JP4136683B2

JP4136683B2 - Reciprocating mechanism and product carrying device

Info

Publication number: JP4136683B2
Application number: JP2003020737A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 一弘南; 亮祐久冨; 義人柴田
Original assignee: Fuji Electric Retail Systems Co Ltd
Current assignee: Fuji Electric Retail Systems Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-01-29
Filing date: 2003-01-29
Publication date: 2008-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-29
Also published as: JP2004231343A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、往復移動機構および商品搬出装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
この種の商品搬出装置としては、例えば、図２１に示すものが知られている。この商品搬出装置は、商品１を積層する載置台２に対してその前後方向に沿って往復移動するプッシャ３を備え、このプッシャ３を最下位商品１に押し当てながら移動させることにより、当該最下位商品１の搬出を行うものである。プッシャ３は、図２２および図２３に示すように、ナピアネジ４を用いた往復移動機構５の移動体６に連係されている。この往復移動機構５は、ナピアネジ４の周面に設けた一連の往復螺旋溝４ａに移動体６の従動片７を位置させたもので、ナピアネジ４を一方方向に回転させれば、従動片７が往復螺旋溝４ａに沿って移動することにより移動体６を介してプッシャ３が往復移動するようになる（例えば、特許文献１参照）。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開２０００−２４７４２４号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、上記のような往復移動機構５にあっては、ナピアネジ４の軸心に沿って直線的に移動する移動体６に対して、往復螺旋溝４ａの傾斜方向に沿って移動する従動片７が適宜傾動しなければならない。このため、上述した往復移動機構５では、移動体６に対して従動片７およびこれを支持する支持ピン８をそれぞれ別体に構成し、該従動片７の支持孔７ａに支持ピン８の先端軸を挿通させることにより、移動体６に対して従動片７を傾動させるようにしている。
【０００５】
しかしならが、こうした往復移動機構５では、ナピアネジ４に対して移動体６、従動片７および支持ピン８が必要となるため、部品点数が多いことに起因して組付作業がきわめて煩雑となる。しかも、往復螺旋溝４ａに従動片７を配置した後にナピアネジ４に移動体６を挿通させ、さらに従動片７の支持孔７ａに支持ピン８の先端軸を挿通させなければならず、その作業は困難を極める。
【０００６】
本発明は、上記実情に鑑みて、組付作業を容易化することのできる往復移動機構、およびこれを用いた商品搬出装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、本発明の請求項１に係る往復移動機構は、周面に一連の往復螺旋溝を有した軸部材と、前記軸部材に対して軸心方向に移動可能、かつ軸心回りの回転を規制した状態でガイド孔を介して当該軸部材に挿通させた往復移動体と、前記往復移動体から前記軸部材の往復螺旋溝に臨む態様で配設し、前記軸部材が回転した場合に前記往復螺旋溝に沿って移動することにより、前記往復移動体を前記軸部材の軸心方向に沿って往復移動させる従動片とを備えた往復移動機構において、前記往復移動体にガイド孔に連通する収容孔を形成し、かつこの収容孔に前記従動片を一体に成形した回転駒を回転可能に収容させるとともに、前記往復移動体と前記回転駒との間に少なくとも前記軸部材の軸心に対して前記従動片が傾斜配置された場合に前記回転駒の前記収容孔からの脱落を阻止する係合手段を設けたことを特徴とする。
【０００８】
また、本発明の請求項２に係る往復移動機構は、上述した請求項１において、前記係合手段が、前記往復移動体に一体に形成し、該収容孔に回転駒を挿通させる際に弾性的に変形して当該回転駒の挿通を許容する一方、従動片が往復螺旋溝に達した際に復帰して該回転駒に係合する弾性爪片であることを特徴とする。
【０００９】
また、本発明の請求項３に係る往復移動機構は、上述した請求項１において、前記係合手段が、前記回転駒に一体に形成し、該回転駒の外周面から突出する突部と、前記収容孔の内周面から突出する態様で前記往復移動体に一体に形成し、前記従動片を前記軸部材の軸心に直交する方向に延在させた場合に前記回転駒の挿通を許容する一方、前記従動片を前記軸部材の軸心に対して傾斜させた場合に前記突部に係合する位置に配置される鍔部とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【００１０】
また、本発明の請求項４に係る商品搬出装置は、商品を積層する載置台に対してその前後方向に沿って往復移動するプッシャを備え、このプッシャを最下位商品に押し当てながら前方へ移動させることにより、当該最下位商品の搬出を行う商品搬出装置において、前記プッシャを往復移動させる往復移動機構が、周面に一連の往復螺旋溝を有した軸部材と、ガイド孔を介して前記軸部材の軸心方向に移動可能、かつ軸心回りの回転を規制した状態で当該軸部材に挿通し、該ガイド孔に連通する収容孔を有した往復移動体と、一端部に一体の従動片を有するとともに、この従動片を前記軸部材の往復螺旋溝に位置させた状態で前記往復移動体の収容孔に回転可能に収容し、前記軸部材が回転した場合に前記従動片が往復螺旋溝に沿って移動することにより、前記往復移動体を前記軸部材の軸心方向に沿って往復移動させる回転駒と、前記往復移動体と前記回転駒との間に構成し、少なくとも前記軸部材の軸心に対して前記従動片が傾斜配置された場合に前記回転駒の前記収容孔からの脱落を阻止する係合手段と、前記往復移動体と前記プッシャとを連係する連係手段とを備えたものであることを特徴とする。
【００１１】
また、本発明の請求項５に係る商品搬出装置は、上述した請求項４において、前記係合手段が、前記往復移動体に一体に形成し、該収容孔に回転駒を挿通させる際に弾性的に変形して当該回転駒の挿通を許容する一方、従動片が往復螺旋溝に達した際に復帰して該回転駒に係合する弾性爪片であることを特徴とする。
【００１２】
また、本発明の請求項６に係る商品搬出装置は、上述した請求項４において、前記係合手段が、前記回転駒に一体に形成し、該回転駒の外周面から突出する突部と、前記収容孔の内周面から突出する態様で前記往復移動体に一体に形成し、前記従動片を前記軸部材の軸心に直交する方向に延在させた場合に前記回転駒の挿通を許容する一方、前記従動片を前記軸部材の軸心に対して傾斜させた場合に前記突部に係合する位置に配置される鍔部とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に添付図面を参照して、本発明に係る往復移動機構および商品搬出装置の好適な実施の形態について詳細に説明する。
【００１４】
図１は、本発明の実施の形態である商品搬出装置を示したもので、図８〜図１８は、その適用例を示したものである。ここで例示する商品搬出装置は、タバコ等の箱型の商品を販売する自動販売機に適用され、商品を収納する商品収納コラム３０の下端部に配置されるもので、ＡＢＳ（アクリロニトリル・ブタジエン・スチレン）樹脂等の合成樹脂によって成形したハウジング４０を備えている。
【００１５】
ハウジング４０は、左右一対のケース４０Ｌ，４０Ｒを互いに接合させることによって構成したものである。このハウジング４０には、垂直部４１および載置台部４２を設けてある。垂直部４１は、自動販売機の商品収納コラム３０を構成する後壁３１に嵌め込まれる部分であり、上下方向に沿って延在している。載置台部４２は、商品が積層される載置台を構成する部分であり、垂直部４１のほぼ中間となる部分から前方に向けてほぼ水平に延在している。この載置台部４２の垂直部４１からの前後方向長さは、搬出すべき商品の前後方向長さよりも短く構成してある。載置台部４２の上面は、商品収納コラム３０を構成する前壁３２に設けた搬出口３３の上縁に対して最厚商品、すなわち販売すべき商品のうち最も高さの大きいものの搬出を可能にし、かつ最薄商品、すなわち販売すべき商品のうち最も高さの小さいものを唯一搬出できる高さに設定してある。載置台部４２の上面中央部には、後述するプッシャ５０を突出させるための往復溝４３が前後方向に沿って全域に形成してあるとともに、左ケース４０Ｌの上面には、後述する売切検知レバー６０を出没させるための検知溝４４が前後方向に沿って形成してある。また、垂直部４１の前面における載置台部４２の上面との会合部には、後述するプッシャ５０の押板５１を収容するための格納凹部４５が設けてある。
【００１６】
また、上述したハウジング４０には、図２に示すように、右ケース４０Ｒに往復移動機構７０およびプッシャ５０が設けてある一方、図３に示すように、左ケース４０Ｌに売切検知レバー６０、駆動源８０、案内溝９０、待機支持部材１００、搬出支持部材１１０、待機支持駆動体１２０および搬出支持駆動体１３０が設けてある。
【００１７】
往復移動機構７０は、いわゆるナピアネジ機構と称されるもので、図２および図５〜図７に示すように、軸部材７１および往復移動体７２を備えている。
【００１８】
軸部材７１は、周面に一連の往復螺旋溝７１１を有した円柱状部材である。この軸部材７１は、載置台部４２の内部に前後方向に沿ってほぼ水平に配設してあり、軸心を中心として回転することが可能である。軸部材７１の基端部には、ドリブンギヤ７１２が一体に成形してある。このドリブンギヤ７１２は、右ケース４０Ｒに収納させた歯車列７３に歯合するものである。
【００１９】
往復移動体７２は、ブロック状を成すもので、その前端面から後端面に亘る部位にガイド孔７２１を有している。この往復移動体７２は、ガイド孔７２１に軸部材７１を嵌挿させることにより、軸部材７１の軸心方向に沿って移動が可能である一方、右ケース４０Ｒの載置台部４２を構成する下壁に対して、下端面に設けた移動当接部７２２が近接配置してあり、軸部材７１に対する軸心回りの回転を規制してある。
【００２０】
また、往復移動体７２には、その左側面に案内突部７２３を一体に設けてあるとともに、その上端面から下端面に亘る部位に収容孔７２４を設けてある。
【００２１】
案内突部７２３は、円柱状を成すもので、往復移動体７２の上端前方隅部から左方に向けてほぼ水平に突設してある。
【００２２】
収容孔７２４は、その軸心をガイド孔７２１の軸心に対して直交させる態様で形成したもので、その上端部周面に一対の弾性爪片７２５を備えている。これら一対の弾性爪片７２５は、往復移動体７２と一体に成形したもので、個々の上端部に爪部７２５ａを有している。爪部７２５ａは、互いに内方に向けて略直角に突出した後、上方に向けて漸次外方に傾斜する形状を成しており、弾性爪片７２５が常態にある場合に収容孔７２４の内周面から内方に向けて突出する一方、弾性舌片が外方に向けて弾性的に変形した場合に収容孔７２４の内周面よりも外方に位置するように形成してある。
【００２３】
