JP3769403B2 - Cup ejector - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cup discharging device used in a cup-type vending machine that sells beverages using paper or plastic cups.
[0002]
[Prior art]
This type of cup discharging apparatus has a ring-shaped main body, as seen in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-53339, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-25586, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-20231, and the like. A plurality of discharge cams are rotatably provided so as to be evenly arranged on substantially the same circumference.
[0003]
Then, a cup row in which a plurality of cups are stacked is dropped from above the main body, and the cups in the lowermost layer of this cup row are supported by the cam surfaces of the respective discharge cams. Each standby cam rotates in response to the output of a predetermined signal from this state, and the lowermost cups in the cup row are separated from the cups immediately above by this rotating operation. It is designed to be dropped and discharged.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The cup row supplied to such a cup discharging device is a stack of about 20 to 30 cups, and therefore the whole is relatively heavy. Each cup is simply made of paper or plastic sheet, and therefore its strength is not so high.
[0005]
For this reason, when the cup row is dropped into the cup discharge device from above and the cup of the lowermost cup is supported by the cam surface of each discharge cam, the cup is deformed by the impact of the drop injection. If it breaks, such deformation or breakage may hinder the subsequent cup discharging operation, and accurate discharging may not be achieved.
[0006]
The present invention has been made paying attention to such points, and the object is to alleviate the impact when the cup row is dropped and prevent deformation and breakage of the cup's heel. An object of the present invention is to provide a cup discharging apparatus that can perform the above.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve such an object, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main body having a plurality of rotatable discharge cams arranged uniformly on substantially the same circumference, and a plurality of cups are stacked. In the cup discharge device that supports the cup of the lowermost cup in the cup row by the cam surface of the discharge cam, and separates and discharges the cups in the lowermost layer of the cup row one by one by the rotational operation of these discharge cams, Each of the discharge cams is supported so as to be movable up and down, and the discharge cams are elastically biased upward via an elastic member.
[0008]
In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main body having a plurality of rotatable discharge cams that are uniformly arranged on substantially the same circumference, and a cup in the lowermost layer of a cup row in which a plurality of cups are stacked. Is supported by the cam surface of the discharge cam, and in the cup discharge device for separating and discharging the cups in the lowermost layer of the cup row one by one by rotating operation of the discharge cam, the main body is supported to be movable up and down, The main body is elastically biased upward via an elastic member.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main body having a plurality of rotatable discharge cams that are uniformly arranged on substantially the same circumference, and a cup in the lowermost layer of a cup row in which a plurality of cups are stacked. Is supported by the cam surface of the discharge cam, and a cup discharging device that separates and discharges the lowermost cups of the cup row one by one by rotating the discharge cam, and at least the cup of the cam surface of the discharge cam It is characterized in that an elastic member is provided in a portion that supports the cup of the lowermost layer at the time of discharge standby.
[0010]
In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the cup cup in the lowermost layer of the cup row is provided with a main body having a plurality of rotatable discharge cams arranged uniformly on substantially the same circumference, and a plurality of cups stacked. Is supported by the cam surface of the discharge cam, and a cup discharging device that separates and discharges the lowermost cups of the cup row one by one by rotating the discharge cam, and at least the cup of the cam surface of the discharge cam The portion that supports the cup of the lowermost layer at the time of discharge standby is a thin plate portion that is thin and elastically deformable.
[0011]
In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main body having a plurality of rotatable discharge cams that are uniformly arranged on substantially the same circumference, and a cup in the lowermost layer of a cup row in which a plurality of cups are stacked. Is supported by the cam surface of the discharge cam, and the cups in the lowermost layer of the cup row are separated one by one by the rotating operation of the discharge cams, and dropped and discharged. Arranged side by side, each discharge cam supports the cup cup of the lowermost layer and when waiting for the discharge, supports the cup cup together with each discharge cam, each discharge cam rotates and drops the cup of the lowermost layer It is characterized in that a supporting cam is provided that rotates together with each discharge cam to disengage the cup from the cup and allows the cup to fall.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a cup holder incorporated in a cup-type beverage vending machine or the like. Reference numeral 1 denotes a casing, and the casing 1 includes a back plate 2, side plates 3, a top plate 4 and a bottom plate 5. It is configured. Note that an opening / closing door (not shown) is provided at the front opening of the housing 1.
