JP6039960B2 - vending machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vending machine that can detect the arrival of a user with a human sensor.

  Conventionally, in this kind of vending machine, a human sensor has been provided for the purpose of reducing the power consumption of the lighting device for product samples, improving the production effect, and improving the crime prevention performance. . This human sensor is, for example, a Doppler type radio wave sensor, which detects that a user has arrived on the front side of the outer door by the reflected radio wave, and outputs a signal (the output voltage changes). And when this human sensor senses a user, it was comprised so that the illumination intensity of the illuminating device which was dark until then may be raised, or a predetermined production effect (lighting and sound) etc. may be produced (for example, (See Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

JP 2008-108128 A JP 2005-49965 A

  However, vending machines installed especially outdoors are exposed to rain, snow, sleet and the like. In this case, the human sensor does not detect raindrops that drip within the sensing range (falling in the sensing range) (because the change in the output voltage is different from the case of the user), but on the front of the outer door When raindrops, snowdrops, sleet, etc. (water droplets) fall down along the outer surface of the cover that protects the human sensor, the change in output voltage at that time is the change in output when the user arrives. Because they are similar, there is a disadvantage that it is mistakenly recognized as a user.

  The present invention has been made to solve the conventional technical problem, and provides a vending machine that can effectively eliminate false detection by a human sensor.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the vending machine according to the invention of claim 1 is provided with a sensor unit having a human sensor that senses a user within a predetermined sensing range on the front side of the outer door and outputs a signal. The sensor unit includes a cover for protecting the human sensor, and a water flow preventing means for preventing water from flowing down the outer surface of the cover at least within the sensing range of the human sensor. The water flow prevention means is a waterproof embankment that is formed at least on the upper edge of the cover and protrudes diagonally upward and forward. It is characterized by being discharged outside the sensing range.

The vending machine of the invention of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the above invention, the waterproof bank is formed from the upper edge of the cover to the left and right edges.

The vending machine of the invention of claim 3 is provided with a sensor unit having a human sensor that senses a user within a predetermined sensing range on the front side of the outer door and outputs a signal. The unit includes a cover for protecting the human sensor, and a water flow preventing means for preventing water from flowing down the outer surface of the cover at least within the sensing range of the human sensor. It is characterized by being made to incline so that it may be inclined diagonally downward.

A vending machine according to a fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the sensor unit is inclined so as to be directed obliquely downward.

The vending machine according to the invention of claim 5 is characterized in that in each of the above inventions , the outer surface of the cover is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment.

The vending machine of the invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in each of the above inventions, the human sensor is a Doppler type radio wave sensor.

According to the first and third aspects of the invention, the water flow prevention means prevents water from flowing down within the sensing range of the human sensor comprising, for example, the Doppler type radio wave sensor as in the sixth aspect of the invention. It becomes possible to do. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid inconvenience that the human sensor erroneously perceives the raindrop, snowdrop, sleet, etc. (water) flowing down by the human sensor when it rains.

In this case, the water flow prevention means prevents the water from flowing down at least the outer surface of the cover that protects the human sensor of the sensor unit within the detection range of the human sensor, so that erroneous detection is surely prevented. Is possible.

In particular, if the water flow prevention means is formed by a waterproof bank formed at least at the upper edge of the cover and projecting obliquely upward and forward as in the invention of claim 1 , the section is substantially V-shaped between the rear door and the rear door. The groove can be configured to extend from side to side. And if the water flowing down the front of the outer door is received by the groove made by this waterproof embankment and discharged outside the sensing range of the human sensor, the cover constituting the sensor unit is relatively simple. Misdetection can be prevented only by changing the shape.

Furthermore, if the waterproof bank is formed continuously from the upper edge of the cover to the left and right edges as in the second aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent water from entering the sensing range from the left and right. .

On the other hand, the water flow prevention means may be configured by inclining the outer surface of the cover so as to be directed obliquely downward as in the invention of claim 3 . In this case, there is no problem because water drops fall from the upper edge of the cover to the front space.

In this case, when the sensor unit is attached to the upper part of the vending machine, the sensor unit may be inclined so as to be directed obliquely downward as in the invention of claim 4 . By doing so, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection only by changing the mounting angle of the sensor unit.

Further, if the cover outer surface is subjected to hydrophilic treatment as in the fifth aspect of the invention, water droplets spread on the cover outer surface and the thickness thereof becomes thin, so that it becomes difficult to perceive the water as a user. Therefore, even if water falls on the outer surface of the cover, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of false detection.

