JP4010728B2 - A device for correcting the direction of a rectangular product in a product storage and conveyance path of a vending machine. - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a product orientation correcting device in a product storage and conveyance path of a vending machine that handles rectangular plastic bottles and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 25 shows a serpentine-type product storage shelf 61 provided inside a vending machine that handles products including a rectangular plastic bottle 60, and has a plurality of meandered product storage transport paths 62 formed therein. The plastic bottle 60 is stored in the product storage conveyance path 62 by being stacked up and down in a sideways posture.
[0003]
A payout passage 63 is formed in the lower part of each product storage and conveyance path 62, and a payout device 64 for paying out the lowest PET bottle 60 downward is provided facing each payout passage 63. Further, the front-rear width A of each of the payout passages 63 is set according to the inter-surface distance B between the side surfaces 65a, 65b (or 65c, 65d) facing each other of the sideways postured PET bottle 60. Is discharged through the discharge passage 63 in a correct orientation in which the pair of side surfaces 65a and 65b are directed in the front-rear direction and the remaining pair of side surfaces 65c and 65d are directed in the vertical direction.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional format, as shown in FIG. 25A, the diagonal line 66 of the plastic bottle 60 may be oriented in the direction of the front-rear width A of the dispensing path 63 in the product storage conveyance path 62. Yes, when the PET bottle 60 is in such an abnormal direction, the size of the PET bottle 60 in the diagonal 66 direction is larger than the front-rear width A of the discharge passage 63, so that the PET bottle 60 passes through the discharge passage 63. There is a problem that the plastic bottle 60 cannot be paid out (the product cannot be paid out). Such a problem is particularly likely to occur when the plastic bottle 60 is refilled into the empty product storage conveyance path 62.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to prevent a product from being unable to be paid out due to an abnormal orientation of a rectangular product such as a PET bottle in a product storage conveyance path.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a vending machine that stores a rectangular product whose outer peripheral surface is composed of a plurality of flat side surfaces in a product storage conveyance path in a sideways posture is stored. In the machine, in the product storage transport path, A first orientation correcting plate that can freely move in contact with a product descending in a sideways posture in the product storage conveyance path and rotates the product in the circumferential direction, and a product rotated by the first orientation correcting plate. And a second orientation-correcting plate that can be withdrawn and led to the correct orientation. It is provided.
[0009]
According to this, the product stored in the product storage conveyance path contacts the first orientation correction plate while rotating in the sideways posture, rotates in the circumferential direction, and is further fixed by the second orientation correction plate. You will be guided in the correct direction. Thereby, the direction of the side of the product is corrected.
[0010]
In addition, this book 2 In the invention, the product is formed in a quadrilateral shape having four side surfaces, a payout passage is formed in the lower part of the product storage conveyance path, and the first and second orientation correcting plates are a pair of side surfaces facing each other. The direction of the product is corrected so that the inter-direction is directed in the front-rear width direction of the payout passage.
[0011]
According to this, the direction of the product is corrected by the first and second direction correction plates so that the inter-surface direction of the pair of side surfaces is directed in the front-rear width direction of the payout passage in the product storage conveyance path. Thus, when the product is paid out, the product is paid out through the payout passage in a correct direction with a pair of side surfaces in the front-rear direction and the remaining pair of side surfaces in the vertical direction.
[0012]
In addition, this book 3 According to the present invention, the first orientation correction plate is pivotably suspended from a first horizontal axis in the left-right direction provided on one of the front and rear sides of the product storage conveyance path, and is moved to the other front and rear side by the first biasing means. The second direction correcting plate is urged so as to protrude, and is pivotably suspended from a second horizontal axis in the left-right direction provided on the other side of the product storage and conveyance path, and second urging means. It is urged | biased so that it may protrude to the one side of front and back.
[0013]
According to this, the product stored in the product storage conveyance path rotates in the circumferential direction while coming into contact with the first direction correcting plate protruding to the other side in the front-rear direction while descending in a sideways posture. At this time, since the first orientation correction plate is pushed by the descending product and retreats to one side of the front and back, the product passes the side of the first orientation correction plate and protrudes to the front and rear one side. Received in a fixed orientation by the orientation correction plate. At this time, the second direction correcting plate is pushed by the descending product and guides the product to the correct direction while retracting to the other side, and then the product passes by the side of the second direction correcting plate. To do. Thereby, the direction of the side of the product is corrected. After the product passes by the side of the first orientation correcting plate, the first orientation correcting plate protrudes to the other side by the first urging means, and the product further has the second orientation correcting plate. After passing the side, the second orientation correcting plate protrudes forward and backward by the second urging means.
[0014]
In addition, this book 4 According to the present invention, a width restricting plate for restricting the left-right width of the product storage transport path is provided in the product storage transport path so as to be movable in the left-right direction according to the length of the product. Are respectively cut out corresponding to the lateral movement range of the width regulating plate.
[0015]
According to this, by moving the width regulating plate in the left-right direction, the left-right width of the product storage conveyance path can be enlarged or reduced according to the length of the product in the lying position. At this time, since the first and second direction correcting plates are cut out corresponding to the lateral movement range of the width regulating plate, the width regulating plate does not interfere with the first and second direction correcting plates. Thus, the lateral movement of the width regulating plate and the withdrawing / withdrawing operation of the first and second orientation correcting plates are not disabled.
[0016]
In addition, this book 5 In the invention, the width regulating plate for regulating the left and right width of the product storage and conveyance path is provided in the product storage and conveyance path so as to be movable in the left and right direction according to the length of the product. And the other division correction plate portion corresponding to the lateral movement range of the width regulating plate, and only the one division correction plate portion is front and rear one side by the second urging means. The other division correction plate portion is suspended from the second horizontal axis in the left-right direction and is configured to be rotatable about the second horizontal axis.
