfer operation of the cassette transfer device G are provided. The cassette transfer device G has a front face provided with the cassette loading / unloading sides facing each other. Cassette storage shelves Ha on the side and one cassette storage shelf H on the back side
b.

The receiving section A is provided with three receiving portions A1, A2 and A3 capable of receiving both a lending request and a return request at both left and right sides and a central portion of the front surface of the cabinet. A1, A2, and A3 corresponding to each of the following reception control unit P1, which controls the operation of the reception unit A
P2, P3, cassette loading / unloading sections B1, B2, B3,
There are provided loading / unloading control sections Q1, Q2, Q3, which will be described later, for controlling the operation of the cassette loading / unloading sections B1, B2, B3, and a cassette loading / unloading port C1.

Each of the accepting portions A1, A2 and A3 has a card reader 1 for reading personal identification data magnetically recorded on a user identification card and a light for selecting either lending or returning. Select button 2 to display
And a touch panel 3 for inputting identification data of the video cassette V for lending or return, a scheduled return date, etc., an amount display unit 4 for displaying a lending fee or an additional fee for return, and responding to a lending request or a return request. A cash slot 5 through which bills and coins are inserted, a change return port 6 through which change is paid out,
A receipt printer 7 for printing and issuing a receipt of a rental fee, a receipt for the returned video cassette V, and the like, and a display screen 8 for displaying operation procedures and the like as images are provided.

When the identification card is inserted at the time of lending or return, the card reader 1 takes in the identification card so that it cannot be removed from the outside, reads the personal identification data, and reads in the carry-in / out control sections Q1, Q2. , Q3, the identification card K is ejected so that it can be pulled out from the outside.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, each of the cassette loading / unloading sections B1, B2, and B3 has a cassette loading / unloading port so that a rental or return video cassette V can be inserted into and removed from the cassette loading / unloading port C1. A lending / returning shelf 11 for placing and supporting a video cassette V for carrying in / out behind a front door 10 which swings open / closes C1 in the cabinet front / back direction.
The front door 10 is supported by a door support 15 fixed inside the cabinet C with two hinges 14 with left and right dampers so as to be swingable around the horizontal axis X1. A coil spring 13 that oscillates toward the open side, a lock mechanism F that locks the front door 10 in a closed state, and a front door 1
And an open / closed detection sensor 10a for detecting the open / closed state of “0”. As shown in FIG. 6, four cassette cassettes are simultaneously mounted on the lending / returning shelf 11 so that four video cassettes V can be placed and supported in a line in the left-right direction in a vertical position along the front-rear direction of the cabinet. A mounting section 16 is provided.

Then, the lending / returning shelf 11 rotates integrally with the swing of the front door 10, and as shown in FIG.
A transfer posture in which the cassette mounting portion 16 is directed toward the inside of the cabinet with the front door 10 closed, and the video cassette V is held in a posture suitable for transfer between the cassette carriage 16 and a transport carriage 50 described later. As shown in FIG. 5 (a), with the front door 10 opened, the cassette mounting portion 16 faces the outside of the cabinet, and the loading / unloading position holds the video cassette V in a position suitable for taking in and out from the outside of the cabinet. The swing operation is provided freely.

The lock mechanism F fixes the left and right locked pins 40 inside the front door 10 and projects so as to enter the movement path of the locked pins 40 accompanying the swing of the front door 10. Two latch locks 42 having right and left latch pawls 41 which are biased, and a solenoid for retracting each of the latch pawls 41 from the movement path of the locked pin 40 against a biasing force by a release wire 43. 44, and the left and right locked pins 40 are locked by the locking claws 41 so that the front door 1
0 is locked in the closed position. When the solenoid 44 is energized by a release command from the loading / unloading control units Q1, Q2, and Q3, the two locking claws 41 withdraw from the movement path of the locked pin 40 and the locking is released. Then, the front door 10 slowly swings to the open side by the urging force of the coil spring 13 and the damper action of the hinge 14 with the damper,
The lending / returning shelf 11 is raised to the front side of the cabinet, and the lending / returning shelf 11 is taken out of the lending / returning cassette 11 or the returning / returning video cassette V is transferred to the lending / returning shelf 11. It is configured to switch to a loading / unloading posture suitable for mounting. When the front door 10 is opened, the energization of the solenoid 44 is stopped, and the locking claw 41 enters the movement path of the locked pin 40. In this state, the front door 10 resists the urging force of the coil spring 13. And manually swinging to the closing side, the locked pin 4
0 is a tapered surface 45 formed at the tip of the locking claw 41
And the locking claw 41 retreats against the urging force,
The locked pin 40 enters the inside of the locking claw 41, the front door 10 is locked in the closed position, and the lending / returning shelf 11 is held in the transfer position.