It is a front view of the vending machine of the Example to which this invention is applied. It is a front view of the money amount indicator (sensor unit) of the vending machine of FIG. It is a perspective view of the money amount indicator of FIG. It is an expansion vertical side view of the money amount indicator part of the vending machine of FIG. It is a schematic block diagram of the electric circuit which concerns on the human sensitive sensor of the vending machine of FIG. It is an expansion vertical side view of the amount display part of the vending machine of another Example.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 shows a front view of a vending machine 1 according to the embodiment. The vending machine 1 according to the embodiment includes a heat-insulating main body 2 having an open front surface and an outer door 3 that closes the front surface of the main body 2 so as to be openable and closable. A product storage (not shown) is configured in the main body 2, and products such as canned beverages and plastic bottle beverages to be sold are stored in the product storage. A machine room (not shown) is formed below the product storage, and a refrigerator for cooling or heating the inside of the product storage is installed in the machine room. Note that the front opening of the product storage is closed so as to be freely opened and closed by a heat insulating inner door (not shown).

  The outer door 3 is located on the front side of the inner door with a space, and the left side is pivotally supported by the main body 2 in the embodiment. A product sample chamber 4 is formed in the upper front portion of the outer door 3, and a plurality of product selection switches 6 are arranged corresponding to the plurality of product samples displayed in the product sample chamber 4. An advertisement panel (advertisement display unit) 5 is formed on the front surface of the outer door 3 below the product sample chamber 4, and a product outlet 7 is disposed on the lower front surface of the outer door 3 below the advertisement panel 5. Is configured.

  Further, a decorative panel 8 is attached to the right side (non-pivot side) center of the front surface of the outer door 3, and a coin insertion slot 9 and a return lever 11 are provided in the decorative panel 8. Yes. A monetary amount indicator 12 as an embodiment of the sensor unit according to the present invention is attached to the front surface of the left outer door 3 facing the decorative panel 8. The money amount display 12 will be described in detail later.

  Further, a bill recognition device (bill burr) 19 is attached to the front surface of the outer door 3 below the money amount indicator 12. A coin return port 13 is formed on the front surface of the right outer door 3 toward the product outlet 7.

  A product sample room illumination device 18 made of a fluorescent lamp or LED is attached to the rear side of each product selection switch 6 in the product sample room 4 to illuminate the product sample in the product sample room 4. In addition, a logo panel (advertisement display unit) 14 on which a beverage manufacturer name and the like are displayed is arranged in the upper part of the product sample chamber 4. The logo panel 14 and the advertising panel 5 are respectively provided with advertising lighting devices 16 and 17 made of fluorescent lamps and LEDs. As the lighting device, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL, or the like can be employed in addition to the fluorescent lamp and the LED.

  Next, FIG. 2 shows a front view of the price indicator (sensor unit) 12, and FIG. 3 shows a perspective view. FIG. 4 shows an enlarged vertical side view of the outer door 3 of the price indicator 12 part. On the board (circuit board) 21 of the amount display 12, in addition to the 7-segment LED display 22 for displaying the input amount, the temperature in the product storage, the LED 23 for performing infrared communication, etc. Such a human sensor 24 is attached. Note that a Doppler type radio wave sensor is employed as the human sensor 24 of the embodiment.

  The substrate 21 is fixed to a case 26 made of a hard resin called a reflector, and a portion corresponding to the 7-segment LED display 22 on the front surface of the case 26 can be seen through, and the LED 23 and the human sensor 24 can be seen through. Corresponding portions are allowed to transmit infrared light / radio waves (note that portions other than those necessary for concealing the substrate 21 are not visible). Further, on both side surfaces of the case 26, mounting portions 27 for fixing to the outer door 3 are formed to project.

  Further, a cover 28 called a lens is attached to the front surface of the case 26. The cover 28 is also made of a hard resin that can be seen through and transmit light / radio waves. The cover 28 is exposed to the front side of the outer door 3 in a state of being attached to the outer door 3 and is attached to the case 26. It plays a role of protecting each element including the human sensor 24 above. The cover 28 is composed of a main body 29 having a horizontally long rectangular plate shape, and a flange 31 is integrally formed on the entire circumference of the main body 29 so as to be temporarily retracted and project outward.

  Further, a waterproof bank 32 is integrally formed in a range from the upper edge to the left and right edges of the main body 29 of the cover 28. The waterproof dam 32 includes an upper waterproof dam 32A projecting diagonally forward and upward from the upper edge of the main body 29, and left and right waterproof dams 32B projecting forward from the left and right edges of the main body 29 continuously to the left and right of the upper waterproof dam 32A. It constitutes the water flow prevention means in the present invention. Further, the outer surface of the main body 29 of the cover 28 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment.