[0017]
According to this, the product stored in the product storage conveyance path is rotated in the circumferential direction by contacting the first orientation correction plate while passing down the sideways posture, while passing down the side of the first orientation correction plate. After that, it is received in a fixed direction by one of the divided correction plate portions of the second direction correction plate protruding to the front and rear one side. At this time, the other split correction plate portion does not protrude to the front and rear one side and is suspended from the second horizontal axis.
[0018]
Then, the one division correction plate portion is pushed by the descending product and guides the product in the correct direction while retracting to the other side, and then the product passes by the side of the second orientation correction plate. To do. Thereby, the direction of the side of the product is corrected. In addition, after the said product passes the side of the 2nd direction correction board, one division | segmentation correction board part protrudes to the front-back one side by the 2nd biasing means.
[0019]
Further, by moving the width regulating plate in the left-right direction, the left-right width of the product storage conveyance path can be enlarged or reduced in accordance with the length of the product in the lying position. At this time, the width regulating plate moves left and right within the range of the other division correction plate portion of the second orientation correction plate, but the other division correction plate portion does not protrude to the front and rear side and hangs down on the horizontal axis. In this state, the width regulating plate does not interfere with the tip of the other division correction plate portion, so that the left and right movement of the width restriction plate and the movement operation of one division correction plate portion are performed. Each will not be disabled.
[0020]
In addition, this book 6 According to the present invention, the auxiliary orientation correcting plate is pivotably suspended from the first orientation correcting plate via a lateral horizontal axis disposed at the tip.
According to this, the product stored in the product storage conveyance path is rotated in the circumferential direction while coming into contact with the first orientation correcting plate while descending in a sideways posture. At this time, even if the product is not rotated due to its shape or material slipperiness or the amount of rotation is small, after that, it comes into contact with the auxiliary direction correction plate suspended from the first direction correction plate. The product is rotated in the circumferential direction, so that the product is reliably rotated in the circumferential direction until the product is in a predetermined posture. At this time, since the first direction correction plate and the auxiliary direction correction plate are pushed by the descending product and retreat to the front and rear side, the product passes by the side of the first direction correction plate, It is received in a fixed direction by the second direction correcting plate protruding to the side. The second direction correcting plate is pushed by the descending product and guides the product in the correct direction while retracting to the other side, and then the product passes by the second direction correcting plate. Thereby, the direction of the side surface of the product is reliably corrected. In addition, after the product passes by the side of the first direction correction plate and the auxiliary direction correction plate, the first direction correction plate and the auxiliary direction correction plate are projected to the other side by the first biasing means, After the product passes by the side of the second orientation correcting plate, the second orientation correcting plate projects to the front and rear one side by the second urging means.
[0021]
In addition, this book 7 According to the present invention, a width restricting plate for restricting the left and right width of the product storage transport path is provided in the product storage transport path so as to be movable in the left and right directions according to the length of the product, and the first orientation correcting plate is rotated. The range is restricted to a range that does not contact the width restricting plate, and the first orientation correcting plate and the auxiliary orientation correcting plate are provided over substantially the entire width of the product storage conveyance path.
[0022]
According to this, by moving the width regulating plate in the left-right direction, the left-right width of the product storage conveyance path can be enlarged or reduced according to the length of the product in the lying position. At this time, the rotation range of the first direction correction plate is restricted to a range that does not contact the width restriction plate, and the auxiliary direction correction plate is only suspended from the tip of the first direction correction plate. Although the one orientation correction plate and the auxiliary orientation correction plate are provided over substantially the entire width of the product storage conveyance path, the width regulating plate does not interfere with the first orientation correction plate and the auxiliary orientation correction plate, Thus, the lateral movement of the width restricting plate and the retracting operation of the first direction correcting plate are not disabled. Furthermore, since the first direction correction plate and the auxiliary direction correction plate are provided over substantially the entire width of the product storage conveyance path, the first direction correction plate and the auxiliary direction correction plate are provided in the lateral movement range of the width regulating plate. Compared to the case where the first direction correction plate and the auxiliary direction correction plate are in contact with the product, the contact area of the first direction correction plate and the auxiliary direction correction plate is increased.
[0023]
In addition, this book 8 The present invention provides a first mounting plate that is mounted between both side walls of the product storage conveyance path and rotatably supports a first orientation correcting plate via a first horizontal axis. And at least one of the first direction correction plate is formed with a restricting portion for restricting the rotation range of the first direction correction plate, and one end abuts the first mounting plate on the first horizontal axis. A first urging means for urging the first direction correcting plate with the other end abutting against the first direction correcting plate is provided, and the leading end of the first direction correcting plate or the connecting side end of the auxiliary direction correcting plate The part is provided with a slip-off preventing part for preventing the auxiliary horizontal axis connecting the first direction correcting plate and the auxiliary direction correcting plate from being pulled out sideways.