この収容孔７２４には、回転駒７４を収容させてある。回転駒７４は、往復移動体７２の収容孔７２４に対して回転可能に嵌合する円柱状の太径部７４１と、この太径部７４１の上端に設けた細径部７４２と、太径部７４１の下端に設けた従動片７４３とを一体に成形したものである。従動片７４３は、軸部材７１の往復螺旋溝７１１よりも幅を狭く、下端縁を円弧状に形成したもので、往復螺旋溝７１１に位置させた状態で軸部材７１を軸心回りに回転させた場合に、該往復螺旋溝７１１に沿って移動することが可能である。この回転駒７４は、従動片７４３を下方に向けた状態で収容孔７２４に挿入すれば、太径部７４１が爪部７２５ａに摺接することにより弾性爪片７２５が弾性的に拡開変形し、従動片７４３を軸部材７１の往復螺旋溝７１１に位置させることができるとともに、自己の軸心回りに回転することによって従動片７４３を軸部材７１に対して適宜傾動させることが可能である。従動片７４３が軸部材７１の往復螺旋溝７１１に位置すると、弾性爪片７２５の爪部７２５ａが細径部７４２に位置して弾性爪片７２５が復帰移動し、各爪部７２５ａが太径部７４１と細径部７４２との間の段部に係合することになり、回転駒７４の収容孔７２４からの脱落が阻止されるようになる。すなわち、本実施の形態の往復移動機構は、従動片７４３を一体に形成した回転駒７４を往復移動体７２の収容孔７２４に挿入しさえすれば、該従動片７４３を脱落することなく往復移動体７２に保持させることができるようになり、従来のものに比べてその組立作業性が著しく向上するようになる。
【００２４】
プッシャ５０は、往復溝４３を通じて載置台部４２の上面から突出し、商品を押し出すためのもので、図５に示すように、板状を成す主板５２に押板５１および突条部５３を有して構成してある。押板５１は、商品を押し出す際に該商品に直接当接する部分であり、主板５２の上端前部から左右方向に沿ってほぼ水平に延在している。この押板５１の長さは、ハウジング４０に設けた格納凹部４５に収容できる長さに形成してある。突条部５３は、主板５２の左側面からその下端縁に沿って突出した部分である。
【００２５】
また、プッシャ５０の主板５２には、案内凹所となる溝孔５４を設けてある。溝孔５４は、往復移動体７２に設けた案内突部７２３の外径と同一の幅を有した長孔であり、上方に向けて漸次前方に傾斜延在している。この溝孔５４は、案内突部７２３を上端に位置させた場合に載置台部４２の上面からのプッシャ５０の突出量が最薄商品よりも低い位置となる一方、案内突部７２３を下方に位置させた場合に載置台部４２の上面からのプッシャ５０の突出量が最厚商品の高さの１／２を超える位置となるように形成してある。
【００２６】
売切検知レバー６０は、図１、図３および図６に示すように、その先端部が検知溝４４から載置台部４２の上面に出没する態様で左ケース４０Ｌに揺動可能に支承させ、該検知溝４４から突出した場合に、図示せぬセンサを通じて載置台部４２の上面に商品が無いことを検出するものである。
【００２７】
駆動源８０は、電動モータ等の回転アクチュエータであり、その出力軸にドライブギヤ８１を備えている。この駆動源８０は、左右のケース４０Ｌ，４０Ｒを互いに接合させた際に、右ケース４０Ｒの歯車列７３に対してドライブギヤ８１を歯合させることのできる位置に設けてある。
【００２８】
案内溝９０は、左右のケース４０Ｌ，４０Ｒを互いに接合させた際にプッシャ５０に設けた突条部５３を収容し、該突条部５３を介してプッシャ５０を載置台部４２の前後方向に沿って案内するための溝状部である。図３からも明らかなように、この案内溝９０は、後端側となる部分が載置台部４２の下方においてほぼ水平に延在する一方、前端側となる部分が上方に向けて延在している。案内溝９０の後端側となる部分は、載置台部４２の上面からのプッシャ５０の突出量が最薄商品の高さの小さいものよりも低くなるように形成してある一方、上方に向けて延在する部分は、載置台部４２の上面からのプッシャ５０の突出量が最厚商品の高さの１／２を超えるように形成してある。
【００２９】
待機支持部材１００は、図１および図４に示すように、円筒状を成す待機軸受部１０１の周面に待機支持部１０２および待機作用部１０３を有したもので、該待機軸受部１０１を介して左ケース４０Ｌの前端部に揺動可能に配設してある。待機支持部１０２は、待機軸受部１０１の周面から径外方向に向けて延在した後、一旦右ケース４０Ｒ側に屈曲し、さらに径外方向に向けて延在したもので、最も上方に揺動させた場合に、その先端部が載置台部４２に設けた往復溝４３の延長上に位置している。待機支持部１０２の先端部には、ストッパ部１０４を設けてある。このストッパ部１０４は、待機支持部１０２からほぼ直角となる方向に屈曲した部分であり、待機支持部１０２を最も上方に揺動させた場合に載置台部４２の上面から突出し、かつ垂直部４１からの前後方向長さが商品の前後方向長さよりも大きくなるように形成してある。待機作用部１０３は、待機支持部１０２を最も上方に揺動させた場合に待機軸受部１０１の周面から後方に向けて延在した部分である。
【００３０】
搬出支持部材１１０は、円筒状を成す搬出軸受部１１１の周面に搬出支持部１１２および搬出作用部１１３を有したもので、該搬出軸受部１１１を介して待機軸受部１０１と同一軸心上となる位置に揺動可能に配設してある。搬出支持部１１２は、搬出軸受部１１１の周面から径外方向に向けて延在した後、一旦右ケース４０Ｒ側に屈曲し、さらに径外方向に向けて幅広に延在したもので、最も上方に揺動させた場合に、その先端部が載置台部４２の前端と待機支持部材１００のストッパ部１０４との間に位置している。この搬出支持部１１２は、待機支持部１０２とともに最も上方に揺動させた場合に待機支持部１０２よりも上方側に位置し、その下面に待機支持部１０２が当接するように形成してある。搬出作用部１１３は、搬出支持部１１２を最も上方に揺動させた場合に搬出軸受部１１１の周面から後方に向けて延在した部分である。
【００３１】
待機支持駆動体１２０は、図１、図３および図４に示すように、上下方向に沿って前後に延びるプレートの待機基部１２１と、この待機基部１２１の先端から側方に向けて屈曲延在した待機規制部１２２とを備えたもので、該待機規制部１２２を待機支持部材１００の待機作用部１０３に対応させた状態で載置台部４２の内部にその前後方向に沿って移動可能に配設してある。
【００３２】
この待機支持駆動体１２０は、載置台部４２に対してその後端側となる位置に占位した場合に、図９に示すように、待機規制部１２２の下端面が待機作用部１０３の突出端部上面に当接し、待機支持部材１００を最も上方に揺動させた状態に保持する一方、載置台部４２に対してその前端側となる位置に占位した場合に、図１１に示すように、待機規制部１２２が待機軸受部１０１よりも前端側に位置し、待機支持部材１００の下方への揺動を許容するように機能する。
【００３３】
また、この待機支持駆動体１２０には、図３および図４に示すように、第１当接片１２３および第２当接片１２４を設けてある。第１当接片１２３および第２当接片１２４は、それぞれ待機基部１２１から右ケース４０Ｒ側に突出する態様で一体に形成したもので、互いに同一の高さとなる位置に並設してある。これら第１当接片１２３および第２当接片１２４は、待機基部１２１の前後方向に沿った押圧力が与えられた場合に弾性的に変形するように適宜屈曲形成してあり、それぞれ左ケース４０Ｌにおいて案内溝９０よりも上方となる位置に設けた一対の上方開口溝４６，４７を介してプッシャ５０における主板５２の移動域に臨んで配置してある。
【００３４】
搬出支持駆動体１３０は、図４に示すように、上下方向に沿って前後に延びるプレート状の搬出基部１３１と、この搬出基部１３１の先端から側方に向けて屈曲延在した搬出規制部１３２と、搬出基部１３１の基端から下方に向けて屈曲延在した検出突部１３３と、搬出基部１３１の下端から搬出規制部１３２とは逆方向に屈曲延在した受圧板部１３４とを備えたもので、搬出規制部１３２を搬出支持部材１１０の搬出作用部１１３に対応させた状態で載置台部４２の内部にその前後方向に沿って移動可能に配設してある。検出突部１３３は、左ケース４０Ｌに配設したストローク検出センサ１４０をＯＮ／ＯＦＦさせるためのものである。受圧板部１３４には、その前端に前方受圧突起１３５を設けてあるとともに、その後端に後方受圧突起１３６を設けてある。これら前方受圧突起１３５および後方受圧突起１３６は、待機支持駆動体１２０に設けた第１当接片１２３および第２当接片１２４の相互間隔よりも十分に大きな間隔を持って形成してあり、左ケース４０Ｌにおいて案内溝９０よりも下方となる位置に設けた下方開口溝４８を介してそれぞれ往復移動体７２における移動当接部７２２の移動域に臨んで配置してある。
【００３５】
この搬出支持駆動体１３０は、載置台部４２に対してその後端側となる位置に占位した場合に、図９に示すように、搬出規制部１３２の下端面が搬出作用部１１３の突出端部上面に当接し、搬出支持部材１１０を最も上方に揺動させた状態に保持する一方、載置台部４２に対してその前端側となる位置に占位した場合に、図１５に示すように、搬出規制部１３２が搬出軸受部１１１よりも前端側に位置し、搬出支持部材１１０の下方への揺動を許容するように機能する。また、図８に示すように、搬出支持駆動体１３０が載置台部４２に対して後端側となる位置に占位した場合には、ストローク検出センサ１４０に対して検出突部１３３が後方に位置し、該ストローク検出センサ１４０をＯＦＦした状態に保持する一方、搬出支持駆動体１３０が載置台部４２に対して前端側となる位置に占位した場合には、図１４に示すように、検出突部１３３がストローク検出センサ１４０をＯＮする位置となる。
【００３６】
なお、上述した軸部材７１、往復移動体７２、歯車列７３、回転駒７４、プッシャ５０、売切検知レバー６０、ドライブギヤ８１、待機支持部材１００、搬出支持部材１１０、待機支持駆動体１２０、搬出支持駆動体１３０に関しては、それぞれをポリアセタール等の合成樹脂によって成形してある。
【００３７】
図８〜図１８は、上述した商品搬出装置を適用する自動販売機において、特に最薄商品２００を販売する際の動作を示したものである。以下、これらの図を適宜参照しながら本実施の形態の商品搬出装置について詳述する。
【００３８】
まず、上記商品搬出装置では、図８に示すように、往復移動体７２が載置台部４２の最も後端側に位置し、移動当接部７２２の後端面に搬出支持駆動体１３０の後方受圧突起１３６が当接した状態が商品販売待機状態となっている。
【００３９】
この商品販売待機状態においては、待機支持駆動体１２０および搬出支持駆動体１３０がそれぞれ載置台部４２の最も後端側に位置している。従って、ストローク検出センサ１４０に対して検出突部１３３が後方に位置し、該ストローク検出センサ１４０がＯＦＦ状態となる。また、図９に示すように、待機支持駆動体１２０の待機規制部１２２が待機支持部材１００における待機作用部１０３の上面に位置し、待機支持部材１００が最も上方に揺動することによって待機支持部１０２が載置台部４２の上面延長上に位置することになるとともに、搬出支持駆動体１３０の搬出規制部１３２が搬出支持部材１１０における搬出作用部１１３の上面に位置し、搬出支持部材１１０が最も上方に揺動することによって搬出支持部１１２が載置台部４２の上面延長上に位置することになる。この結果、載置台部４２の前端から突出する商品２００の前端部下面がこれら待機支持部材１００および搬出支持部材１１０によって支持されるとともに、待機支持部材１００のストッパ部１０４が商品２００の前端面に係合することになり、例えば悪意のあるものが自動販売機を前後方向に揺すったとしても、商品２００の残数に関わらず、載置台部４２の上面に積層した商品２００の積層姿勢が乱れたり、搬出口３３に落下する虞れがない。
【００４０】