  The monetary amount indicator 12 having such a configuration is addressed from the inside to a horizontally long rectangular through-hole 36 formed in advance on the outer door 3 of the vending machine 1 and is screwed to the outer door 3 by a mounting portion 27 ( FIG. 4). At that time, the front surface of the flange 31 is brought into contact with the inner surface of the outer door 3 over the entire circumference via a sealing material (not shown) to prevent water from entering between the cover 28 and the through hole 36.

  Further, the waterproof embankment 32 of the cover 28 protrudes outward from the through hole 36 and is positioned on the front side of the outer door 3. The outer surface of the main body 29 of the cover 28 is substantially flush with the front surface of the outer door 3, but the upper waterproof embankment 32 </ b> A of the waterproof embankment 32 projects obliquely upward and forward so as to be separated from the front surface of the outer door 3. A water receiving groove 37 having a substantially V-shaped cross section as shown in FIG. The left and right ends of the water receiving groove 37 are also open on the outer sides of the upper ends of the left and right waterproof dikes 32B that are located on the front side of the outer door 3 and descend.

  In this state, the 7-segment LED display 22 is visible from the front side of the outer door 3, and radio waves from the human sensor 24 pass through the case 26 and the cover 28 and are detected on the front side of the outer door 3. Users within the range can be detected.

  Next, FIG. 5 shows an electric circuit related to the human sensor 24 of the vending machine 1. The human sensor 24 is connected to an input of a control device 38 formed of a microcomputer provided on the substrate 12, and each illumination described above is connected to an output of the control device 38 via a main control device of the vending machine 1 (not shown). Devices 16-18 are connected. When the user arrives at the front side of the outer door 3, the human sensor 24 detects that and the output voltage (signal) rises. When the control device 38 determines that the user has arrived based on the change in the output voltage (signal) of the human sensor 24, the control device 38 turns on the lighting devices 16 to 18, or increases its illuminance, or Predetermined effect lighting is executed.

  In addition, when it calls a human sensor including judgment of a user presence or absence, it can be said that the said control apparatus 38 and the human sensor 24 are the human sensor of this invention. In this case, the signal output from the control device 38 to the main control device is the output signal of the human sensor according to the present invention.

  By the way, since the vending machine 1 according to the embodiment is installed outdoors, raindrops (water droplets) also fall on the front surface of the outer door 3 when it rains. In particular, water droplets adhering to the front surface of the outer door 3 above the money amount indicator 12 travel along the front surface of the outer door 3 under its own weight and flow down to the money amount indicator 12, but this water is received by the upper waterproof bank 32A. It is received by the water groove 37. Then, the received water flows out from the left and right ends of the water receiving groove 37 to the outside of the left and right waterproof dikes 32B.

  Further, when raindrops that have fallen down on the left and right of the amount indicator 12 and have flowed toward the amount indicator 12 are also blocked by the left and right waterproof dikes 32B, and flow down the outside as they are. become. By such a function of the waterproof dam 32, water droplets such as raindrops adhering to the front surface of the outer door 3 are prevented from flowing down to the outer surface of the main body 29 of the cover 28 of the money amount indicator 12. The same applies to the case where water droplets other than raindrops hit the front surface of the outer door 3.

  Here, when raindrops or the like fall in the space within the sensing range of the human sensor 24, the change in the output voltage is different from the case of the user, so that the control device 38 may misdetect the user. No. However, when water flows down the outer surface of the main body 29 of the cover 28 within the sensing range of the human sensor 24, the change in output voltage at that time approximates that when the user arrives. 38 erroneously determines (senses) that the user has arrived, and controls the lighting devices 16 to 18 described above.

  However, in the present invention, since the waterproof dike 32 of the cover 28 prevents water from flowing down within the sensing range of the human sensor 24 as described above, raindrops flowing down by the human sensor 24 in the event of rain or the like. It is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the user (water) is mistakenly detected as a user.

  In this case, the waterproof bank 32 prevents the water from flowing down the outer surface of the cover 28 that protects the human sensor 24 of the price indicator 12 at least within the sensing range of the human sensor 24. It is possible to reliably prevent false detection when used.

  In particular, if the upper waterproof dike 32A is formed on the upper edge of the cover 28 as in the embodiment, the water receiving groove 37 between the upper waterproof dike 32A and the outer door 3 is allowed to flow down from the front surface of the outer door 3. Can be discharged to the outside of the main body 29 of the cover 28 (outside the sensing range of the human sensor 24), so that a false detection can be made only by a relatively simple shape change of the cover 28 constituting the price indicator 12. Can be prevented.