[0024]
According to this, when the first horizontal axis is inserted through the first mounting plate, the first orientation correcting plate, and the first urging means to connect them, the first mounting plate, the first orientation correcting Since the plate and the first horizontal axis are in contact with each other while being urged by the first urging means, when these parts are assembled, they are not easily separated from each other. Further, when the auxiliary horizontal axis is inserted through the first direction correction plate and the auxiliary direction correction plate and connected to each other, the auxiliary horizontal axis is prevented from coming off by the removal preventing portion. As a result, when the first orientation correcting plate is assembled to the first mounting plate and the auxiliary orientation correcting plate is once assembled to the first orientation correcting plate, these components are difficult to come off. In this state, it can be assembled at the arrangement location, and the assembling work at this time can be efficiently performed.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 9, reference numeral 1 denotes a vending machine that handles a product 2 such as a rectangular plastic bottle. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the product 2 includes four flat side surfaces 24 a to 24 d, a bottom portion 25, and a tip portion 26 reduced in a pyramid shape. A serpentine-type product storage shelf 3 is provided inside the vending machine 1. The product storage shelf 3 is formed with a plurality of meandering product storage and transport paths 4.
[0026]
That is, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, each of the commodity storage and conveyance paths 4 includes a plurality of arcuate segments 6 that face each other in the front-rear direction and that are connected to each other vertically and a plurality of partition plates 7 that face each other on the left and right. It is surrounded by and. The product 2 is stored in the product storage transport path 4 while being stacked in the vertical direction in a state of lying down.
[0027]
In the upper part of the product storage shelf 3, an upper input path 17 is formed from each product input port 9 to the upper part of each product storage and conveyance path 4. A plurality of inlet guides 10 that lead to the upper part of the product storage and conveyance path 4 are provided along the upper input path 17.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 11, at the lower part of each commodity storage and conveyance path 4, a dispensing path 11, a dispensing apparatus 12 that dispenses the lowest product 2 downward from the dispensing path 11, and the above dispensing A payout passage width restricting plate 14 for restricting the front-rear width A of the passage 11 is provided.
[0029]
The dispensing device 12 includes an open / close flapper 13 that dispenses the lowest-order product 2 and a regulation stopper 45 that regulates the fall of the second product 2 from the bottom. The opening / closing flapper 13 retreats from the inside of the payout passage 11 to the inside of the payout device 12 so that the lowest product 2 is discharged downward from the payout passage 11 and at the same time the restriction stopper 45 is moved to the payout device 12. Projecting into the payout passage 11 from the inside of the product, and dropping of the second product 2 from the bottom is regulated.
[0030]
Further, the payout passage width regulating plate 14 is provided at a front-rear facing position with respect to the payout device 12 and is provided so as to be freely retractable in the front-rear direction. The size of the front-rear width A of the payout passage 11 can be changed by moving the payout passage width restricting plate 14 back and forth.
[0031]
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the product 2 paid out downward from the payout passage 11 slides down on the chute 15 and is transferred to the product takeout port 16 in the front door 18 of the vending machine 1.
[0032]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a conveyance path width regulating plate that regulates the left-right width C of the commodity storage conveyance path 4 according to the length of the commodity 2 inside each of the commodity storage conveyance paths 4. 19 is provided to be movable in the left-right direction. Furthermore, an input path width regulating plate 20 that regulates the left-right width D of the upper input path 17 according to the length of the product 2 is provided inside the entrance guide 10 so as to be movable in the left-right direction. And the rear end part of each said input path width control board 20 and the upper end part of each conveyance path width control board 19 are joined integrally.
[0033]
Then, as shown in FIG. 12, by opening the front door 18 and moving each input path width restriction plate 20 to a certain extent in the left-right direction, the conveyance path width restriction plate 19 is also moved in the left-right direction together with the input path width restriction plate 20. The left and right width D of the upper loading path 17 and the left and right width C of the product storage and conveyance path 4 are respectively changed.
[0034]
Note that positioning pins 21 are provided at the lower portion of the input path width regulating plate 20, and positioning holes 22 are formed at a plurality of left and right positions in the inlet guide 10. Then, by inserting the positioning pin 21 into the positioning hole 22, the charging path width regulating plate 20 can be positioned and fixed to the inlet guide 10.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 1, the inside of each product storage and conveyance path 4 includes the product 2 such that the inter-surface direction of the pair of side surfaces 24 a and 24 b of the product 2 is directed in the front-rear width A direction of the payout passage 11. First and second orientation correcting plates 28 and 29 for correcting the orientation are provided.
[0036]
The first orientation correction plate 28 contacts the product 2 that falls in the sideways posture in the product storage conveyance path 4 and rotates the product 2 in the circumferential direction E (see FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 3, the upper end portion of the first orientation correction plate 28 is rotatably fitted around a first horizontal shaft 30 in the left-right direction provided on one of the front and rear sides in the product storage conveyance path 4. . The first horizontal shaft 30 is attached between the left and right of each partition plate 7.
[0037]
A first mounting plate 31 is provided above the first orientation correcting plate 28, and a lower end portion of the first mounting plate 31 is rotatably fitted on the first horizontal shaft 30. Has been. Then, the engagement piece 32 formed on the upper end of the first mounting plate 31 is engaged with the engaged portion 33 (see FIG. 7) formed on the partition plate 7, whereby the first attachment plate 31 is engaged. The mounting plate 31 is fixed between the pair of left and right partition plates 7.
[0038]
Further, the first horizontal shaft 30 is biased by the first orientation correcting plate 28 to a projecting position F (see FIG. 8) projecting to the other front and rear side (that is, the second orientation correcting plate 29 side). A first torsion coil spring 34 (an example of first urging means) is externally fitted. One end of the first torsion coil spring 34 is engaged with the back side of the first orientation correcting plate 28, and the other end is engaged with the back side of the first mounting plate 31. A part of the first orientation correcting plate 28 is cut out corresponding to the lateral movement range G of the transport path width regulating plate 19 as shown in FIG.