上述した商品販売待機状態から販売指令が与えられると、商品搬出装置の図示せぬ制御部は、駆動源８０を駆動することにより、ドライブギヤ８１、歯車列７３およびドリブンギヤ７１２を介して往復移動機構７０の軸部材７１を一方方向に向けて回転させる。軸部材７１が回転すると、その往復螺旋溝７１１に沿って従動片７４３が適宜傾動しながら往動することにより、往復移動体７２が載置台部４２の前端方向に向けて直線的な移動を開始する。
【００４１】
ここで、従動片７４３の傾動に伴って回転駒７４が回転した場合にも、一対の弾性爪片７２５の爪部７２５ａが回転駒７４に係合しているため、当該回転駒７４が往復移動体７２の収容孔７２４から脱落することはない。
【００４２】
往復移動体７２の移動は、案内突部７２３を介してプッシャ５０に伝達されることになり、結局、プッシャ５０が案内溝９０に沿って前端側に移動を開始することになる。
【００４３】
プッシャ５０が前端側に移動を開始すると、図１０に示すように、プッシャ５０における主板５２の前端が待機支持駆動体１２０の第１当接片１２３に当接することになり、該第１当接片１２３を介して待機支持駆動体１２０を載置台部４２の前端側に移動させる。この結果、図１１に示すように、待機支持駆動体１２０の待機規制部１２２が待機軸受部１０１よりも前端側に位置し、待機支持部材１００の下方への揺動が許容されることになるため、その自重により待機支持部材１００が下方へ揺動した状態に保持され、載置台部４２に対する最下位商品２００の前端側への移動が許容されるようになる。但し、搬出支持部材１１０に関しては、搬出支持駆動体１３０が継続して載置台部４２の後端側に位置しているため、載置台部４２の上面延長上に位置した状態のままとなる。
【００４４】
上述した状態からさらに軸部材７１が回転すると、往復移動体７２が前端側へ移動するため、プッシャ５０も前端側へ移動することになる。この場合、待機支持駆動体１２０が載置台部４２の前端側に移動した後においては、プッシャ５０の主板５２が第１当接片１２３、さらには第２当接片１２４に当接した場合、これら第１当接片１２３および第２当接片１２４が弾性的に変形し、プッシャ５０における主板５２の移動域から待避することになるため、待機支持駆動体１２０の位置を変更することなくプッシャ５０の前端側への移動が順次許容されるようになる。なお、これら第１当接片１２３および第２当接片１２４は、プッシャ５０が通過した後において弾性復帰し、再びプッシャ５０における主板５２の移動域に突出した状態となるのはいうまでもない。
【００４５】
プッシャ５０が前端側に移動すると、やがてプッシャ５０の押板５１が最下位商品２００の後端面に当接し、載置台部４２に対して最下位商品２００を前端側へ押し出すようになる。この場合、上述したように、プッシャ５０の突条部５３が案内溝９０の後端側となる部分に位置している間においては、載置台部４２の上面からのプッシャ５０の突出量が最薄商品２００の高さよりも小さくなっているため、プッシャ５０の押板５１が次販売商品２００の後端面に当接することはなく、最下位商品２００のみが前端側へ押し出されることになる。
【００４６】
ここで、上述した動作の間、載置台部４２の前端からの最下位商品２００の突出長さが全長の１／２を超えると、本来であれば、当該最下位商品２００が前傾姿勢となり、プッシャ５０の押板５１が後端面から外れてしまう場合がある。また、最薄商品２００の場合には、最下位商品２００とともに次販売商品２００が載置台部４２の上面において前傾姿勢となり、そのまま２つの商品２００が搬出口３３から落下する虞れがある。
【００４７】
しかしながら、本実施の形態の商品搬出装置によれば、図１２に示すように、プッシャ５０の前端側への移動が進行すると、やがてプッシャ５０が載置台部４２の上面に対して上動し、最下位商品２００の後端面に対してより高い位置でこれを押し出すようになり、当該最下位商品２００の搬出が安定したものとなる。しかも、プッシャ５０の前端側への移動が進行した状態であっても、最下位商品２００の前端部下面が搬出支持部材１１０によって継続的に支持されるため、図１３に示すように、プッシャ５０が十分に前端側へ移動した時点で初めて最下位商品２００が前傾姿勢となる一方、次販売商品２００が後傾姿勢となる。従って、奥行き寸法の短縮化を図るべく、載置台部４２の前後方向長さを搬出すべき商品の前後方向長さよりも短く構成した商品搬出装置であっても、プッシャ５０の押板５１が初期の状態において商品２００の後端面から外れてしまう事態を防止できるとともに、２つの商品２００が同時に搬出される事態を招来する虞れもない。
【００４８】
さらに、最薄商品２００の搬出を行う場合、本実施の形態の商品搬出装置によれば、前端側へ移動する途中においてプッシャ５０が最下位商品２００に代わって次販売商品２００の下面に当接することになるため、最下位商品２００に加わる荷重を減じることができるようになる。従って、最下位商品２００の前端部が上方に跳ね上げられる事態を防止できるばかりでなく、最下位商品２００が前傾姿勢を取り易くなり、搬出姿勢を安定化して商品詰まりを招来する虞れもない。
【００４９】
図１３に示すように、最下位商品２００が前傾姿勢となるまでプッシャ５０が移動した状態においては、往復移動体７２に設けた移動当接部７２２の前端面が搬出支持駆動体１３０の前方受圧突起１３５に当接し、プッシャ５０の移動とともに搬出支持駆動体１３０が前端側へ移動することになる。この結果、図１５に示すように、搬出支持駆動体１３０の搬出規制部１３２が搬出軸受部１１１よりも前端側に位置し、搬出支持部材１１０の下方への揺動が許容されることになるため、その自重により搬出支持部材１１０が下方へ揺動した状態に保持される。つまり、図１４に示すように、最下位商品２００が搬出口３３を通じて搬出される際には、待機支持部材１００および搬出支持部材１１０の双方が下方に揺動し、最下位商品２００の搬出域から待避することになるため、これら待機支持部材１００および搬出支持部材１１０が最下位商品２００の搬出を妨げる虞れがない。
【００５０】
しかも、往復移動体７２とプッシャ５０との間は、上方に向けて載置台部４２の前端側に傾斜する溝孔５４を介して連係してある。従って、図１４に示すように、往復移動体７２が載置台部４２の内部において軸部材７１の前端部に達した場合、プッシャ５０を載置台部４２の前端から突出するように移動させることができるようになり、最下位商品２００の搬出がより確実となる。
【００５１】
また、次販売商品２００の下面に当接したプッシャ５０は、図１４に示すように、載置台部４２の上面と、後傾した次販売商品２００の前端面下縁との間に最下位商品２００の高さよりも大きな間隙を確保することになる。従って、最下位商品２００が前傾姿勢となって載置台部４２から搬出される際に次販売商品２００が当該最下位商品２００に対して影響を及ぼすこともなく、安定した搬出を行うことが可能となる。
【００５２】
図１４に示すように、搬出支持駆動体１３０が載置台部４２の前端側に移動すると、検出突部１３３がストローク検出センサ１４０の検出子を押圧し、該ストローク検出センサ１４０をＯＮする。ストローク検出センサ１４０からＯＮ信号を与えられた図示せぬ制御部は、駆動源８０による軸部材７１の回転を一旦停止し、つまりプッシャ５０を載置台部４２の前端部で一旦停止させ、その後、再び駆動源８０を駆動することにより、軸部材７１を同方向に回転させて往復移動体７２の移動を再開する。このとき、軸部材７１の前端部に達した往復移動体７２は、従動片７４３が往復螺旋溝７１１に沿って軸部材７１を復動することにより、載置台部４２の後端方向に向けて直線的な移動を開始し、結局、プッシャ５０を案内溝９０に沿って後端側に移動させることになる。
【００５３】
プッシャ５０が後端側に移動を開始すると、図１６に示すように、プッシャ５０における主板５２の前端が待機支持駆動体１２０の第２当接片１２４に当接することになり、該第２当接片１２４を介して待機支持駆動体１２０を載置台部４２の後端側に移動させる。この結果、図１７に示すように、待機支持駆動体１２０の待機規制部１２２が待機軸受部１０１を超えて後端側に移動し、待機作用部１０３を介して待機支持部材１００を最も上方に揺動させることにより、待機支持部１０２が再び載置台部４２の上面延長上に位置することになる。このとき、待機支持部材１００は、上方に向けて揺動する際に、搬出支持部材１１０の下面に当接することにより、当該搬出支持部材１１０をも最も上方に揺動させ、搬出支持部１１２を載置台部４２の上面延長上に位置させるようになる。この結果、図１８に示すように、プッシャ５０の後端側への移動に伴って次販売商品２００が前傾姿勢となった場合であっても、これら待機支持部材１００および搬出支持部材１１０によって次販売商品２００を支持することができるとともに、待機支持部材１００のストッパ部１０４が次販売商品２００の前端面に係合することになり、搬出口３３に落下する事態を招来する虞れがない。
【００５４】
ここで、上記商品搬出装置によれば、上述したように、プッシャ５０が最も前端側へ移動した後、暫時駆動源８０の駆動を停止し、その後にプッシャ５０の後端側への移動を開始するようにしているため、最下位商品２００が確実に搬出された後に、待機支持部材１００や搬出支持部材１１０が上方に揺動されることになる。従って、これら上方に揺動する待機支持部材１００や搬出支持部材１１０と最下位商品２００とが相互に干渉する虞れはなく、相互干渉による商品詰まりが招来されることもない。
【００５５】
なお、待機支持駆動体１２０が載置台部４２の後端側に移動した後においては、プッシャ５０の主板５２が第２当接片１２４、さらには第１当接片１２３に当接した場合、これら第２当接片１２４および第１当接片１２３が弾性的に変形し、プッシャ５０における主板５２の移動域から待避することになるため、待機支持駆動体１２０の位置を変更することなくプッシャ５０の後端側への移動が順次許容されるようになる。また、これら第２当接片１２４および第１当接片１２３は、プッシャ５０が通過した後において弾性復帰し、再びプッシャ５０における主板５２の移動域に突出した状態となる。
【００５６】
図１８に示すように、プッシャ５０が載置台部４２の後端側まで移動すると、往復移動体７２に設けた移動当接部７２２の後端面が搬出支持駆動体１３０の後方受圧突起１３６に当接し、プッシャ５０の移動とともに搬出支持駆動体１３０が後端側へ移動することになる。この結果、図９に示すように、搬出支持駆動体１３０の搬出規制部１３２が搬出作用部１１３の上面に位置し、搬出支持部材１１０が搬出支持駆動体１３０によって最も上方に揺動した状態に保持されることになる。
【００５７】
最終的にプッシャ５０が格納凹部４５に収容された状態まで移動すると、再び、図８に示す商品販売待機状態に復帰し、この状態がストローク検出センサ１４０のＯＦＦによって検出される。ストローク検出センサ１４０からＯＦＦ信号が与えられた図示せぬ制御部は、駆動源８０によるプッシャ５０の移動を停止し、販売指令を待つ。
【００５８】
以降、販売指令が与えられた場合に上述した動作が繰り返し実行され、載置台部４２に積層した商品２００が下方に位置するものから順次一つずつ搬出されることになる。なお、プッシャ５０の往復移動の際に売切検知レバー６０が揺動することになるものの、往復移動体７２を駆動する駆動源８０が動作している間は、売切検知レバー６０の揺動を検出した場合にもこれを無視するように構成してある。
【００５９】
以上説明したように、本実施の形態の商品搬出装置によれば、往復移動体７２の収容孔７２４に一対の弾性爪片７２５を設けるとともに、回転駒７４に従動片７４３を一体に形成し、該収容孔７２４に回転駒７４を収容させることによって従動片７４３を軸部材７１の往復螺旋溝７１１に位置させ、かつ弾性爪片７２５によってその脱落を阻止するようにしているため、部品点数が増える事態を防止できるとともに、組付作業をきわめて容易に行うことができるようになる。