[0013]
A transport table 6 is provided horizontally in the lower part of the housing 1, and a push plate 7 is provided vertically as a transport means for the cup row C above the transport table 6. The push plate 7 is supported so as to be movable to the left and right along a plurality of horizontal guide portions 8 provided on the back of the housing 1. The push plate 7 is driven by a belt 10 interlocked with a motor 9 to move left and right.
[0014]
A cup row C formed by stacking a plurality of cups is placed on the transport table 6 in parallel in a plurality of rows. These cup rows C are arranged, for example, in two rows and one row on the left and right sides of the push plate 7 as a boundary.
[0015]
The cups in each cup row C arranged on the left side of the push plate 7 are different in size from the cups in each cup row C arranged on the right side. For example, the cups in each cup row C arranged on the left side have large dimensions. In A size, the cup of each cup row C arranged on the right side is B size with small dimensions.
[0016]
When the cup row C is stored in the housing 1, the standby stop position of the push plate 7 can be arbitrarily set, and the size of the cup stored in the housing 1 can be set by setting the position of the push plate 7. The ratio can be arbitrarily selected according to the frequency of use.
[0017]
Both ends of the transport table 6 are discharge units 11, and when the push plate 7 moves to the left side, the left cup row C is dropped into the discharge unit 11 on one end side of the transport table 6, and the press plate When the 7 moves to the right side, the right cup row C is dropped into the discharge section 11 on the other end side of the transport table 6.
[0018]
Each discharge unit 11 is provided with a cup chute 14 and a cup discharge device 15. The cup discharge device 15 provided in one discharge portion 11 is adapted to an A size cup, and the cup discharge device 15 provided in the other discharge portion 11 is adapted to a B size cup.
[0019]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each cup discharging device 15 has a main body 16 fitted in a recess 5 a formed in the bottom plate 5 of the housing 1. The main body 16 of the cup discharging device 15 is formed in a ring shape having an opening 17 through which the cup can pass at the center, and a plurality of the main body 16 are arranged in the main body 16 along the periphery of the opening 17. A discharge cam 18 is provided.
[0020]
These discharge cams 18 are supported rotatably and vertically movable on the main body 16 via a support shaft 19 at the center so that a part of the discharge cam 18 protrudes inside the opening 17. That is, the support shaft 19 of each discharge cam 18 passes through the upper wall 16a and the lower wall 16b of the main body 16 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable, and the lower end portion of each support shaft 19 protrudes below the lower wall 16b. Yes. A leaf spring 20 as an elastic member is attached to the lower surface of the lower wall 16b corresponding to each discharge cam 18, and the lower end surface of each support shaft 19 is pressed upward by these leaf springs 20. The discharge cam 19 is elastically biased upward.
[0021]
Inside the main body 16, a drive ring 24 is rotatably provided so as to surround each discharge cam 18. The drive ring 24 has inner teeth 25 on the inner periphery and outer teeth 26 on the outer periphery. A gear 27 is integrally formed on the lower outer periphery of each discharge cam 18, and the drive ring 24 is formed on the gear 27. The internal teeth 25 mesh with each other, and the meshing engagement causes the discharge cams 18 to rotate simultaneously and in the same direction around the axis of the support shaft 19 in accordance with the rotation of the drive ring 24.
[0022]
FIG. 4 is an external view of the discharge cam 18 and FIG. 5 is a development view of the cam portion. The peripheral surface of the discharge cam 18 supports the flange C1 ′ of the lowermost cup C1 of the cup row C. A lower cam surface 30 is formed, an upper cam surface 31 for supporting the bowl C2 'of the cup C2 directly above the lowermost layer, and a pressing cam surface 32 for pressing the lowermost cup C1 downward. Yes.