[0039]
The second direction correction plate 29 receives the product 2 rotated by the first direction correction plate 28 and guides it to the correct direction. As shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the upper end portion of the second orientation correction plate 29 is connected to the second horizontal axis 37 in the left-right direction provided on one of the front and rear sides in the product storage conveyance path 4. It is externally fitted to be rotatable. The second horizontal shaft 37 is attached between the left and right of each partition plate 7.
[0040]
A second mounting plate 38 is provided above the second horizontal shaft 37, and a lower end portion of the second mounting plate 38 is rotatably fitted on the second horizontal shaft 37. ing. Then, the engagement piece 39 formed on the upper end of the second attachment plate 38 is engaged with the engaged portion 40 (see FIG. 7) formed on the partition plate 7, thereby the second attachment. The plate 38 is fixed between the pair of left and right partition plates 7.
[0041]
Further, the second direction correcting plate 29 is divided into two parts, one divided correcting plate part 29 a and the other divided correcting plate part 29 b corresponding to the left-right movement range G of the conveyance path width regulating plate 19. ing. Further, the second horizontal shaft 37 biases only one division correction plate portion 29a to a protruding position H (see FIG. 7) that protrudes forward and backward (that is, the first orientation correction plate 28 side). A second torsion coil spring 41 (an example of a second urging means) is externally fitted. The other split correction plate portion 29 b is suspended downwardly on the second horizontal axis 37.
[0042]
The first and second orientation correcting plates 28 and 29 are provided in the product storage and conveyance path 4 on the near side I shown in FIG. The first and second orientation correcting plates 28 and 29 are attached to the front side I in the opposite direction. Note that one split correction plate portion 29a of the second orientation correction plate 29 on the back side J shown in FIG. 6 is one split correction plate portion of the second orientation correction plate 29 on the near side I shown in FIG. 29a is fitted to the second horizontal shaft 37 with the left and right reversed positions. Similarly, the other division correction plate portion 29b on the back side J is also left and right with respect to the other division correction plate portion 29b on the near side I. In the reverse position, it is fitted on the second horizontal shaft 37. Thus, the second orientation correction plate 29 on the near side I and the second orientation correction plate 29 on the back side J are exchanged by reversing the mounting positions of the one division correction plate portion 29a and the other division correction plate portion 29b. Both of the direction correction plates 29 can be formed.
[0043]
Hereinafter, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
When replenishing the vending machine 1 with a product 2 such as a plastic bottle, the front door 18 is opened, and the front end of the input path width regulating plate 20 is moved in the left-right direction according to the length of the product 2 as shown in FIG. By moving within a certain range, the feeding path width regulating plate 20 and the conveyance path width regulating plate 19 also move within the certain range in the left-right direction. Then, by inserting the positioning pin 21 into the optimal positioning hole 22, the input path width regulating plate 20 is positioned and fixed to the inlet guide 10, whereby the left and right width D of the upper input path 17 and the product storage and conveyance path 4 The left and right width C is changed to an optimum width corresponding to the length of the product 2.
[0044]
Then, by placing the product 2 in a sideways posture and putting it into the product insertion port 9, the product 2 is guided by the entrance guide 10 and slides on the upper loading path 17 in a sideways posture, The product is stored in the product storage conveyance path 4.
[0045]
After that, as shown in FIG. 7, the product 2 rotates in the circumferential direction E while coming into contact with the first orientation correcting plate 28 protruding to the protruding position F while descending in a sideways posture. At this time, the first orientation correction plate 28 is pushed by the descending product 2 and retreats from the protruding position F to the front and rear side as indicated by the phantom line. It is received in a fixed direction by one split correction plate portion 29a of the second direction correction plate 29 that passes the side and protrudes to the protruding position H. At this time, the other split correction plate portion 29 b does not protrude to the protruding position H, but remains suspended from the second horizontal axis 37.
[0046]
Then, as shown in FIG. 8, one split correction plate portion 29 a of the second orientation correction plate 29 is pushed by the descending product 2 and retreats from the protruding position H to the other side in the front-rear direction. The product 2 is pressed in the direction of the opposing segment 6 by the urging force of the torsion coil spring 41, and the product 2 is correctly oriented (that is, the pair of side surfaces 24a and 24b of the product 2 is in the direction of the front-rear width A of the discharge passage 11 and The remaining pair of side surfaces 24c and 24d are guided in the vertical direction). Thereafter, the product 2 passes by the side of the second orientation correction plate 29, and thereby the orientation of the product 2 is corrected.
[0047]
After the product 2 passes by the side of the first orientation correcting plate 28, the first orientation correcting plate 28 returns to the protruding position F by the urging force of the first torsion coil spring 34, and further the product 2 After passing through the side of the second orientation correcting plate 29, one of the divided correcting plate portions 29a of the second orientation correcting plate 29 returns to the protruding position H by the urging force of the second torsion coil spring 41.
[0048]
As described above, since the direction of the product 2 stored in the product storage conveyance path 4 can be corrected by the first and second orientation correction plates 28 and 29, when the product 2 is dispensed, It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem such that the product 2 is paid out through the payout passage 11 in the correct direction and the product 2 cannot be paid out.
[0049]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the first direction correcting plate 28 is cut away in correspondence with the lateral movement range G of the conveyance path width regulating plate 19, and therefore the conveyance path width regulating plate. 19 does not interfere with the first direction correcting plate 28, and the left-right movement of the transport path width regulating plate 19 and the operation of moving the first direction correcting plate 28 out are not disabled.