【００６０】
なお、上述した実施の形態では、往復移動体に設けた弾性爪片によって回転駒の脱落を阻止するようにしているが、その他の係合手段を適用することも可能である。
【００６１】
例えば、図１９に示す変形例では、往復移動体１０７２の収容孔１７２４に一対の鍔部１７２６を設けてある。鍔部１７２６は、収容孔１７２４の中間部において前端側および後端側となる部位から互いに対向するように内方に向けて突設したもので、左右に位置する相互間に挿通用間隙１７２７を確保してある。
【００６２】
一方、回転駒１０７４としては、往復移動体１０７２の収容孔１７２４よりも細径で鍔部１７２６に対して回転可能に嵌合される円柱状の頭部１７４１と、この頭部１７４１の下端から径外方向に膨出し、収容孔１７２４に対して回転可能に嵌合する幅を有した従動片１７４２とを一体に成形したものを適用している。
【００６３】
上記のように構成した往復移動機構１０７０では、図２０（ａ）に示すように、往復移動体１０７２を軸部材１０７１のいずれか一方の端部に位置させ、かつ回転駒１０７４の従動片１７４２を鍔部１７２６の挿通用間隙１７２７に合致させた状態、つまり従動片１７４２を軸部材１０７１の軸心に対して直交する方向に向けた状態で当該回転駒１０７４を往復移動体１０７２の収容孔１７２４に挿入しさえすれば、従動片１７４２を軸部材１０７１の往復螺旋溝（図示せず）に位置させることができるとともに、自己の軸心回りに回転することによって従動片１７４２を軸部材１０７１に対して適宜傾動させることが可能である。
【００６４】
ここで、上述した状態から軸部材１０７１が軸心回りに回転すると、従動片１７４２が軸部材１０７１の軸心に対して傾斜することになる。この状態においては、図２０（ｂ）に示すように、従動片１７４２の両端部が収容孔１７２４においてそれぞれ鍔部１７２６の下方域に位置することになり、これら従動片１７４２と鍔部１７２６とが相互に当接することによって回転駒１０７４の収容孔１７２４からの脱落が阻止されるようになる。すなわち、この変形例の往復移動機構１０７０においても、従動片１７４２を一体に形成した回転駒１０７４を往復移動体１０７２の収容孔１７２４に挿入しさえすれば、該従動片１７４２を脱落することなく往復移動体１０７２に保持させることができるようになり、従来のものに比べてその組立作業性が著しく向上するようになる。
【００６５】
なお、上述した変形例にあっては、従動片１７４２が軸部材１０７１の軸心に対して直交する方向に向いた状態にある場合、該従動片１７４２と収容孔１７２４の鍔部１７２６とを当接させることができない。しかしながら、従動片１７４２が軸部材１０７１の軸心に対して直交する方向に向くのは当該軸部材１０７１の両端部のみであり、しかも往復移動体１０７２の軸心方向に沿った移動が「０」となる部位であるため、そもそも従動片１７４２を往復移動体１０７２から脱落させるための力もほとんど作用していない。従って、従動片１７４２が軸部材１０７１の軸心に対して傾斜した状態のみ回転駒１０７４の脱落を阻止するようにした変形例においても十分にその機能を果たすようになる。
【００６６】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、回転駒に従動片を一体に成形するとともに、往復移動体の収容孔に回転駒の脱落を阻止する係合手段を設けているため、部品点数が増える事態を防止できるとともに、組付作業をきわめて容易に行うことができるようになる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の形態である商品搬出装置を示した斜視図である。
【図２】図１に示した商品搬出装置に適用する右ケースの内部を示す側面図である。
【図３】図１に示した商品搬出装置に適用する左ケースの内部を示す側面図である。
【図４】図１に示した商品搬出装置に適用する待機支持部材、搬出支持部材、待機支持駆動体および搬出支持駆動体を示す分解斜視図である。
【図５】図１に示した商品搬出装置に適用する往復駆動機構、駆動源およびプッシャを示す分解斜視図である。
【図６】図１に示した商品搬出装置に適用する売切検知レバーを示す斜視図である。
【図７】（ａ）は、図１に示した商品搬出機構の往復移動機構に適用する往復移動体および回転駒の分解斜視図、（ｂ）は、往復移動機構の横断面図である。
【図８】図１に示した商品搬出装置を適用する自動販売機の販売待機状態を示す概念図である。
【図９】図８に示した販売待機状態における待機支持部材、搬出支持部材、待機支持駆動体および搬出支持駆動体の関係を示す概念図である。
【図１０】図８に示した状態よりもプッシャが前端側へ移動した状態を示す概念図である。
【図１１】図１０に示した状態における待機支持部材、搬出支持部材、待機支持駆動体および搬出支持駆動体の関係を示す概念図である。
【図１２】図１０に示した状態よりもプッシャが前端側へ移動した状態を示す概念図である。
【図１３】図１２に示した状態よりもプッシャが前端側へ移動した状態を示す概念図である。
【図１４】プッシャが載置台に対して最も前端側へ移動した状態を示す概念図である。
【図１５】図１４に示した状態における待機支持部材、搬出支持部材、待機支持駆動体および搬出支持駆動体の関係を示す概念図である。
【図１６】図１５に示した状態よりもプッシャが後端側へ移動した状態を示す概念図である。
【図１７】図１６に示した状態における待機支持部材、搬出支持部材、待機支持駆動体および搬出支持駆動体の関係を示す概念図である。
【図１８】図１６に示した状態よりもプッシャが後端側へ移動した状態を示す概念図である。
【図１９】往復移動機構の変形例を示した要部分解斜視図である。
【図２０】図１９に示した往復移動機構の作用を示すもので、（ａ）は軸部材の軸心に対して従動片が直角に位置した状態を示す平面図、（ｂ）は軸部材の軸心に対して従動片が傾動した状態を示す平面図である。
【図２１】従来の商品搬出装置を示す側面図である。
【図２２】図２１に示した商品搬出装置に適用される往復移動機構を示した側面図である。
【図２３】図２２に示した往復移動機構の要部横断面図である。
【符号の説明】
３０商品収納コラム
３１後壁
３２前壁
３３搬出口
４０ハウジング
４０Ｌ，４０Ｒケース
４１垂直部
４２載置台部
４３往復溝
４４検知溝
４５格納凹部
４６，４７上方開口溝
４８下方開口溝
５０プッシャ
５１押板
５２主板
５３突条部
５４溝孔
６０売切検知レバー
７０往復移動機構
７１軸部材
７２往復移動体
７３歯車列
７４回転駒
８０駆動源
８１ドライブギヤ
９０案内溝
１００待機支持部材
１０１待機軸受部
１０２待機支持部
１０３待機作用部
１０４ストッパ部
１１０搬出支持部材
１１１搬出軸受部
１１２搬出支持部
１１３搬出作用部
１２０待機支持駆動体
１２１待機基部
１２２待機規制部
１２３第１当接片
１２４第２当接片
１３０搬出支持駆動体
１３１搬出基部
１３２搬出規制部
１３３検出突部
１３４受圧板部
１３５前方受圧突起
１３６後方受圧突起
１４０ストローク検出センサ
２００商品
７１１往復螺旋溝
７１２ドリブンギヤ
７２１ガイド孔
７２２移動当接部
７２３案内突部
７２４収容孔
７２５弾性爪片
７２５ａ爪部
７４１太径部
７４２細径部
７４３従動片
１０７０往復移動機構
１０７１軸部材
１０７２往復移動体
１０７４回転駒
１７２４収容孔
１７２６鍔部
１７２７挿通用間隙
１７４１頭部
１７４２従動片[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a reciprocating mechanism and a product carry-out device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As this kind of product carry-out device, for example, the one shown in FIG. 21 is known. This product carry-out apparatus is provided with a pusher 3 that reciprocates along the front-rear direction with respect to the mounting table 2 on which the product 1 is stacked, and moves the pusher 3 while pressing the pusher 3 against the lowest product 1. The lower product 1 is carried out. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the pusher 3 is linked to a moving body 6 of a reciprocating mechanism 5 using a napier screw 4. The reciprocating mechanism 5 has a driven piece 7 of a moving body 6 positioned in a series of reciprocating spiral grooves 4a provided on the peripheral surface of the napier screw 4. If the napier screw 4 is rotated in one direction, the driven piece 7 Moves along the reciprocating spiral groove 4a, whereby the pusher 3 reciprocates via the moving body 6 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-247424 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the reciprocating mechanism 5 as described above, the follower piece 7 moves along the inclination direction of the reciprocating spiral groove 4a with respect to the moving body 6 that moves linearly along the axis of the napier screw 4. Must tilt as appropriate. Therefore, in the reciprocating mechanism 5 described above, the driven piece 7 and the support pin 8 that supports the driven piece 7 are configured separately from the moving body 6, and the tip of the support pin 8 is inserted into the support hole 7 a of the driven piece 7. The driven piece 7 is tilted with respect to the moving body 6 by inserting the shaft.