Each of the cassette mounting portions 16 is provided with a mounting surface 16a for mounting the video cassette V in a slidable manner in the transfer posture, and a cabinet C
A pressing plate 12, which presses the upper part of the video cassette V mounted on the cassette mounting part 16 by its own weight in the transfer posture, is vertically swingable in a state in which a downward swing range is regulated. Attached to.

As shown in FIG. 8, the case V1 of the video cassette V is formed of a transparent resin so that the inside thereof can be seen through, and video contents and the like are printed on an end face facing the entrance side of the case V1 of the video cassette V. A label (not shown) is affixed to the end face V2 penetrating the rear side of the case V1 to identify the video content recorded on the video cassette V as information for specifying the content of the video cassette V. V4 on which a barcode V3 for printing is attached so that it can be read from the outside of the case V1, the video cassette V is placed and supported on the cassette placing portion 16 with the barcode V3 facing down, and the door is opened. On the support 15,
Through a through hole 18 formed in the mounting surface 16a of each cassette mounting portion 16, a reflection type presence detection photosensor 19 for detecting the presence or absence of the mounted video cassette V, and a bar of the video cassette V A bar code reader 20 for reading the code V3 is provided.

The photo sensor 19 for detecting presence of goods and the bar code reader 20 are mounted on a slide table 22 which is reciprocally slidable along the guide rails 21 fixed to the door support table 15 in the direction in which the cassette mounting sections 16 are arranged. A slide base moving device 23 for driving and moving the slide base 22 and a reflection type slide position detecting photosensor 24 for detecting the movement position of the slide base 22 are provided, and the barcode reader 20 is mounted on each cassette. The reciprocating operation is freely performed in the direction in which the placing sections 16 are arranged.

The slide table moving device 23 moves the slide table 22 around a wire 27 wound around a drive pulley 25 and a driven pulley 26 rotatably supported on the upper surface of the door support table 15 around a vertical axis Y1. The drive pulley 25 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions by driving an electric motor M1 connected to and fixed to the lower surface of the door support table 15, and the slide table 22 is reciprocated. The slide position detecting photosensor 24 detects the reflected light from the light reflecting plate 28 provided corresponding to each cassette mounting portion 16 and detects the position of the slide table 22 with respect to the cassette mounting portion 16. By sliding the slide table 22 back and forth, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the rental or return video cassette V mounted on each cassette mounting portion 16 and read the barcode V3 thereof. Is configured.

Each of the cassette storage shelves Ha and Hb includes:
As shown in FIG. 9, cassette storage spaces 71 are arranged side by side in the cabinet width direction on steel shelves 70 provided in upper and lower tiers, and each of the shelves 70 is formed substantially in an L-shape in side view. A plurality of steel round bars 74 welded and fixed over the front end portion and the rear upper portion thereof, and adjacent round bars 74 are defined.
A space between the cassette storage spaces 71 is provided with a mounting surface 71a for slidably mounting and supporting the video cassette V for rent.
The video cassette V accommodated by a reflection type presence detection photosensor (not shown) provided in the cassette transfer device J described later, with the corresponding light reflection tape 76 facing the front of the shelf board for each. It is configured to detect the presence or absence of

As shown in FIG. 10, the cassette transport device G includes a transport vehicle 50 which is moved to an article transfer position with respect to a plurality of cassette storage spaces 71 and rental / return shelves 11, and a transport vehicle 50 for each cassette. Moving device 5 for reciprocating movement between storage space 71 and rental / return shelf 11
And a cassette holder 82 for holding the video cassette V, and a video cassette V between the cassette holder 82 and each of the cassette storage spaces 71 and the lending / returning shelf 11. Two cassette transfer devices J for transferring are provided.