[0050]
Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the left-right width of the other divided correction plate portion 29 b of the second orientation correction plate 29 corresponds to the left-right movement range G of the conveyance path width restriction plate 19. The conveyance path width regulating plate 19 moves left and right within the range of the other division correction plate portion 29b, but the other division correction plate portion 29b does not protrude to the protruding position H and is suspended from the second horizontal shaft 37. Therefore, the conveyance path width regulation plate 19 does not interfere with the tip of the other division correction plate portion 29b, and the conveyance path width regulation plate 19 moves left and right and the one division correction plate portion 29a moves in and out. Will not be disabled.
[0051]
At this time, the portion near the bottom portion 25 of the side surfaces 24 a to 24 d of the product 2 stored in the sideways posture is the one divided correction plate portion 29 a of the first direction correction plate 28 or the second direction correction plate 29. Is set to touch.
[0052]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the other split correction plate portion 29 b is suspended by the second horizontal shaft 37, so that the dispensing device 12 (or the dispensing passage width regulating plate 14) and the segment 6 are separated. Is closed by the other split correction plate portion 29b.
[0053]
Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second orientation correction plate on the near side I is obtained by exchanging the left and right mounting positions of one division correction plate portion 29a and the other division correction plate portion 29b. 29 and the second orientation correction plate 29 on the back side J can be formed together, so that parts can be shared.
[0054]
In the above embodiment, even if the second orientation correction plate 29 is not provided and only the first orientation correction plate 28 is provided, a certain degree of orientation correction effect of the product 2 can be obtained. By providing both the first direction correction plate 28 and the second direction correction plate 29, the direction correction effect of the product 2 can be obtained more reliably.
[0055]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second orientation correction plate 29 in the above embodiment is divided into two parts, one split correction plate part 29a and the other split correction plate part 29b. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the second orientation correcting plate 29 is formed with a notch 50 as another embodiment described below.
[0056]
In other words, the upper end portion of the second orientation correction plate 29 is rotatably fitted on the second horizontal shaft 37. Then, the torsion coil spring 41 (an example of the second urging means) externally fitted to the second horizontal shaft 37 moves the second direction correction plate 29 forward and backward (that is, the first direction correction). The projection position H is projected toward the plate 28 side). The notch 50 is formed at the tip of the second direction correction plate 29 in correspondence with the left-right movement range G of the transport path width regulating plate 19.
[0057]
The second orientation correcting plate 29 in FIG. 13 is provided in the product storing and conveying path 4 on the near side I shown in FIG. 1, and the second orientation correcting plate 29 in FIG. It is provided in the goods storage conveyance path 4 of the back side J shown.
[0058]
According to this, the product 2 that has passed the side of the first orientation correcting plate 28 is received in a fixed orientation by the second orientation correcting plate 29 that projects to the projecting position H. At this time, the second orientation correcting plate 29 is pushed by the descending product 2 and retreats from the protruding position H to the other side in the front-rear direction, and opposes the product 2 by the urging force of the second torsion coil spring 41. Press in the direction of the segment 6 to guide the product 2 in the correct direction. Thereafter, the product 2 passes by the side of the second orientation correction plate 29, and thereby the orientation of the product 2 is corrected. Note that after the product 2 passes by the side of the second orientation correction plate 29, the second orientation correction plate 29 returns to the protruding position H by the urging force of the second torsion coil spring 41.
[0059]
Further, since the notch 50 corresponding to the lateral movement range G of the transport path width restricting plate 19 is formed at the tip of the second direction correcting plate 29, the transport path width restricting plate 19 is notched. Move left and right in the range of 50. Thereby, the conveyance path width regulating plate 19 does not interfere with the second direction correcting plate 29, and the horizontal movement of the conveying path width regulating plate 19 and the movement of the second direction correcting plate 29 become impossible. There is nothing.
[0060]
15 to 23 show still another embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 and the like, the first orientation correcting plate 28 is arranged at the tip thereof. An auxiliary direction correcting plate 51 is pivotably suspended via a provided lateral horizontal axis 42 in the left-right direction.
[0061]
A first mounting plate 31 is provided in the vicinity of the first orientation correcting plate 28, and an upper end portion of the first mounting plate 31 and the first horizontal shaft 30 are rotatably fitted. . Then, the engagement piece 32 provided on the first attachment plate 31 is engaged with the engaged portion 33 (see FIG. 19) formed on the partition plate 7, whereby the first attachment plate. 31 is fixed between the pair of left and right partition plates 7.
[0062]
The first horizontal shaft 30 urges the first orientation correcting plate 28 to a protruding position M (see FIG. 19) that protrudes to the other front and rear side (that is, the second orientation correcting plate 29 side). The torsion coil spring 34 (an example of the first urging means) is externally fitted. One end of the first torsion coil spring 34 is engaged with the back side of the first orientation correcting plate 28, and the other end is engaged with the back side of the first mounting plate 31. In addition, restriction projecting pieces 28a and 31a (an example of a restriction portion) that extend obliquely upward and opposite to each other at both upper end portions of the first orientation correction plate 28 and both upper end portions of the first mounting plate 31 are integrally formed. The first direction correction plate 28 can be rotated within an angle range K (see FIG. 18) in which the restricting protrusions 28a and 31a come into contact with each other. The angle range K is a value that does not contact the conveyance path width regulating plate 19 even when the first direction correcting plate 28 is most rotated to the other side in the front and rear direction (that is, the second direction correcting plate 29 side). It is set to become.
[0063]
As described above, the auxiliary direction correction plate 51 is pivotally suspended from the first direction correction plate 28 via the left and right auxiliary horizontal shafts 42 disposed at the tip. The auxiliary direction correction plate 51 is only suspended by its own weight, and is not provided with an urging means such as a torsion coil spring. In addition, the auxiliary horizontal shaft 42 is prevented from falling laterally from the distal end cylindrical portion of the first orientation correction plate 28 and the upper end tubular portion of the auxiliary orientation correction plate 51 at both sides of the upper end of the auxiliary orientation correction plate 51. A bent piece 51a (an example of a drop prevention portion) that prevents the side from being prevented from coming off is integrally formed.