[0005]
However, in such a reciprocating mechanism 5, the moving body 6, the follower piece 7, and the support pin 8 are required for the napier screw 4, and the assembly work becomes extremely complicated due to the large number of parts. . Moreover, after the driven piece 7 is disposed after the reciprocating spiral groove 4a, the moving body 6 must be inserted into the napier screw 4, and the tip shaft of the support pin 8 must be inserted into the support hole 7a of the driven piece 7. Extremely difficult.
[0006]
In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a reciprocating mechanism capable of facilitating assembling work, and a product carry-out apparatus using the same.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a reciprocating mechanism according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a shaft member having a series of reciprocating spiral grooves on a peripheral surface thereof, movable in an axial direction with respect to the shaft member, and A reciprocating body inserted through the shaft member through a guide hole in a state in which the rotation around the shaft center is restricted, and a mode in which the reciprocating body faces the reciprocating spiral groove of the shaft member. A reciprocating mechanism including a driven piece that reciprocates along the axial direction of the shaft member by moving along the reciprocating spiral groove when the reciprocating member moves. An accommodation hole communicating with the guide hole, and a rotatable piece integrally formed with the driven piece is rotatably accommodated in the accommodation hole, and at least the shaft is provided between the reciprocating body and the rotary piece. The driven piece is inclined with respect to the axis of the member Characterized by providing an engaging means for preventing falling off from the accommodation hole of the rotary piece when it is location.
[0008]
The reciprocating mechanism according to claim 2 of the present invention is the reciprocating mechanism according to claim 1 described above, wherein the engaging means is formed integrally with the reciprocating body and is elastic when the rotating piece is inserted into the accommodation hole. The elastic claw piece is an elastic claw piece which is deformed to allow insertion of the rotating piece while returning to engage with the rotating piece when the driven piece reaches the reciprocating spiral groove.
[0009]
A reciprocating mechanism according to a third aspect of the present invention is the reciprocating mechanism according to the first aspect, wherein the engaging means is formed integrally with the rotary piece and protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the rotary piece; One is formed integrally with the reciprocating body so as to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole, and allows the rotation piece to be inserted when the driven piece extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft member. And a collar portion disposed at a position to be engaged with the protrusion when the driven piece is inclined with respect to the axis of the shaft member.
[0010]
In addition, the product carry-out device according to claim 4 of the present invention includes a pusher that reciprocates along the front-rear direction with respect to the mounting table for stacking the products, and moves forward while pressing the pusher against the lowest product. In the product unloading apparatus for unloading the lowest order product, the reciprocating mechanism for reciprocating the pusher includes a shaft member having a series of reciprocating spiral grooves on the peripheral surface, and the shaft via the guide hole. A reciprocating body having a receiving hole that is movable in the axial direction of the member and that restricts rotation around the axial center and is inserted into the shaft member and communicates with the guide hole, and a driven piece that is integral with one end The driven piece is rotatably accommodated in a receiving hole of the reciprocating moving body in a state where the driven piece is positioned in the reciprocating spiral groove of the shaft member, and when the shaft member rotates, the driven piece becomes a reciprocating spiral groove. Move along A reciprocating member that reciprocates the reciprocating member along the axial direction of the shaft member, and the reciprocating member and the revolving member, at least with respect to the shaft center of the shaft member An engagement means for preventing the rotary piece from falling off from the accommodation hole when the driven piece is inclined and a linkage means for linking the reciprocating body and the pusher are provided. And
[0011]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the commodity carry-out device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the engagement means is formed integrally with the reciprocating body and is elastic when the rotary piece is inserted into the accommodation hole. The elastic claw piece is an elastic claw piece which is deformed to allow insertion of the rotating piece while returning to engage with the rotating piece when the driven piece reaches the reciprocating spiral groove.
[0012]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the commodity carry-out apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the engaging means is formed integrally with the rotary piece and protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the rotary piece; One is formed integrally with the reciprocating body so as to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole, and allows the rotation piece to be inserted when the driven piece extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft member. And a collar portion disposed at a position to be engaged with the protrusion when the driven piece is inclined with respect to the axis of the shaft member.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of a reciprocating mechanism and a product carry-out device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0014]
FIG. 1 shows a commodity carry-out apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 8 to 18 show application examples thereof. The product carry-out apparatus exemplified here is applied to a vending machine that sells box-type products such as cigarettes, and is arranged at the lower end of a product storage column 30 that stores products. ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene- A housing 40 formed of a synthetic resin such as styrene resin is provided.
[0015]
The housing 40 is configured by joining a pair of left and right cases 40L and 40R to each other. The housing 40 is provided with a vertical part 41 and a mounting table part 42. The vertical portion 41 is a portion that is fitted into the rear wall 31 constituting the product storage column 30 of the vending machine, and extends along the vertical direction. The mounting table portion 42 is a portion that constitutes a mounting table on which products are stacked, and extends substantially horizontally from a portion that is substantially in the middle of the vertical portion 41 toward the front. The length in the front-rear direction from the vertical part 41 of the mounting table 42 is configured to be shorter than the length in the front-rear direction of the product to be carried out. The top surface of the mounting table 42 can carry out the thickest product, that is, the product with the highest height among the products to be sold, with respect to the upper edge of the carry-out port 33 provided in the front wall 32 constituting the product storage column 30. In addition, the thinnest product, that is, the lowest product among the products to be sold, is set to a height that can be taken out only. A reciprocating groove 43 for projecting a pusher 50, which will be described later, is formed in the entire area along the front-rear direction at the center of the upper surface of the mounting table 42, and a sold-out detection, which will be described later, is formed on the upper surface of the left case 40L. A detection groove 44 for projecting the lever 60 is formed along the front-rear direction. In addition, a storage recess 45 for receiving a push plate 51 of a pusher 50 described later is provided at a meeting portion of the front surface of the vertical portion 41 with the upper surface of the mounting table portion 42.
[0016]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the housing 40 described above is provided with a reciprocating mechanism 70 and a pusher 50 in the right case 40R, while, as shown in FIG. A drive source 80, a guide groove 90, a standby support member 100, a carry-out support member 110, a standby support drive body 120, and a carry-out support drive body 130 are provided.
[0017]
The reciprocating mechanism 70 is a so-called Napier screw mechanism, and includes a shaft member 71 and a reciprocating body 72 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 to 7.
[0018]
The shaft member 71 is a cylindrical member having a series of reciprocating spiral grooves 711 on the peripheral surface. The shaft member 71 is disposed substantially horizontally along the front-rear direction inside the mounting table 42 and can rotate around the axis. A driven gear 712 is integrally formed at the base end portion of the shaft member 71. The driven gear 712 meshes with a gear train 73 housed in the right case 40R.
[0019]
The reciprocating body 72 has a block shape, and has a guide hole 721 at a portion extending from the front end surface to the rear end surface. The reciprocating body 72 can be moved along the axial direction of the shaft member 71 by fitting the shaft member 71 into the guide hole 721, while the lower part constituting the mounting table portion 42 of the right case 40 </ b> R. A moving contact portion 722 provided on the lower end surface is disposed close to the wall, and the rotation about the shaft center relative to the shaft member 71 is restricted.
[0020]
In addition, the reciprocating body 72 has a guide protrusion 723 integrally provided on the left side surface thereof, and a receiving hole 724 provided in a portion extending from the upper end surface to the lower end surface thereof.
[0021]
The guide protrusion 723 has a cylindrical shape, and protrudes substantially horizontally from the upper front corner of the reciprocating moving body 72 toward the left.
[0022]
The accommodation hole 724 is formed in such a manner that its axis is perpendicular to the axis of the guide hole 721, and has a pair of elastic claw pieces 725 on the peripheral surface of the upper end portion. The pair of elastic claw pieces 725 are formed integrally with the reciprocating moving body 72 and have claw portions 725a at the respective upper ends. The claw portions 725a have a shape that protrudes substantially inward toward each other inward and then gradually inclines outward toward the upper side. When the elastic claw piece 725 is in a normal state, While projecting inward from the peripheral surface, the elastic tongue piece is formed to be positioned outward from the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 724 when the elastic tongue piece is elastically deformed outward.
[0023]
A rotating piece 74 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 724. The rotary piece 74 includes a cylindrical large-diameter portion 741 that is rotatably fitted in the accommodation hole 724 of the reciprocating moving body 72, a small-diameter portion 742 provided at the upper end of the large-diameter portion 741, and a large-diameter portion. A driven piece 743 provided at the lower end of 741 is integrally formed. The driven piece 743 is narrower than the reciprocating spiral groove 711 of the shaft member 71 and has a lower end edge formed in an arc shape. The driven member 743 rotates the shaft member 71 around the axis while being positioned in the reciprocating spiral groove 711. In this case, it is possible to move along the reciprocating spiral groove 711. When the rotary piece 74 is inserted into the receiving hole 724 with the driven piece 743 facing downward, the elastic claw piece 725 elastically expands and deforms due to the large diameter portion 741 slidingly contacting the claw portion 725a. The driven piece 743 can be positioned in the reciprocating spiral groove 711 of the shaft member 71, and the driven piece 743 can be appropriately tilted with respect to the shaft member 71 by rotating around its own axis. When the driven piece 743 is positioned in the reciprocating spiral groove 711 of the shaft member 71, the claw portion 725a of the elastic claw piece 725 is positioned at the small diameter portion 742, and the elastic claw piece 725 moves back, and each claw portion 725a is a large diameter portion. It will be engaged with the step part between 741 and the small diameter part 742, and the drop-off | omission from the accommodation hole 724 of the rotary piece 74 will be prevented. That is, the reciprocating mechanism of the present embodiment can be reciprocated without dropping the driven piece 743 as long as the rotary piece 74 integrally formed with the driven piece 743 is inserted into the receiving hole 724 of the reciprocating body 72. As a result, the assembly workability can be remarkably improved as compared with the conventional one.