The moving device 51 includes a cassette storage shelf H
a, an aluminum alloy elevating rail 52 that can be moved up and down along the cassette loading / unloading side over substantially the entire vertical height of the cassette storage portion H, and a driving elevating device 53 that drives the elevating rail 52 up and down. And a drive traveling device 5 for reciprocally driving and traveling the transport carriage 50 along the elevating rail 52.
4 so that the carriage 50 moves to the desired cassette storage position with respect to the cassette storage space 71 and the lending / returning shelf 11 by the traveling of the carriage 50 along the elevating rail 52 and the elevating rail 52 moving up and down. Is configured.

The drive elevating device 53 includes a cabinet C
A pair of upper and lower pulleys 55a, 55b rotatably supported on the left and right sides around the horizontal axis, and the pulleys 55a, 55b.
The drive shaft 5 that connects the two left and right timing belts 56 wound around the lower pulley 55b to each other.
7 and a guide column 5 that guides the ascending and descending direction by rolling an ascending and descending electric motor M2 linked to the chain 7 and guide rollers 58 for ascending and descending provided at both left and right ends of the ascending and descending rail 52.
9, the left and right timing belts 56 are connected to the left and right ends of the elevating rail 52, and the timing belt 56 is rotated by forward and reverse drive rotation of the electric motor M2 for elevating and lowering to drive up and down. A light-shielding plate 61 that is provided at one end of the lifting rail 52 and that shields a transmission-type photosensor 60 for detecting a lifting position is attached to the cabinet C side corresponding to the height of each shelf 70.

As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the carriage 50 is provided with left and right upper flanged wheels 62 which roll along the upper left and right side edges of the lifting rail 52, and a lower portion of the lifting rail 52 from both the left and right sides. Wheel 6 with lower collar that rolls while sandwiched
The cassette holder 82 and the mounting table 65 of the cassette transfer device J are fixed to a bogie frame 64, each of which is supported at two front and rear positions in the traveling direction. The driving and traveling device 54 includes a pair of left and right pulleys 66a rotatably supported on both ends of a lifting rail 52 around a horizontal axis.
66b, a timing belt 67 wound around these pulleys 66a and 66b, and a traveling electric motor M3 for driving and rotating one of the pulleys 66b, and connecting the timing belt 67 to the lower end side of the bogie frame 64. The timing belt 67 is rotated by the forward and reverse drive rotation of the traveling electric motor M3 to drive and drive the transport carriage 50.

The two cassette transfer devices J are mounted on the mounting table 65 at intervals along the traveling direction of the transport carriage 50, and have a downward U-shaped machine frame 80 fixed to the mounting table 65. Each cassette transfer device J is provided between a side plate 81 fixed to the left and right sides of the machine frame 80 at intervals.
The cassette holders 82 hold the video cassettes V that have been transferred in the cassette holders 82. Each of the cassette holders 82 has a transport carriage 50 in a predetermined cassette storage space 71 or a cassette for the cassette mounting section 16 of the lending / returning shelf 11. When the video cassette V is moved to the transfer position, the cassette support surface 82a for mounting and supporting the video cassette V slidably in the cassette loading / unloading direction with respect to the cassette storage space 71 or the cassette mounting portion 16 is provided.

Each of the cassette transfer devices J has a pair of front and rear surfaces in the cassette transfer direction of the video cassette V to be transferred when the transfer carriage 50 is moved to a predetermined cassette transfer position. A transfer arm that is locked by a stop piece 84a and slides the video cassette V along the mounting surface 16a of the cassette mounting portion 16, the mounting surface 71a of the cassette storage space 71, and the cassette supporting surface 82a. 84 are provided, and these transfer arms 84 are configured to be disengaged from the upper portion of the video cassette V by the vertical movement operation of the transport carriage 50 by the elevating rail 52.