[0023]
The lower cam surface 30 and the upper cam surface 31 are horizontal surfaces extending by a predetermined length along the circumferential direction of the support shaft 19, and the level difference between the lower cam surface 30 and the upper cam surface 31 is as follows. H. The lower cam surface 30 and the upper cam surface 31 are connected in series through a guide cam surface 33 that is relatively gently inclined.
[0024]
The pressing cam surface 32 is formed on the lower surface of the upper cam surface 31 and at a position substantially opposite to the guide cam surface 33 with the support shaft 19 as a boundary. The direction of inclination of the pressing cam surface 32 and the direction of inclination of the guide cam surface 33 are opposite to each other.
[0025]
Further, the release end of the upper cam surface 31 on the opposite side of the guide cam surface 33 is a tapered sharpened portion 34 based on the inclination of the pressing cam surface 32, and this sharpened portion 34 is the release end of the lower cam surface 31. It is in the state arrange | positioned above a part.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 2, a drive motor 38 as a drive source is provided at the lower part of the housing 1, and an output gear 39 is attached to the output shaft of the drive motor 38. The output gear 39 and the drive ring 24 are connected to each other. The external teeth 26 are engaged with each other via an idle gear 40 for deceleration, and the engagement causes the drive ring 24 to rotate in conjunction with the drive motor 38.
[0027]
In the standby state in which the cups are discharged, as shown in FIG. 2, the bowl C1 ′ of the lowermost cup C1 in the cup row C is evenly supported via the lower cam surface 30 of each discharge cam 18, The entire weight of the cup row C is evenly received by each discharge cam 18.
[0028]
From this state, when the drive motor 38 is activated and rotated by a predetermined signal, the discharge cams 18 are rotated in one direction around the support shaft 19 as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the sharpened portion 34 of each discharge cam 18 enters between the bowl C1 'of the lowermost cup C1 and the bowl C2' of the cup C2 immediately above it by this rotation operation.
[0029]
Then, as the rotation of each discharge cam 18 further proceeds, the lower cam surface 30 is detached from the bowl C1 ′ of the lowermost cup C1, and the cup row C is slightly lowered by this separation as shown in FIG. 6 (c). Then, the collar C2 'of the cup C2 directly above the lowermost cup C1 is supported by the upper cam surface 31, and the collar C1' of the lowermost cup C1 is pressed downward by the pressing cam surface 32 that rotates. As a result, the cup C1 of the lowermost layer C is reliably and accurately separated from the cup C2 directly above, dropped and discharged by its own weight below, and supplied to a predetermined supply unit.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 6 (d), the flange C 2 ′ of the cup C 2 directly above supported by the upper cam surface 31 of each discharge cam 18 relatively moves toward the upper cam surface as shown in FIG. 6 (d). From 31, it moves to the upper cam surface 30 via the guide cam surface 33, and as a result, the entire cup row C is lowered by one pitch corresponding to the level difference H between the upper cam surface 31 and the lower cam surface 30. In this state, the rotation of each discharge cam 18 stops, and the next cup discharge standby state is set.
[0031]
Thus, each time each discharge cam 18 makes one rotation in one direction, one cup C1 in the lowermost layer of the cup row C is separated from the cup C2 immediately above it and discharged.
[0032]
When the number of cups arranged in the discharge unit 11 decreases to a certain value (2 to 3) or less, it is detected by a cup break sensor (not shown), and in response to this detection, discharge from the transport table 6 is performed. A new cup row C is dropped into the portion 11. The inserted cup row C overlaps with the cups remaining in the cup discharging device 15 to form a series of cup rows C.