[0024]
The pusher 50 protrudes from the upper surface of the mounting table portion 42 through the reciprocating groove 43 and pushes out a product. As shown in FIG. 5, the pusher 50 has a pressing plate 51 and a protruding portion 53 on a plate-like main plate 52. Configured. The push plate 51 is a portion that directly contacts the product when the product is pushed out, and extends substantially horizontally from the front upper end of the main plate 52 along the left-right direction. The length of the pressing plate 51 is formed so as to be accommodated in the storage recess 45 provided in the housing 40. The protruding portion 53 is a portion protruding from the left side surface of the main plate 52 along the lower edge.
[0025]
Further, the main plate 52 of the pusher 50 is provided with a slot 54 serving as a guide recess. The groove hole 54 is a long hole having the same width as the outer diameter of the guide protrusion 723 provided in the reciprocating moving body 72, and extends obliquely forward and upward. When the guide protrusion 723 is positioned at the upper end, the groove 54 is positioned so that the amount of protrusion of the pusher 50 from the upper surface of the mounting table 42 is lower than that of the thinnest product, while the guide protrusion 723 is moved downward. When positioned, the protrusion amount of the pusher 50 from the upper surface of the mounting table portion 42 is formed to be a position exceeding 1/2 of the height of the thickest product.
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 6, the sold-out detection lever 60 is swingably supported on the left case 40 </ b> L in such a manner that its tip portion protrudes and protrudes from the detection groove 44 to the upper surface of the mounting table portion 42. When it protrudes from the detection groove 44, it detects that there is no product on the upper surface of the mounting table portion 42 through a sensor (not shown).
[0027]
The drive source 80 is a rotary actuator such as an electric motor, and includes a drive gear 81 on its output shaft. The drive source 80 is provided at a position where the drive gear 81 can be engaged with the gear train 73 of the right case 40R when the left and right cases 40L and 40R are joined to each other.
[0028]
The guide groove 90 accommodates a protrusion 53 provided on the pusher 50 when the left and right cases 40L and 40R are joined to each other, and the pusher 50 is disposed in the front-rear direction of the mounting table 42 via the protrusion 53. It is a groove-shaped part for guiding along. As is clear from FIG. 3, the guide groove 90 has a portion on the rear end side extending substantially horizontally below the mounting table portion 42, while a portion on the front end side extends upward. ing. The portion of the guide groove 90 on the rear end side is formed such that the amount of protrusion of the pusher 50 from the upper surface of the mounting table 42 is lower than that of the thinnest product, while facing upward. The extending portion is formed so that the protrusion amount of the pusher 50 from the upper surface of the mounting table 42 exceeds 1/2 of the height of the thickest product.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the standby support member 100 has a standby support portion 102 and a standby action portion 103 on the peripheral surface of a cylindrical standby bearing portion 101. The left case 40L is swingably disposed at the front end. The standby support portion 102 extends from the peripheral surface of the standby bearing portion 101 in the radially outward direction, then bends to the right case 40R side, and further extends in the radially outward direction. When it is swung, its tip is located on the extension of the reciprocating groove 43 provided in the mounting table 42. A stopper portion 104 is provided at the distal end portion of the standby support portion 102. This stopper portion 104 is a portion bent in a direction substantially perpendicular to the standby support portion 102, protrudes from the upper surface of the mounting table portion 42 when the standby support portion 102 is swung upwards, and is a vertical portion 41. The length in the front-rear direction from is larger than the length in the front-rear direction of the product. The standby action part 103 is a part that extends backward from the peripheral surface of the standby bearing part 101 when the standby support part 102 is swung most upward.
[0030]
The carry-out support member 110 has a carry-out support portion 112 and a carry-out action portion 113 on the circumferential surface of the cylindrical carry-out bearing portion 111, and is on the same axis as the standby bearing portion 101 via the carry-out bearing portion 111. It is arranged so as to be able to swing at the position. The carry-out support part 112 extends from the peripheral surface of the carry-out bearing part 111 in the radially outward direction, then bends to the right case 40R side, and further extends wide in the radially outward direction. When it is swung upward, its tip is located between the front end of the mounting table 42 and the stopper 104 of the standby support member 100. The carry-out support portion 112 is formed so as to be positioned above the standby support portion 102 when the uppermost support member 102 is swung together with the standby support portion 102, and the standby support portion 102 is in contact with the lower surface thereof. The unloading action part 113 is a part extending rearward from the peripheral surface of the unloading bearing part 111 when the unloading support part 112 is swung most upward.
[0031]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the standby support driving body 120 includes a standby base portion 121 of a plate that extends back and forth along the vertical direction, and a bending extension extending from the front end of the standby base portion 121 to the side. The standby restriction portion 122 is arranged in the mounting table 42 so as to be movable along the front-rear direction in a state where the standby restriction portion 122 is associated with the standby action portion 103 of the standby support member 100. It is set up.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 9, when the standby support driving body 120 is positioned at a position on the rear end side with respect to the mounting table portion 42, the lower end surface of the standby restriction portion 122 is a protruding end of the standby operation portion 103. As shown in FIG. 11, when contacting the upper surface of the unit and holding the standby support member 100 in a state where it is swung most upward, the standby support member 100 is positioned at the front end side with respect to the mounting table 42. The standby regulating portion 122 is located on the front end side of the standby bearing portion 101 and functions to allow the standby support member 100 to swing downward.
[0033]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the standby support driving body 120 is provided with a first contact piece 123 and a second contact piece 124. The first contact piece 123 and the second contact piece 124 are integrally formed so as to protrude from the standby base 121 toward the right case 40R, and are juxtaposed at the same height. The first contact piece 123 and the second contact piece 124 are appropriately bent so as to be elastically deformed when a pressing force along the front-rear direction of the standby base 121 is applied, It is arranged facing the moving area of the main plate 52 in the pusher 50 through a pair of upper opening grooves 46 and 47 provided at a position above the guide groove 90 in 40L.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 4, the carry-out support driving body 130 includes a plate-like carry-out base portion 131 that extends back and forth along the vertical direction, and a carry-out restricting portion 132 that is bent and extended from the front end of the carry-out base portion 131 to the side. And a detection protrusion 133 that bends and extends downward from the base end of the carry-out base 131, and a pressure receiving plate part 134 that bends and extends from the lower end of the carry-out base 131 in a direction opposite to the carry-out restricting part 132. Thus, the carry-out restricting portion 132 is disposed in the mounting table portion 42 so as to be movable along the front-rear direction in a state where the carry-out restricting portion 132 corresponds to the carry-out action portion 113 of the carry-out support member 110. The detection protrusion 133 is for turning ON / OFF the stroke detection sensor 140 disposed in the left case 40L. The pressure receiving plate portion 134 is provided with a front pressure receiving projection 135 at the front end thereof and a rear pressure receiving projection 136 at the rear end thereof. The front pressure receiving protrusion 135 and the rear pressure receiving protrusion 136 are formed with a sufficiently larger distance than the mutual distance between the first contact piece 123 and the second contact piece 124 provided on the standby support driving body 120. In the left case 40L, they are arranged facing the moving area of the moving contact portion 722 in the reciprocating moving body 72 via a lower opening groove 48 provided at a position below the guide groove 90, respectively.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 9, when the unloading support driving body 130 is positioned at a position on the rear end side with respect to the mounting table portion 42, the lower end surface of the unloading restriction portion 132 is the protruding end of the unloading operation portion 113. As shown in FIG. 15, when contacting the upper surface of the unit and holding the carry-out support member 110 in a state where the carry-out support member 110 is swung to the uppermost position, The unloading restricting portion 132 is located on the front end side of the unloading bearing portion 111 and functions to allow the unloading support member 110 to swing downward. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the carry-out support driving body 130 is occupied at a position on the rear end side with respect to the mounting table part 42, the detection protrusion 133 is rearward with respect to the stroke detection sensor 140. When the position is held and the stroke detection sensor 140 is held in the OFF state, while the carry-out support driving body 130 is occupied at a position on the front end side with respect to the mounting table part 42, as shown in FIG. The detection protrusion 133 is a position where the stroke detection sensor 140 is turned on.
[0036]
The shaft member 71, the reciprocating body 72, the gear train 73, the rotary piece 74, the pusher 50, the sold-out detection lever 60, the drive gear 81, the standby support member 100, the carry-out support member 110, the standby support drive body 120, Each of the carry-out support driving bodies 130 is formed of a synthetic resin such as polyacetal.
[0037]
FIGS. 8 to 18 show operations particularly when the thinnest product 200 is sold in the vending machine to which the above-described product carry-out device is applied. Hereinafter, the commodity carry-out device of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to these drawings as appropriate.
[0038]
First, in the product carry-out device, as shown in FIG. 8, the reciprocating moving body 72 is positioned on the most rear end side of the mounting table portion 42, and the rear pressure receiving pressure of the carry-out support driving body 130 on the rear end surface of the moving contact portion 722. The state in which the protrusion 136 is in contact is the product sales standby state.
[0039]
In this merchandise sales standby state, the standby support driving body 120 and the carry-out support driving body 130 are respectively located on the most rear end side of the mounting table portion 42. Therefore, the detection protrusion 133 is located behind the stroke detection sensor 140, and the stroke detection sensor 140 is turned off. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the standby restriction portion 122 of the standby support driving body 120 is positioned on the upper surface of the standby action portion 103 of the standby support member 100, and the standby support member 100 swings upward to support standby. The portion 102 is positioned on the upper surface extension of the mounting table portion 42, the unloading restriction portion 132 of the unloading support driving body 130 is positioned on the upper surface of the unloading operation portion 113 in the unloading support member 110, and the unloading support member 110 is The carry-out support part 112 is positioned on the upper surface extension of the mounting table part 42 by swinging upward. As a result, the lower surface of the front end of the product 200 protruding from the front end of the mounting table 42 is supported by the standby support member 100 and the carry-out support member 110, and the stopper portion 104 of the standby support member 100 is placed on the front end surface of the product 200. For example, even if a malicious object shakes the vending machine in the front-rear direction, the stacking posture of the product 200 stacked on the upper surface of the mounting table 42 is disturbed regardless of the remaining number of products 200. There is no risk of falling to the carry-out port 33.
[0040]
When a sales command is given from the above-described merchandise sales standby state, a control unit (not shown) of the merchandise carry-out apparatus drives the drive source 80 to drive a reciprocating mechanism through the drive gear 81, the gear train 73, and the driven gear 712. 70 shaft members 71 are rotated in one direction. When the shaft member 71 rotates, the driven piece 743 moves forward along the reciprocating spiral groove 711 while appropriately tilting, so that the reciprocating body 72 starts linear movement toward the front end direction of the mounting table 42. To do.