More specifically, a slide arm 83 guided and supported by a fixed rail 86a provided on the upper part of the machine frame 80 so as to be slidable in the cassette transfer direction, and a transfer arm further slidable with respect to the slide arm 83. Loading arm 8
4 and a slide drive device 85 that slides the slide arm 83 and the transfer arm 84 to constitute a cassette transfer device J. Two downward parallel U-shaped slide guides 87a and 87b parallel to each other are fixed to the lower surface of the slide arm 83 side by side, and one slide guide 87a is fitted to the fixed rail 86a to slide the slide arm 83. While being movably guided and supported, the other slide guide 87b is externally fitted to a fixed rail 86b fixed to the upper surface of the transfer arm 84,
The transfer arm 84 is slidably guided and supported by a slide arm 83, and any of the cassette storage shelves Ha,
Transfer arm 8 even toward Hb cassette storage space side
4 is slidably provided.

The slide drive device 85 includes a rack gear 8 provided on one side edge of the slide arm 83 along the longitudinal direction.
5a, two pinion gears 85b meshing with the rack gear 85a, and a transfer electric motor M4 for driving and rotating these pinion gears 85b via reduction gears 85c.
And two pulleys, a first pulley 85d and a second pulley 85e, which are rotatably supported around the longitudinal axis at both ends in the sliding direction of the slide arm 83, and the ends are wound around the first pulley 85d. A first wire 85f connected to the machine frame 80 and the transfer arm 84; and a second wire wound around the second pulley 85e and connected to the machine frame 80 and the transfer arm 84 at the end. 85 g.

As shown by the cassette transfer device J on the left side in FIG. 13, the slide arm 83 and the transfer arm 84 overlap each other at a vertical position and wait at the upper portion of the cassette holding portion 82 for transfer. When the loading electric motor M4 is rotated a predetermined number of times in either the forward or reverse direction, the slide arm 83 slides in the corresponding direction, and as shown by the cassette transfer device J on the right side in FIG. Is slid toward the cassette storage space 71 or the cassette mounting portion 16, the first
The wire 85f is pulled out, and the transfer arm 84 further slides with respect to the slide arm 83, enters the cassette storage space 71 or the cassette mounting portion 16, and in this state, moves the transfer electric motor M4 in the reverse direction. When rotated a predetermined number of times, the transfer arm 84 is configured to return to the standby position.

Two transmissive traveling position detecting photosensors 69 are mounted on the lateral side of the bogie frame 64 at intervals in the traveling direction. A light-shielding plate 69a for shielding the detection photosensor 69 from light is attached. The light-shielding plate 69a has a light-transmitting hole 69b for position detection corresponding to each cassette storage space 71.

Next, the control operation by the reception control units P1, P2, P3, the carry-in / out control units Q1, Q2, Q3 and the transport control device E will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG. 15 and the flowcharts of FIGS. I will explain it. The transport control device E transports the video cassette V for lending from the storage unit H when a lending request is input based on a lending request or a return request input from each of the reception control units P1, P2, and P3. Lending processing to be transferred to the corresponding cassette loading / unloading units B1, B2, and B3, and when a return request is input, the return video cassette V is transferred to the corresponding cassette loading / unloading unit B1,
The controller is configured to control the operation of the cassette transport device G so as to execute a return process of transporting the paper from B2 and B3 and transferring it to the storage unit H. The transport control device E controls the transport operation for lending or return, and manages the video cassette V stored in the cassette storage unit H and the video cassette V being lent out.
A storage unit 31 for storing management data such as storage data and rental data of the video cassette V stored in each cassette storage space 71; and a cassette transfer device based on transfer control data input from the main control unit 30. And a transport control unit 32 for controlling the transport operation of G. The transport control unit 32 includes a lifting control device 33 and a travel control device 34.
And a transfer control device 35, and a mode selection switch R for alternately selecting an alternate execution mode of lending transport control and return transport control or a priority mode of return transport control. In addition, the reception control units P1, P2, P3 and the carry-in / out control units Q1, Q2, Q3 are the same reception units A1, A2,
Those corresponding to A3 are provided so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the main control unit 30 is provided so as to be able to communicate with the reception control units P1, P2, P3 and the transport control unit 32.