[0064]
In addition, the first direction correction plate 28 and the auxiliary direction correction plate 51 are provided over substantially the entire width of the product storage conveyance path 4 regardless of the lateral movement range of the conveyance path width regulation plate 19.
[0065]
Reference numeral 14 a denotes a plastic bottle setting spacer provided on the payout passage width regulating plate 14. The structure of the second orientation correction plate 28 and its mounting structure are the same as in the above embodiment.
[0066]
In the above configuration, the product 2 stored in the product storage transport path 4 is lowered in a sideways posture. At this time, the diagonal direction of the product 2 may be lowered toward the front-rear width direction in the lower part of the product storage conveyance path 4. In this case, the product 2 is corrected to the first orientation that protrudes to the protruding position M. Usually, as described in the above embodiment, the plate 28 contacts with the plate 28 and rotates in the circumferential direction E, and is then received in a fixed orientation by one split correction plate portion 29a of the protruding second direction correction plate. Then, the product 2 is guided and sent to the payout passage 11 so as to have the correct orientation (see FIGS. 7 and 8).
[0067]
However, there are many types of products in the square-shaped PET bottle as an example of the product 2, and although they are generally similar in shape, a plurality of containers, surface films, contents drinks, etc. Therefore, each product 2 has finely different properties in terms of its shape, strength, slipperiness, and the like. For this reason, the approach speed and intrusion attitude of the product 2 to the place where the first orientation correction plate 28 is attached vary depending on the type of the product 2, and these factors combine to make the first orientation correction. There is a case where the posture cannot be corrected sufficiently with only the plate 28 (for example, when the plate 28 flows down with a large inertial force at a high speed).
[0068]
In order to cope with this, in this embodiment, since the auxiliary direction correction plate 51 is suspended from the tip of the first direction correction plate 28, it is rotated in the circumferential direction E by the first direction correction plate 28. Even if there is no rotation amount or the rotation amount is small, the auxiliary direction correction plate 51 rotates the product 2 in the circumferential direction E so as to be in a fixed posture.
[0069]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the product 2 has its diagonal direction lowered toward the front-rear width in the lower part of the product storage conveyance path 4, and is projected to the projecting position M. As shown in FIG. 21, even when the attitude of the product 2 does not change when the first orientation correction plate 28 continues to fall while being pushed away in the direction of the arrow (c) as shown in FIG. When the corner 2a of the product 2 passes through the lower end portion of the first orientation correcting plate 28, the first orientation correcting plate 28 is moved in the direction of the arrow (d) by the urging force of the first torsion coil spring 34. Along with this, the auxiliary direction correction plate 51 suspended from the tip of the first direction correction plate 28 also tries to return in the direction of the arrow (d). At this time, the lower end of the auxiliary direction correcting plate 51 is in contact with the upper portion of the payout passage width restricting plate 14 (or the upper portion of the payout device 20). Then, the force in the arrow (d) direction of the auxiliary direction correcting plate 51 causes a force in the direction of the arrow (e) to act on the corner 2a of the product 2, and as a result, the product 2 is applied to the direction of the arrow N. The rotational force acts on. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22, the product 2 is continuously subjected to a force in the direction of the arrow (f) on the corner 2a, and the product 2 continues to fall while being rotated in the direction of the arrow O. At this time, the product 2 falls while pushing the second direction correction plate 28 in the direction of the arrow (g). Since the second direction correcting plate 28 is urged in the direction of the arrow (H) by the urging force of the second torsion coil spring 41, the rotational force of the product 2 in the arrow O direction is weakened so that the product 2 Regulate not to rotate more than necessary. Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the product 2 is dropped while the side surface thereof maintains a good posture along the flow direction of the product 2, and is sent out to the payout passage 11.
[0070]
In this way, the direction of the product 2 stored in the product storage conveyance path 4 can be reliably corrected by the first direction correction plate 28, the auxiliary direction correction plate 51, and the second direction correction plate 29. Therefore, when the product 2 is paid out, the product 2 passes through the payout passage 11 in the correct direction, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem that the product 2 cannot be paid out.
[0071]
Further, the rotation range of the first direction correction plate 28 is restricted to a range that does not contact the conveyance path width restriction plate 19, and the auxiliary direction correction plate 51 is suspended from the tip of the first direction correction plate 28. Therefore, although the first direction correction plate 28 and the auxiliary direction correction plate 51 are provided over substantially the entire width of the product storage conveyance path 4, the conveyance path width regulating plate 19 is the first direction correction plate. 28 and the auxiliary orientation correcting plate 51, so that the left and right movement of the transport path width regulating plate 19 and the operation of moving the first orientation correcting plate 28 are not disabled.
[0072]
Furthermore, since the first direction correction plate 28 and the auxiliary direction correction plate 51 are provided over substantially the entire width of the product storage conveyance path 4, the first direction correction plate 28 faces the product storage conveyance path 4 in the back direction or When it is attached to the front, it can be assembled using parts of the same shape.
[0073]
That is, when the first direction correcting plate 28 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is used, the first direction correcting plate 28 is arranged to be biased to one side in order to avoid interference with the conveyance path width regulating plate 19. The first orientation correction plate 28 having a different shape that is biased to the opposite side is created separately when mounting the product storage conveyance path 4 in the back or front direction. In addition to causing an increase in manufacturing cost and parts management, it was easy to make a mistake during assembly.