[0033]
As described above, when the cup row C is newly dropped into the cup remaining in the cup discharging device 15, the discharging cams 18 are temporarily lowered against the leaf springs 20 by the load, and this lowering is performed. The shock at the time of dropping is mitigated by the operation, so that deformation or breakage of the flange C1 'of the lowermost cup C1 supported by each discharge cam 18 is surely prevented.
[0034]
FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the vertical movement of each discharge cam 18 provided in the main body 16 of the cup discharge device 15 is restricted. The entire main body 16 is accommodated in the recess 5a of the bottom plate 5 so as to be movable up and down, and a plurality of coil springs 21 are provided as elastic members between the inner bottom surface of the recess 5a and the lower surface of the main body 16, and these coil springs. The whole body 16 is elastically biased upward by 21.
[0035]
In such a configuration, the entire body 16 is temporarily lowered against the coil spring 21 by the load when the cup row C is dropped into the discharge portion 11, and the cup row C is dropped by this lowering operation. The impact at the time of charging is mitigated, so that deformation or breakage of the bowl C1 'of the lowermost cup C1 supported by each discharge cam 18 is prevented.
[0036]
FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment. In this embodiment, a part of the cam surface of each discharge cam 18 provided in the main body 16 of the cup discharge device 15, that is, at the time of waiting for discharge of the cup. An elastic member 22 such as rubber is provided at a portion of the lower cup C1 that supports the cup C1 ′, and the lower cup C1 of the lower cup C1 is supported via the elastic member 22.
[0037]
In such a configuration, when the cup row C is dropped into the discharge portion 11, the elastic member 22 is elastically deformed by the load, and this elastic deformation causes the cup row C to be dropped. The impact is mitigated, so that deformation or breakage of the collar C1 'of the lowermost cup C1 supported by each discharge cam 18 is prevented. The elastic member 22 may be provided so as to extend over the entire length of the cam surface of the discharge cam 18.
[0038]
FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the portion of the cam surface of the discharge cam 18 that supports the bowl C1 ′ of the lowermost cup C1 at the time of cup discharge standby is made thicker t. The thin plate portion 18a is elastically deformable.
[0039]
In such a configuration, when the cup row C is dropped into the discharge portion 11, the thin plate portion 18a is elastically deformed by the load, and the impact at the time of dropping the cup row C is dropped by this elastic deformation. Therefore, deformation or breakage of the bowl C1 'of the lowermost cup C supported by the discharge cam 18 is prevented.
[0040]
FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the main body 16 of the cup discharge device 15 has a plurality of discharge cams on substantially the same circumference along the periphery of the opening 17 thereof. 18 are evenly provided, and a plurality of supporting cams 23 are provided alongside the discharge cams 18 on the circumference thereof.
[0041]
These supporting cams 23 are provided so as to be evenly arranged between every other discharge cam 18, and rotate in the same direction simultaneously with each discharge cam 18 in accordance with the rotation of the drive ring 24. Yes.
[0042]
These support cams 23 protrude inside the opening 17 of the main body 16 when each discharge cam 18 supports the bowl C1 'of the lowermost cup C and waits for its discharge, and together with each discharge cam 18, the cup C1. When the cups C1 'of the cup C1' and the discharge cams 18 rotate to drop the lowermost cup C1, the cups C1 of the cup C1 are separated from the cups C1 'by rotating with the discharge cams 18 and rotating. And a cutout portion 23b that enables the fall of the.
[0043]
In such a configuration, the impact when the cup row C is dropped into the discharge portion 11 is received by the discharge cams 18 and the support cams 23, and therefore the impact is received by the discharge cams 18. And the support cams 23 are dispersed and relaxed to prevent deformation or breakage of the collar C1 'of the lowermost cup C.
[0044]
In addition, as the support cam 23 in this 5th Embodiment, the thing of the same structure as the discharge cam 18 can also be used.