As shown in the flow chart of FIG. 16, each of the reception control units P1, P2, and P3 performs a reception part A1, A2, A corresponding to a user at the time of lending or returning.
When the identification card is inserted into the card reader 1 and the user identification data is read out, the acceptance portions A1, A2, A
When the selection button 2 is turned on and "Lending" is selected, a lending request based on the lending request data input to the touch panel 3 is output to the main control unit 30. When "Return" is selected, the touch panel 3 is displayed. The main controller 30 outputs a return request based on the return request data input to the main controller 30. If an operation permission described later is input from the main controller 30, a lending command corresponding to "lending" is handled. Loading / unloading control units Q1, Q
2 and Q3, and when "return" is selected, a carry-in command is outputted to the corresponding carry-in / out control units Q1, Q2 and Q3, and when operation disapproval described later is input from the main control unit 30. , The loading / unloading control units Q1, Q2,
Output to Q3. When there are a plurality of video cassettes V to be rented or returned at the same time up to a maximum of four, the plurality of video cassettes V are grouped together and the lending request or the return request is simultaneously received. I have.

The lending / returning control by the main control unit 30, when a lending request is input from the reception control units P1, P2, P3, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17, determines whether or not the lending video cassette V is present. Checking from the management data stored in the storage unit 31, the reception control units P1, P2, P
When a return request is input from the control unit 3, the presence or absence of an empty cassette storage space 71 for storing the return video cassette V is checked from the management data stored in the storage unit 31. If there is, or if there is an empty cassette storage space 71, it is checked whether the user is a registered proper user, and if there is no video cassette V for rent or an empty cassette storage space 71 If there is no 71 and the user is not a proper user, the operation disapproval is output to the corresponding reception control units P1, P2, and P3,
If the user is an appropriate user, the operation control and the reception control units P1 and P corresponding to the management data for lending reception or return reception correspond to each other.
2, and output to P3.

Then, it is determined whether or not the transport control for three or more video cassettes V is already being executed. If the transport control for two or less video cassettes V is already being executed, the input is performed. After the transport control data corresponding to the requested lending request or return request is input to the transport control unit 32, the management data stored in the storage unit 31 is rewritten, and the transport control for three or more video cassettes V has already been performed. If it is in the middle, the mode selected by the mode selection switch R is determined, and if the alternate execution mode of the lending transport control and the return transport control is selected, the transport control is performed by the alternate output mode of the transport control data. The data is output to the transport control unit 32, and if the priority mode of the return transport control is selected, the priority output mode of the return transport control data is used. After outputting the transmission control data to the conveyance control unit 32 rewrites the management data stored in the storage unit 31.

If neither a lending request nor a return request has been input, and the reception control unit P
1, P2, and P3, it is determined whether there is an unprocessed lending request or return request for which lending processing or return processing has not been completed among lending requests or return requests already input. If there is such an unprocessed lending request or return request, the transport control unit 32 outputs the transport control data for executing the corresponding lending process or return process to the transport control unit 32.

In the alternate output mode of the transport control data, transport control for lending or return processing of three or more video cassettes V that are already being executed, and other reception parts A1,
When the transfer control for the lending process or the return process according to the newly received lending request or return request received in A2 and A3 is performed and the transfer control for the two video cassettes V is executed, the newly received reception is performed. The transport control unit 32 is configured to output transport control data to the transport control unit 32 so as to alternately execute the transport control in a state in which the transport control is performed in response to the lending request or the return request, and to control the operation of the cassette transport device G. I have. Further, in the priority output mode of the return transport control data, if transport control for the lending process of three or more video cassettes V is already being executed, the other receiving parts A1,
When the return request is accepted in A2 and A3, the transport control for the ongoing lending process is interrupted, and the transport control data for executing the return process according to the received return request is transmitted to the transport control unit 32. The output is preferentially performed to control the operation of the cassette transport device G.

The transport control unit 32 inputs necessary control data to the elevation control unit 33, the traveling control unit 34, and the transfer control unit 35 in the order of input with respect to the transport control data input from the main control unit 30. The lending process or the returning process is configured to be sequentially performed. When there is a request for renting or returning two or more video cassettes V at the same time, the two cassette transfer devices J use the cassette holding units 82 to each of the cassette holding units 82. The transport cassette 50 is moved to the rental / return shelf 11 or the cassette storage space 71 while holding the video cassette V.