[0074]
However, according to the above-described embodiment, only one type of first orientation correction plate 28 can be used, so that manufacturing costs and component management can be reduced or minimized, and the assembly There is no mistake of assembling the first orientation correcting plate 28 having a wrong shape at the time of attachment, and as a result, productivity can be improved.
[0075]
Furthermore, as compared with the case where the first orientation correction plate 28 is provided over substantially the entire width of the commodity storage conveyance path 4, the first dimension which is biased to one side and has a length dimension L0 as shown in FIGS. When the orientation correcting plate 28 is used, when the product 2 is relatively long, as shown in FIG. 24 (a), the product 2 is longer than the length L1 of the body 2a. Corresponding portions of the one orientation correction plate 28 are insufficient by the dimension L2, and the contact area between the first orientation correction plate 28 and the product 2 is reduced by the insufficient dimension L2, so that there is a high possibility that the correction of the posture is impaired. Become. Further, when the product 2 is erroneously put in the reverse direction, as shown in FIG. 24B, the contact portion between the body 2a of the product 2 and the first orientation correcting plate 28 has a slight dimension L3. As a result, the posture correcting action is almost lost.
[0076]
On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the first orientation correcting plate 28 is provided over substantially the entire width of the product storage conveyance path 4, the first orientation correcting plate as shown in FIG. Compared with the case where 28 is not provided in the left-right movement range of the conveyance path width regulating plate 19, the contact areas of the first direction correction plate 28 and the auxiliary direction correction plate 51 with respect to the product are increased, and as a result, the product 2 The operation of correcting the orientation of the product 2 can be performed more reliably, and even when the product 2 is thrown in the reverse direction, the entire body 2a of the product 2 is in contact and the contact area with the product 2 does not change. The attitude of the product 2 can be corrected.
[0077]
As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, when assembling the first orientation correcting plate 28, the first mounting plate 31, and the auxiliary orientation correcting plate 51, the first orientation correcting plate 28 and the first orientation correcting plate 28 are used. First, the mounting plate 31 and the auxiliary correction plate 51 are assembled together. That is, the first horizontal shaft 30 is inserted through the first mounting plate 31, the first orientation correcting plate 28, and the first torsion coil spring 34 to connect them. At this time, the first mounting plate 31, the first orientation correcting plate 28, and the first horizontal shaft 30 are in contact with each other while being urged by the first torsion coil spring 34. It is difficult to separate the first horizontal axis 30 from each other. Further, when one of the bent pieces 51 a of the auxiliary direction correcting plate 51 is bent, the sub horizontal shaft 42 is inserted through the tip of the first direction correcting plate 28 and the upper end of the auxiliary direction correcting plate 51 to connect them. When the auxiliary horizontal shaft 42 has been inserted, the bent piece 51a returns to its original position due to its elasticity and the auxiliary horizontal shaft 42 and the auxiliary direction correction are corrected in a state in which the auxiliary horizontal shaft 42 is prevented from coming off. The plate 51 is connected.
[0078]
Accordingly, once the first mounting plate 31, the first orientation correcting plate 28, and the auxiliary orientation correcting plate 51 are assembled, these components are difficult to come off, so these components are carried together and arranged. In this case, it is possible to efficiently perform the transportation work and the assembling work.
[0079]
In the above-described embodiment, the rectangular plastic bottle product 2 is stored in the product storage conveyance path 4, but in addition to the plastic bottle product 2, a cylindrical can product is stored in a sideways posture. Is also possible. In the case of a can product, it is not necessary to correct the orientation, but there is no particular problem even if the first and second orientation correcting plates 28 and 29 are present. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the torsion coil springs 34 and 41 are used as an example of the 1st and 2nd biasing means, a leaf | plate spring etc. may be used.
[0080]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the product is stored in the product storage conveyance path in a sideways posture, and the direction of the side surface of the product is corrected by the orientation correcting plate. Accordingly, since the product is stored in the product storage conveyance path in the correct orientation, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem that the product cannot be paid out.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lower part of a product storage and conveyance path of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first orientation correction plate of the vending machine as viewed from the product storage conveyance path side.
FIG. 3 is a first orientation correcting plate of the vending machine, (a) is a front view of the first orientation correcting plate (viewed from the product storage conveyance path side), and (b) is the first orientation correcting plate. It is a side view of 1 direction correction board.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second orientation correction plate of the vending machine as viewed from the back side of the product storage conveyance path.
FIG. 5 is a second orientation correcting plate on the front side of the vending machine, and FIG. 5A is a front view of the second orientation correcting plate (viewed from the product storage conveyance path side); ) Is a side view of the second orientation correction plate.
6 is a second orientation correcting plate on the back side of the vending machine, and FIG. 6A is a front view of the second orientation correcting plate (viewed from the product storage conveyance path side); ) Is a side view of the second orientation correction plate.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the vending machine when the direction of the product is corrected by the first and second direction correction plates.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the movement of the vending machine when the direction of the product is corrected by the first and second direction correction plates.
FIG. 9 is a side view showing the internal structure of the vending machine.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a product stored in the vending machine.
FIG. 11 is a side view showing the internal structure of the product storage shelf of the vending machine.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an operation at the time of width adjustment by the input path width regulating plate and the conveyance path width regulating plate of the vending machine.
FIG. 13 is a front view of a second orientation correction plate on the near side of the vending machine according to another embodiment of the present invention (viewed from the product storage and conveyance path side).
FIG. 14 is a front view of the second orientation correction plate on the back side of the vending machine (viewed from the product storage conveyance path side).