[0045]
In each of the above embodiments, the discharge cam has a configuration in which the cups in the cup row are separated and discharged one by one by an operation of rotation in one direction, but the discharge cam is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the discharge of the configuration in which the cups in the cup row are separated and discharged one by one by forward and reverse reciprocating rotational movements as seen in Japanese Utility Model Publication Nos. 3-53339, 5-25586, and 6-20231. It is also possible to use a cam.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to alleviate the impact when the cup row is dropped and to surely prevent deformation and breakage of the cup's ridges. Therefore, the cups are always properly separated one by one. Can be discharged.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an internal structure of a cup holder provided with a cup discharging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the cup discharging device.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the cup discharging apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a discharge cam in the cup discharge device.
FIG. 5 is a development view of a cam portion of the discharge cam.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are operation explanatory views sequentially illustrating the operation of the discharge cam. FIGS.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a cup discharging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a front view showing a discharge cam of a cup discharge device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a front view showing a discharge cam of a cup discharge device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a cup discharging apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Discharge part 15 ... Cup discharge device 16 ... Main body 17 ... Opening part 18 ... Discharge cam 18a ... Thin plate part 19 ... Spindle 20 ... Leaf spring (elastic member)
21 ... Coil spring (elastic member)
22 ... Elastic member 23 ... Supporting cam 24 ... Drive ring 38 ... Drive motor

Claims (5)

A main body having a plurality of rotatable discharge cams arranged evenly on substantially the same circumference is provided, and a cup of the lowermost layer of the cup row in which a plurality of cups are stacked is supported by the cam surface of the discharge cam. In addition, in the cup discharging device that separates the cups at the bottom layer of the cup row one by one by the rotational movement of these discharge cams, and drops and discharges them,
A cup discharging apparatus characterized by supporting each discharging cam so as to be movable up and down and elastically urging these discharging cams upward via an elastic member. A main body having a plurality of rotatable discharge cams arranged evenly on substantially the same circumference is provided, and a cup of the lowermost layer of the cup row in which a plurality of cups are stacked is supported by the cam surface of the discharge cam. In addition, in the cup discharging device that separates the cups at the bottom layer of the cup row one by one by the rotational movement of these discharge cams, and drops and discharges them,
A cup discharging apparatus characterized by supporting the main body so as to be movable up and down and elastically urging the main body upward via an elastic member. A main body having a plurality of rotatable discharge cams arranged evenly on substantially the same circumference is provided, and a cup of the lowermost layer of the cup row in which a plurality of cups are stacked is supported by the cam surface of the discharge cam. In addition, in the cup discharging device that separates the cups at the bottom layer of the cup row one by one by the rotational movement of these discharge cams, and drops and discharges them,
A cup discharging device, wherein an elastic member is provided at least on a portion of the cam surface of the discharging cam that supports the cup cup of the lowermost layer when waiting for discharging the cup. A main body having a plurality of rotatable discharge cams arranged evenly on substantially the same circumference is provided, and a cup of the lowermost layer of the cup row in which a plurality of cups are stacked is supported by the cam surface of the discharge cam. In addition, in the cup discharging device that separates the cups at the bottom layer of the cup row one by one by the rotational movement of these discharge cams, and drops and discharges them,
A cup discharging device characterized in that at least a portion of the cam surface of the discharging cam that supports the cup cup of the lowermost layer when waiting for discharging the cup is a thin plate portion that is thin and elastically deformable. A main body having a plurality of rotatable discharge cams arranged evenly on substantially the same circumference is provided, and a cup of the lowermost layer of the cup row in which a plurality of cups are stacked is supported by the cam surface of the discharge cam. In addition, in the cup discharging device that separates the cups at the bottom layer of the cup row one by one by the rotational movement of these discharge cams, and drops and discharges them,
It is arranged on the circumference side by side with the discharge cam, and when each discharge cam supports the cup cup of the lowermost layer and waits for its discharge, it supports the cup cup together with each discharge cam, and each discharge cam The cup discharge is provided with a support cam that rotates with each discharge cam to disengage the cup from the cup and allows the cup to drop when the cup rotates to drop the lowermost cup. apparatus.

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