The elevating control device 33 determines the elevating height of the cassette transfer device J based on the input control data and the detection result of the ascending / descending position detecting photosensor 60. Predetermined cassette storage space 7
In order to stop the video cassette V at a position where the video cassette V can be transferred to or from the rental / return shelf 11, the drive of the electric motor M2 for lifting and lowering is controlled. The traveling control device 34 determines the traveling position of the transport trolley 50 based on the input control data and the detection result of the traveling position detecting photosensor 69, and moves the cassette transfer device J to a predetermined cassette storage portion 72 or The drive of the traveling electric motor M3 is controlled so as to stop at the lateral position where the video cassette V can be transferred to and from the rental / return shelf 11.

The transfer control unit 35 includes a transfer arm 8
Drive the electric motor M4 for transfer so that the video cassette V is inserted into a predetermined cassette storage space 71 or the rental / return shelf 11 and the video cassette V is transferred to and from the cassette storage space 71 or the rental / return shelf 11. Is configured to be controlled. Then, in taking out the video cassette V from the cassette storage space 71 in the lending mode and taking out the video cassette V from the lending / returning shelf 11 in the return mode, as shown in FIG. After the transfer arm 84 has been inserted into the upper portion of the transfer arm 84, the video cassette V is inserted between the locking pieces 84a before and after the transfer arm 84 by lowering the elevating rail 52 as shown in FIG. Then, when the transfer arm 84 is returned to the standby position, the video cassette V moves to the cassette supporting surface 82a while sliding on the mounting surface 16a of the cassette mounting portion 16, and FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the video cassette V is configured to be transported while being held in the cassette holding portion 82. Although FIG. 14 shows the operation of taking out from the rental / return shelf 11, the operation of taking out from the cassette storage space 71 is performed in the same manner. Cassette storage space 7 for loading and returning the cassette V
In storing the video cassette V in the transfer cassette 1, the transfer arm 84 may be operated in a procedure reverse to the above-described unloading operation, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, each of the carry-in / out control sections Q1, Q2, and Q3 has a cassette carry-in / out section B1, B2 so as to take out a rental video cassette V when a carry-out command is input. , B3 is operated, and when the carry-in command is input, the carry-in acceptance mode for activating the cassette carry-in / out sections B1, B2, and B3 so as to receive the video cassette V for return is executed, and the reception is stopped. When the command is input, the card reader 1 is operated so as to eject the identification card.

In the unloading acceptance mode, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, the lending fee is displayed on the money amount display section 4, and when cash is inserted into the cash slot 5 in accordance with the lending fee, the required amount is displayed. A payment process for paying out the change to the change return port 6 is executed, and when the transfer of the video cassette V to the lending / return shelf 11 operated in the transfer posture is completed, the video held in the lending / return shelf 11 The barcode reader 20 is moved to read the barcode V3 of the cassette V. Therefore, when the user inputs a rental of a plurality of video cassettes V up to a maximum of four to the touch panel 3,
After the transfer of the video cassettes V to the cassette mounting sections 16 is completed, the barcode reader 20 is moved and the barcodes V3 are continuously read.

Next, based on the management data for lending input from the reception control units P1, P2 and P3 and the read information of the bar code V3, all of the video cassettes V for lending input to the touch panel 3 are displayed. If it is confirmed that the video cassette V is rented out, the solenoid 44 is energized to open the front door 10 and operate the lending / returning shelf 11 in the loading / unloading posture. If there is at least one non-rented video cassette V, the reception control unit issues a return request for returning all of the video cassettes V transferred to the rental / return shelf 11 to the original cassette storage space 71. Input to the main control unit 30 via P1, P2 and P3, and return the rental fee. And
When it is detected that the video cassette V has been taken out of the lending / returning shelf 11 and the front door 10 has been closed, the card reader 1 is operated so as to discharge the identification card taken into the card reader 1, and the receipt is performed. The letter is printed by the receipt printer 7 and issued.