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a lower part of a product storage and conveyance path of a vending machine according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view when the first mounting plate, the first orientation correcting plate, and the auxiliary orientation correcting plate of the vending machine are assembled.
FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the first mounting plate, the first orientation correcting plate, the auxiliary orientation correcting plate, and the like of the vending machine.
FIG. 18 is a side view when the first mounting plate, the first orientation correcting plate, and the auxiliary orientation correcting plate of the vending machine are assembled.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the vending machine when the direction of the product is corrected by the first direction correction plate.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the movement of the vending machine when the direction of the product is corrected by the first direction correcting plate.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the vending machine when correcting the product direction using the auxiliary direction correction plate and the second direction correction plate.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the vending machine when correcting the product direction using the auxiliary direction correction plate and the second direction correction plate.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the vending machine when correcting the product direction using the auxiliary direction correction plate and the second direction correction plate.
FIGS. 24A and 24B are diagrams for explaining the operation due to the difference in the shape of the first orientation correcting plate. FIGS.
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a lower part of a commodity storage and conveyance path of a conventional vending machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Vending machine
2 products
4 Product storage transport path
11 Dispensing passage
19 Transport path width restricting plate
24a-24d side
28 First orientation correction plate
28a, 31a Restriction protrusion (regulation part)
29 Second orientation correction plate
29a One division correction plate part
29b The other division correction plate part
30 First horizontal axis
34 First torsion coil spring (first biasing means)
37 Second horizontal axis
41 Second torsion coil spring (second biasing means)
42 Secondary horizontal axis
51 Auxiliary orientation correction plate
51a Folded piece (prevention part)
A Front / rear width of payout passage
C Left and right width of product storage transport path
E Circumferential direction
G Left / right movement range

Claims (8)

  In a vending machine that stores square-shaped products whose outer peripheral surfaces are composed of a plurality of flat side surfaces in a product storage / conveying path and stacked in an upside down position, the goods are stored / conveyed in the product storing / conveying path. A first orientation correcting plate that can freely move in contact with a product that descends in a sideways position in the road and rotates the product in the circumferential direction, and a correct orientation that receives the product rotated by the first orientation correcting plate An apparatus for correcting the direction of a rectangular product in a product storage / conveyance path of a vending machine, wherein a second orientation correction plate that can be freely withdrawn and led is provided. The product is formed in a quadrilateral shape having four side surfaces, a payout passage is formed in the lower part of the product storage and conveyance path, and the first and second orientation correction plates have a surface-to-surface direction between a pair of opposite side surfaces of the product. to face the longitudinal width direction of the payout path, angular product orientation correcting apparatus in items storage conveyance path of the automatic vending machine according to claim 1, wherein modifying the orientation of the product. The first orientation correcting plate is pivotably suspended by a first horizontal axis in the left-right direction provided on one of the front and rear sides of the product storage conveyance path, and protrudes to the other front and rear sides by the first urging means. The second orientation correction plate is pivotably suspended by a second horizontal axis in the left-right direction provided on the other side of the front and rear of the product storage conveyance path, and is moved back and forth by the second biasing means. angular product orientation correcting apparatus in items storage conveyance path of the automatic vending machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it is biased so as to protrude to the side. A width restricting plate for restricting the left and right width of the product storing and transporting path is provided in the product storing and transporting path so as to be movable in the left and right directions according to the length of the product. 4. A device for correcting the direction of a square product in a product storage / conveyance path of a vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the width regulation plate is cut out in correspondence with a lateral movement range of the width regulating plate. A width restricting plate for restricting the left and right widths of the product storage and transport path is provided in the product storage and transport path so as to be movable in the left and right directions according to the length of the product. It is divided | segmented into the board part and the other division correction board part corresponding to the left-right movement range of the said width control board, Only said one division correction board part protrudes to the front-back one side by the 2nd biasing means. is configured, according to claim 3 said other split modifying plate portion, characterized in that the hanging in a second horizontal axes of the right and left direction is configured to be rotatable about the said second transverse axis A device for correcting the direction of a rectangular product in the product storage and conveyance path of the vending machine described above. 4. The product storage and conveyance of the vending machine according to claim 3 , wherein an auxiliary direction correction plate is pivotally suspended on the first direction correction plate via a lateral horizontal axis disposed at the tip thereof. A device for correcting the direction of a square product on a road. A width restricting plate for restricting the left-right width of the product storage transport path is provided in the product storage transport path so as to be movable in the left-right direction according to the length of the product, and the rotation range of the first orientation correction plate is wide. The corner of the vending machine in the product storage / conveyance path according to claim 6 , wherein the first orientation correction plate and the auxiliary orientation correction plate are provided over substantially the entire width of the product storage / conveyance path. -Shaped product orientation correction device. A first mounting plate is provided between the side walls of the product storage and conveyance path and rotatably supports the first orientation correction plate via the first horizontal axis. The first mounting plate and the first mounting plate are provided. A restricting portion for restricting the rotation range of the first orientation correcting plate is formed on at least one of the first orientation correcting plate, one end abutting the first mounting plate and the other end on the first horizontal axis. A first urging means for urging the first direction correcting plate in contact with the first direction correcting plate is provided, and the leading end portion of the first direction correcting plate or the connecting side end portion of the auxiliary direction correcting plate The product storage conveyance path of the vending machine according to claim 6 or 7 , further comprising a removal prevention portion that prevents the auxiliary horizontal shaft connecting the first orientation correction plate and the auxiliary orientation correction plate from being pulled out sideways. A device for correcting the orientation of square products.

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