[0041]
Here, even when the rotary piece 74 rotates as the driven piece 743 tilts, the claw portions 725a of the pair of elastic claw pieces 725 are engaged with the rotary piece 74, so that the rotary piece 74 moves back and forth. The body 72 does not fall out of the accommodation hole 724.
[0042]
The movement of the reciprocating body 72 is transmitted to the pusher 50 via the guide protrusion 723, and eventually, the pusher 50 starts moving along the guide groove 90 toward the front end side.
[0043]
When the pusher 50 starts to move to the front end side, as shown in FIG. 10, the front end of the main plate 52 in the pusher 50 comes into contact with the first contact piece 123 of the standby support driving body 120, and the first contact is made. The standby support driving body 120 is moved to the front end side of the mounting table portion 42 through the piece 123. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the standby restricting portion 122 of the standby support driving body 120 is positioned on the front end side of the standby bearing portion 101, and the standby support member 100 is allowed to swing downward. Therefore, the stand-by support member 100 is held in a state of swinging downward by its own weight, and the movement of the lowest-order product 200 to the front end side with respect to the mounting table portion 42 is allowed. However, regarding the carry-out support member 110, since the carry-out support driving body 130 is continuously located on the rear end side of the mounting table portion 42, it remains in a state of being positioned on the upper surface extension of the mounting table portion 42.
[0044]
When the shaft member 71 further rotates from the state described above, the reciprocating body 72 moves to the front end side, so that the pusher 50 also moves to the front end side. In this case, after the standby support driving body 120 moves to the front end side of the mounting table portion 42, when the main plate 52 of the pusher 50 contacts the first contact piece 123 and further the second contact piece 124, Since the first contact piece 123 and the second contact piece 124 are elastically deformed to be retracted from the movement range of the main plate 52 in the pusher 50, the pusher is not changed without changing the position of the standby support driving body 120. The movement to the front end side of 50 is sequentially allowed. Needless to say, the first abutting piece 123 and the second abutting piece 124 are elastically restored after the pusher 50 passes and project into the moving area of the main plate 52 in the pusher 50 again. .
[0045]
When the pusher 50 moves to the front end side, the push plate 51 of the pusher 50 eventually comes into contact with the rear end surface of the lowermost product 200 and pushes the lowermost product 200 toward the front end side with respect to the mounting table 42. In this case, as described above, the protrusion amount of the pusher 50 from the upper surface of the mounting table portion 42 is the maximum while the protruding portion 53 of the pusher 50 is positioned at the rear end side of the guide groove 90. Since it is smaller than the height of the thin product 200, the push plate 51 of the pusher 50 does not contact the rear end surface of the next sale product 200, and only the lowest product 200 is pushed out to the front end side.
[0046]
Here, during the above-described operation, if the protruding length of the lowest-order product 200 from the front end of the mounting table 42 exceeds 1/2 of the total length, the lowest-order product 200 assumes a forward leaning posture. The push plate 51 of the pusher 50 may come off from the rear end surface. In the case of the thinnest product 200, the next sale product 200 together with the lowest product 200 is inclined forward on the upper surface of the mounting table 42, and the two products 200 may fall from the carry-out port 33 as they are.
[0047]
However, according to the product carry-out device of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, when the pusher 50 moves toward the front end side, the pusher 50 eventually moves up with respect to the upper surface of the mounting table 42, This is pushed out at a higher position with respect to the rear end face of the lowest product 200, and the delivery of the lowest product 200 becomes stable. In addition, even when the pusher 50 moves to the front end side, the lower surface of the front end portion of the lowest-order product 200 is continuously supported by the carry-out support member 110. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Only when the product moves sufficiently to the front end side, the lowest-order product 200 assumes a forward leaning posture, while the next sale product 200 assumes a backward leaning posture. Therefore, in order to shorten the depth dimension, the push plate 51 of the pusher 50 is the initial one even in the product carry-out device configured so that the longitudinal length of the mounting table 42 is shorter than the longitudinal length of the product to be carried out. In this state, it is possible to prevent the product 200 from being detached from the rear end face, and there is no possibility of incurring a situation where the two products 200 are carried out simultaneously.
[0048]
Furthermore, when carrying out the thinnest product 200, according to the product carry-out device of the present embodiment, the pusher 50 abuts on the lower surface of the next sale product 200 in place of the lowest product 200 during the movement to the front end side. Therefore, the load applied to the lowest product 200 can be reduced. Therefore, not only can the situation where the front end of the lowest product 200 is flipped upwards, but the lowest product 200 can easily take a forward leaning posture, which can stabilize the carry-out posture and lead to product clogging. Absent.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 13, in a state where the pusher 50 has moved until the lowest-order product 200 is in the forward leaning posture, the front end surface of the moving contact portion 722 provided in the reciprocating moving body 72 is the front of the carry-out support driving body 130. The unloading support driving body 130 moves to the front end side with the movement of the pusher 50 in contact with the pressure receiving projection 135. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, the carry-out restricting portion 132 of the carry-out support driving body 130 is positioned on the front end side with respect to the carry-out bearing portion 111, and the downward swing of the carry-out support member 110 is allowed. Therefore, the carry-out support member 110 is held in a state of swinging downward by its own weight. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, when the lowest product 200 is carried out through the carry-out port 33, both the standby support member 100 and the carry-out support member 110 swing downward, and the carry-out area of the lowest product 200 is Therefore, there is no possibility that the standby support member 100 and the carry-out support member 110 prevent the lowest product 200 from being carried out.
[0050]
Moreover, the reciprocating body 72 and the pusher 50 are linked via a groove hole 54 that is inclined upward toward the front end side of the mounting table portion 42. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, when the reciprocating moving body 72 reaches the front end portion of the shaft member 71 inside the mounting table portion 42, the pusher 50 can be moved so as to protrude from the front end of the mounting table portion 42. It becomes possible to carry out the lowest order product 200 more reliably.
[0051]
Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the pusher 50 in contact with the lower surface of the next sale product 200 is the lowest product between the upper surface of the mounting table 42 and the lower edge of the front end face of the next sale product 200 tilted backward. A gap larger than the height of 200 is secured. Therefore, when the lowest product 200 is tilted forward and carried out from the mounting table 42, the next sale product 200 does not affect the lowest product 200 and can be stably carried out. It becomes possible.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 14, when the carry-out support driving body 130 moves to the front end side of the mounting table portion 42, the detection protrusion 133 presses the detector of the stroke detection sensor 140 and turns on the stroke detection sensor 140. A control unit (not shown) to which an ON signal is given from the stroke detection sensor 140 temporarily stops the rotation of the shaft member 71 by the drive source 80, that is, temporarily stops the pusher 50 at the front end of the mounting table 42, and then By driving the drive source 80 again, the shaft member 71 is rotated in the same direction, and the movement of the reciprocating body 72 is resumed. At this time, the reciprocating body 72 that has reached the front end portion of the shaft member 71 moves toward the rear end direction of the mounting table portion 42 by the driven piece 743 returning the shaft member 71 along the reciprocating spiral groove 711. The linear movement is started, and eventually the pusher 50 is moved along the guide groove 90 to the rear end side.
[0053]
When the pusher 50 starts moving toward the rear end side, as shown in FIG. 16, the front end of the main plate 52 of the pusher 50 comes into contact with the second contact piece 124 of the standby support driving body 120, and the second contact The standby support driving body 120 is moved to the rear end side of the mounting table portion 42 through the contact piece 124. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the standby restricting portion 122 of the standby support driving body 120 moves to the rear end side beyond the standby bearing portion 101, and the standby support member 100 is moved to the uppermost position via the standby operation portion 103. By swinging, the standby support portion 102 is again positioned on the upper surface extension of the mounting table portion 42. At this time, when the standby support member 100 swings upward, the standby support member 100 abuts on the lower surface of the carry-out support member 110, thereby swinging the carry-out support member 110 to the uppermost position. It comes to be located on the upper surface extension of the mounting base part 42. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, even when the next sale product 200 is in a forward leaning posture with the movement of the pusher 50 toward the rear end side, the standby support member 100 and the carry-out support member 110 The next sale product 200 can be supported, and the stopper 104 of the standby support member 100 is engaged with the front end surface of the next sale product 200, so that there is no possibility of causing a situation of falling to the carry-out port 33. .
[0054]
Here, according to the commodity carry-out device, as described above, after the pusher 50 has moved to the most front end side, the drive of the temporary drive source 80 is stopped, and then the pusher 50 starts to move to the rear end side. Therefore, after the lowest-order product 200 is reliably carried out, the standby support member 100 and the carry-out support member 110 are swung upward. Therefore, there is no possibility that the standby support member 100 or the carry-out support member 110 swinging upward and the lowest-order product 200 interfere with each other, and the product is not clogged due to the mutual interference.
[0055]
In addition, after the standby support driving body 120 moves to the rear end side of the mounting table portion 42, when the main plate 52 of the pusher 50 comes into contact with the second contact piece 124 and further with the first contact piece 123, Since the second contact piece 124 and the first contact piece 123 are elastically deformed and are retracted from the movement range of the main plate 52 in the pusher 50, the pusher is not changed without changing the position of the standby support driving body 120. The movement toward the rear end side of the 50 is sequentially allowed. In addition, the second contact piece 124 and the first contact piece 123 are elastically restored after the pusher 50 has passed, and again project into the moving area of the main plate 52 in the pusher 50.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 18, when the pusher 50 moves to the rear end side of the mounting table portion 42, the rear end surface of the moving contact portion 722 provided on the reciprocating moving body 72 contacts the rear pressure receiving projection 136 of the carry-out support driving body 130. The unloading support driving body 130 moves to the rear end side as the pusher 50 moves. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the unloading restricting portion 132 of the unloading support driving body 130 is positioned on the upper surface of the unloading action portion 113, and the unloading support member 110 is swung upwards by the unloading support driving body 130. Will be retained.
[0057]
When the pusher 50 finally moves to the state where it is accommodated in the storage recess 45, the product sales standby state shown in FIG. 8 is restored again, and this state is detected by turning off the stroke detection sensor 140. A control unit (not shown) to which the OFF signal is given from the stroke detection sensor 140 stops the movement of the pusher 50 by the drive source 80 and waits for a sales command.
[0058]
Thereafter, when a sales command is given, the above-described operation is repeatedly executed, and the products 200 stacked on the mounting table 42 are sequentially carried out one by one from the one located below. Although the sold-out detection lever 60 is swung when the pusher 50 is reciprocated, the sold-out detection lever 60 is swung while the drive source 80 that drives the reciprocating body 72 is operating. Even if detected, this is ignored.
[0059]
As described above, according to the commodity carry-out device of the present embodiment, the pair of elastic claw pieces 725 are provided in the accommodation hole 724 of the reciprocating moving body 72, and the driven piece 743 is integrally formed with the rotary piece 74, By accommodating the rotary piece 74 in the accommodation hole 724, the driven piece 743 is positioned in the reciprocating spiral groove 711 of the shaft member 71 and is prevented from dropping by the elastic claw piece 725, so that the number of parts increases. The situation can be prevented and the assembling work can be performed very easily.