In the carry-in reception mode, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20, the solenoid 44 is energized to open the front door 10 and operate the empty lending / returning shelf 11 in the loading / unloading posture to return the video cassette for return. V is the loan
When it is detected that the video cassette V is placed on the return shelf 11 and the front door 10 is closed, the barcode reader 20 is moved to read the barcode V3 of the video cassette V held on the rental / return shelf 11. When the user returns a plurality of video cassettes V up to a maximum of four, those barcodes V3 are continuously read.

Then, based on the return management data input from the reception control units P1, P2, P3 and the read information of the barcode V3, it is determined whether or not the predetermined video cassette V has been properly returned within the time limit. If the video cassette V is not properly returned within the time limit, a necessary additional charge is displayed on the amount display unit 4, and cash is inserted into the cash slot 5 in accordance with the additional charge. Then, a payment process for paying out necessary change to the change return port 6 is executed, and the card reader 1 is operated so as to discharge the identification card taken into the card reader 1, and then the receipt is printed on the receipt printer. Print and issue with 7.

Therefore, the reception control by the reception control units P1, P2, P3, the lending / return control by the main control unit 30,
Transport control by the transport control unit and loading / unloading control units Q1, Q
2, the loading / unloading control by Q3 is executed in parallel,
Each reception part A1, A2, A3 is composed of its reception part A1, A
During execution of the lending process or the return process in response to the lending request or the return request received in A2 and A3, another lending request or a return request can be received, and the receiving portion A1,
Cassette loading / unloading sections B1, B2, B corresponding to A2, A3
In the state where the video cassette V for return is held in 3, another lending request or return request can be received.

[Other Embodiments] The automatic lending equipment according to the present invention has two reception parts,
Alternatively, it may be provided at four or more locations. 2. The rental article is not limited to a video cassette, but may be a compact disc, a book, or the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic lending / returning device (automatic lending equipment).

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part showing the inside of the automatic lending and returning device.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the inside of the automatic lending / returning device.

FIG. 4 is a main part plan view showing the inside of the automatic lending / returning device.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a cassette loading / unloading section.

FIG. 6 is a view taken along line VI-VI of FIG.

7 is a view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a video cassette.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a main part of the storage shelf.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a main part of the cassette transport device.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a main part of the cassette transport device.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a main part of the transport cart.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a main part of the transport cart.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the transfer device.

FIG. 15 is a control block diagram.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of reception control.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of lending / returning control.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of loading / unloading control.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a carry-out reception mode.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a carry-in reception mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 V article A reception unit B1, B2, B3 holding unit H storage unit G transport unit H control unit A1, A2, A3 reception unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] A receiving unit that receives a lending request and a return request for an article; a holding unit that holds a lending or returning article from the outside so as to be freely taken in and out; and a storage unit that stores the lending article. Conveying means for conveying the article for lending or return and transferring the article between the holding section and the storage section; and conveying the article for lending from the storage section in response to the lending request. Operating the transport means so as to execute a lending process to be delivered to the holding unit and a return process of transporting an article for return from the holding unit and delivering it to the storage unit in response to the return request. Control means for controlling the automatic lending facility, wherein the receiving unit is provided with a plurality of receiving portions capable of receiving both a lending request and a return request, the holding unit is configured to Provided for each of the reception sections There are automatic lending facilities. 2. The automatic lending facility according to claim 1, wherein the reception section is configured to be able to receive a lending request or a return request for a plurality of articles at the same time. 3. When the control unit executes the lending process or the return process for the plurality of articles, and receives a lending request or a return request in another receiving unit,
The operation of the transport unit so that the lending process or the return process being executed and the lending process or the return process according to the lending request or the return request received by the other reception unit are alternately performed. 3. The automatic lending facility according to claim 2, wherein the facility is configured to control. 4. When the control unit receives a return request in another reception unit during execution of the lending process, the control unit suspends the lending process in execution and receives the return request in the other reception unit. 3. The automatic lending facility according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the transport unit is controlled so that the return processing corresponding to the return request is executed with priority. 5. The reception part is configured to be able to receive another lending request or return request while executing the lending processing or the return processing according to the lending request or the return request received by the reception part. An automatic lending facility according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. The reception part is configured to be able to receive another lending request or a return request in a state in which a return part is held in a holding part corresponding to the reception part. Automatic rental equipment.