[0060]
In the above-described embodiment, the elastic claw pieces provided on the reciprocating body are used to prevent the rotary piece from dropping off, but other engaging means can also be applied.
[0061]
For example, in the modification shown in FIG. 19, a pair of flange portions 1726 are provided in the accommodation hole 1724 of the reciprocating moving body 1072. The flange portion 1726 protrudes inward so as to face each other from the front end side and the rear end side in the intermediate portion of the accommodation hole 1724, and has an insertion gap 1727 between the left and right positions. Secured.
[0062]
On the other hand, the rotary piece 1074 has a columnar head portion 1741 having a smaller diameter than the accommodation hole 1724 of the reciprocating moving body 1072 and rotatably fitted to the flange portion 1726, and a diameter from the lower end of the head portion 1741. It is formed by integrally molding a driven piece 1742 having a width that bulges outward and fits rotatably in the accommodation hole 1724.
[0063]
In the reciprocating mechanism 1070 configured as described above, as shown in FIG. 20A, the reciprocating body 1072 is positioned at one end of the shaft member 1071, and the driven piece 1742 of the rotary piece 1074 is disposed. The rotating piece 1074 is inserted into the receiving hole 1724 of the reciprocating moving body 1072 in a state where it is aligned with the insertion gap 1727 of the flange 1726, that is, in a state where the driven piece 1742 is directed in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the shaft member 1071. As long as it is inserted, the driven piece 1742 can be positioned in the reciprocating spiral groove (not shown) of the shaft member 1071, and the driven piece 1742 can be moved relative to the shaft member 1071 by rotating around its own axis. It can be tilted appropriately.
[0064]
Here, when the shaft member 1071 rotates around the axis from the state described above, the driven piece 1742 is inclined with respect to the axis of the shaft member 1071. In this state, as shown in FIG. 20 (b), both end portions of the driven piece 1742 are positioned below the flange portion 1726 in the accommodation hole 1724, and the driven piece 1742 and the flange portion 1726 are separated from each other. By coming into contact with each other, the rotary pieces 1074 are prevented from falling out of the receiving holes 1724. That is, even in the reciprocating mechanism 1070 of this modified example, as long as the rotating piece 1074 integrally formed with the driven piece 1742 is inserted into the receiving hole 1724 of the reciprocating moving body 1072, the driven piece 1742 does not fall off. The movable body 1072 can be held, and the assembling workability is remarkably improved as compared with the conventional one.
[0065]
In the above-described modification, when the driven piece 1742 is oriented in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the shaft member 1071, the driven piece 1742 and the flange 1726 of the receiving hole 1724 are in contact with each other. It cannot be touched. However, the driven piece 1742 is directed in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the shaft member 1071 only at both ends of the shaft member 1071, and the movement of the reciprocating body 1072 along the axis is “0”. In the first place, the force for dropping the driven piece 1742 from the reciprocating body 1072 is hardly applied. Therefore, even in a modification in which the rotary piece 1074 is prevented from dropping only in a state where the driven piece 1742 is inclined with respect to the axis of the shaft member 1071, the function is sufficiently achieved.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the follower piece is formed integrally with the rotary piece, and the engaging means for preventing the rotary piece from dropping off is provided in the accommodation hole of the reciprocating moving body, so the number of parts increases. The situation can be prevented and the assembling work can be performed very easily.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a product carry-out apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing the inside of a right case applied to the product carry-out device shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a side view showing the inside of a left case applied to the product carry-out device shown in FIG. 1;
4 is an exploded perspective view showing a standby support member, a carry-out support member, a standby support drive body, and a carry-out support drive body that are applied to the product carry-out device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
5 is an exploded perspective view showing a reciprocating drive mechanism, a drive source, and a pusher applied to the product carry-out device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
6 is a perspective view showing a sold-out detection lever applied to the product carry-out device shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
7A is an exploded perspective view of a reciprocating body and a rotary piece applied to the reciprocating mechanism of the commodity carry-out mechanism shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the reciprocating mechanism.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a sales standby state of a vending machine to which the product carry-out device shown in FIG. 1 is applied.
9 is a conceptual diagram showing a relationship among a standby support member, a carry-out support member, a standby support drive body, and a carry-out support drive body in the sales standby state shown in FIG.
10 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the pusher has moved to the front end side from the state shown in FIG.
11 is a conceptual diagram showing a relationship among a standby support member, a carry-out support member, a standby support drive body, and a carry-out support drive body in the state shown in FIG.
12 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the pusher has moved to the front end side from the state shown in FIG.
13 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the pusher has moved to the front end side from the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the pusher has moved to the most front end side with respect to the mounting table.
15 is a conceptual diagram showing a relationship among a standby support member, a carry-out support member, a standby support drive body, and a carry-out support drive body in the state shown in FIG.
16 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the pusher has moved to the rear end side from the state shown in FIG.
17 is a conceptual diagram showing a relationship among a standby support member, a carry-out support member, a standby support drive body, and a carry-out support drive body in the state shown in FIG.
18 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the pusher has moved to the rear end side from the state shown in FIG.
FIG. 19 is an essential part exploded perspective view showing a modified example of the reciprocating mechanism.
20A and 20B show the operation of the reciprocating mechanism shown in FIG. 19, wherein FIG. 20A is a plan view showing a state in which the driven piece is positioned at right angles to the axis of the shaft member, and FIG. It is a top view which shows the state which the follower piece inclined with respect to the shaft center.
FIG. 21 is a side view showing a conventional product carry-out device.
22 is a side view showing a reciprocating mechanism applied to the product carry-out device shown in FIG. 21. FIG.
23 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the reciprocating mechanism shown in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
30 Product storage column
31 Rear wall
32 Front wall
33 Unloading exit
40 housing
40L, 40R case
41 Vertical section
42 Mounting base
43 Reciprocating groove
44 Detection groove
45 Recessed recess
46, 47 Upper opening groove
48 Lower opening groove
50 pusher
51 pressure plate
52 Main plate
53 Projection
54 Slot
60 Sold out detection lever
70 Reciprocating mechanism
71 Shaft member
72 Reciprocating body
73 Gear train
74 Rotating piece
80 Drive source
81 Drive gear
90 guide groove
100 Standby support member
101 Standby bearing
102 Standby support part
103 Standby action part
104 Stopper
110 Unloading support member
111 Unloading bearing
112 Unloading support
113 Unloading action part
120 Standby support drive
121 Standby base
122 Standby Regulation Department
123 First contact piece
124 Second contact piece
130 Unloading support drive
131 Unloading base
132 Export control
133 Detection protrusion
134 Pressure plate
135 Forward pressure projection
136 Back pressure projection
140 Stroke detection sensor
200 products
711 Reciprocating spiral groove
712 Driven gear
721 Guide hole
722 Moving contact part
723 Guide protrusion
724 accommodation hole
725 elastic claw piece
725a Claw
741 Large diameter part
742 Small diameter part
743 driven piece
1070 Reciprocating mechanism
1071 Shaft member
1072 Reciprocating body
1074 Rotation piece
1724 accommodation hole
1726
1727 Insertion gap
1741 head
1742 follower

Claims

A shaft member having a series of reciprocating spiral grooves on the circumferential surface;
A reciprocating body that is movable in the axial direction with respect to the shaft member and that is inserted into the shaft member through a guide hole in a state in which rotation around the shaft center is restricted;
It arrange | positions in the aspect which faces the reciprocating spiral groove of the said shaft member from the said reciprocating body, and when the said shaft member rotates, it moves along the said reciprocating spiral groove, The said reciprocating body is made into the axis | shaft of the said shaft member. In a reciprocating mechanism comprising a follower that reciprocates along the center direction,
An accommodation hole communicating with the guide hole is formed in the reciprocating body, and a rotary piece formed integrally with the driven piece is rotatably accommodated in the accommodation hole, and between the reciprocating body and the rotary piece. A reciprocating mechanism characterized in that, at least when the driven piece is inclined with respect to the shaft center of the shaft member, an engagement means is provided for preventing the rotary piece from falling off the receiving hole.

The engaging means is formed integrally with the reciprocating body and elastically deforms when the rotating piece is inserted into the receiving hole and allows the rotating piece to be inserted, while the driven piece reaches the reciprocating spiral groove. The reciprocating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the reciprocating mechanism is an elastic claw piece that is returned to be engaged with the rotary piece.

The engaging means is formed integrally with the rotating piece, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating piece;
When the driven piece is formed integrally with the reciprocating body so as to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the housing hole and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft member, the insertion of the rotary piece is allowed. 2. The reciprocation according to claim 1, further comprising a flange portion disposed at a position that engages with the protrusion when the driven piece is inclined with respect to the axis of the shaft member. Moving mechanism.

A product unloading device that has a pusher that reciprocates along the front-rear direction with respect to a mounting table on which products are stacked, and that moves the pusher forward while pressing the pusher against the lowest product. In
A reciprocating mechanism for reciprocating the pusher is:
A shaft member having a series of reciprocating spiral grooves on the circumferential surface;
A reciprocating moving body having a receiving hole that is movable in the axial direction of the shaft member through the guide hole and is inserted into the shaft member in a state in which rotation around the shaft center is restricted, and communicated with the guide hole;
In the case where the one end portion has an integral driven piece, and the driven piece is rotatably accommodated in the accommodation hole of the reciprocating moving body in a state where the driven piece is positioned in the reciprocating spiral groove of the shaft member. A rotary piece that reciprocates the reciprocating body along the axial direction of the shaft member by moving the driven piece along a reciprocating spiral groove;
Engaging means configured between the reciprocating body and the rotary piece, and preventing the rotary piece from dropping out of the receiving hole when the driven piece is inclined at least with respect to the axis of the shaft member. When,
A product carry-out apparatus comprising: a linking means for linking the reciprocating body and the pusher.

The engaging means is formed integrally with the reciprocating body and elastically deforms when the rotating piece is inserted into the receiving hole to allow the rotating piece to be inserted, while the driven piece reaches the reciprocating spiral groove. The product carry-out device according to claim 4, wherein the product is an elastic claw piece that returns to engage with the rotary piece.

The engaging means is formed integrally with the rotating piece, and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating piece;
When the driven piece is formed integrally with the reciprocating body so as to protrude from the inner peripheral surface of the housing hole and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft member, the insertion of the rotary piece is allowed. 5. The product according to claim 4, further comprising: a collar portion disposed at a position that engages with the protrusion when the driven piece is inclined with respect to the axis of the shaft member. Unloading device.