  Furthermore, if the left and right waterproof dike 32B is formed continuously from the upper waterproof dike 32A on the upper edge of the cover 28 to the left and right edges of the main body 29 as in the embodiment, water that tries to enter the sensing range from the left and right is also blocked. It becomes possible to improve the effect.

  Even when water droplets directly fall on the outer surface of the main body 29 of the cover 28, the outer surface of the main body 29 is subjected to the hydrophilic treatment as described above, so that the water droplets spread on the outer surface of the main body 29 and the thickness thereof is increased. Becomes thinner. As a result, the voltage change of the human sensor 24 is also reduced and is different from the case of the user, so that it is difficult to detect the water as the user. Accordingly, even when water directly falls on the outer surface of the main body 29 as described above, occurrence of false detection is suppressed.

  Further, during heavy rain, a large amount of rainwater flows down the front surface of the outer door 3. In such a situation, water flows over the outer surface of the main body 29 of the cover 28 beyond the waterproof bank 32. However, since the water flows continuously, the state of the output voltage of the human sensor 24 in such a case is controlled in advance. If it is set to 38 and excluded exceptionally, it is possible to avoid false detection during heavy rain.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged longitudinal sectional side view of the vending machine 1 of the money amount display 12 portion according to this embodiment. In this figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 5 denote the same or similar functions.

  In this embodiment, the cover 28 is not provided with the above-mentioned waterproof bank, and instead, the main body 29 located on the front surface side of the outer door 3 is inclined so as to be directed obliquely downward (FIG. 6). . By tilting the main body 29 in this way, the water that has flowed in front of the outer door 3 becomes water droplets in the space in front of the main body 29 from the upper end of the main body 29 (shown by 29A in FIG. 6). It will fall. That is, this inclination serves as a water flow preventing means in the present invention, and the inconvenience of water flowing down along the outer surface of the main body 29 is avoided, so that erroneous detection can be prevented in the same manner.

  In this embodiment, only the main body 29 of the cover 28 is inclined. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the cover 28 is attached to the upper portion of the outer door 3, the amount indicator 12 itself is inclined and attached to the outer door 3. The main body 29 may be oriented obliquely downward. By doing so, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection only by changing the mounting angle of the money amount display 12.

  Further, in the embodiment, the human sensor 24 is provided in the money amount display 12 to configure the sensor unit according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, only the human sensor 24 or only the human sensor 24 and the control device 38. May be provided on the substrate 21, the substrate 21 is attached to the case 26, and the sensor unit is configured by covering the substrate 21 with the cover 28, and may be attached to the outer door 3.

  Further, in the embodiment, the human sensor 24 is configured by a Doppler type radio wave sensor. However, in the invention other than the ninth aspect, an infrared sensor may be used. However, since the infrared sensor is affected by temperature, a Doppler type radio wave sensor is suitable particularly in the case of a vending machine installed outdoors.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment, the waterproof bank 32 is formed on the price indicator 12 as the sensor unit. However, the invention of claim 1 is not limited thereto, and the price indicator is a conventional one, and the outer door on the upper side and the left and right sides thereof. It is also effective to form a similar waterproof levee (water flow prevention means) in No. 3. However, there is an advantage that the design change of the outer door 3 of the vending machine 1 is not required by configuring the water flow prevention means in the amount indicator 12 (sensor unit) as in the embodiment (invention of claim 2). is there.

  Further, in the embodiment, the cover 28 is provided on the amount display 12, but the invention of claim 1 or 2 is not limited thereto, and for example, a cover that closes the through hole 36 is attached to the outer door 3 side, and the human sensor 24 A structure in which the amount indicator 12 (sensor unit) attached in the state of being exposed is attached to the rear side is also effective. Alternatively, the human sensor 24 may be provided in the product sample chamber 4 or the like, and may be protected by a transparent cover on the front surface of the product sample chamber 4. In any case, the protective cover may have the same structure as the cover 28 in the present invention.

1 Vending machine 3 Outer door 12 Amount indicator (sensor unit)
16-18 Illuminating device 24 Human sensor 28 Cover 29 Main body 32 Waterproof dike 32A Upper waterproof dike 32B Left and right waterproof dike 38 Control device

Claims (6)

In a vending machine provided with a sensor unit having a human sensor that senses a user within a predetermined sensing range on the front side of the outer door and outputs a signal,
The sensor unit includes a cover that protects the human sensor, and water flow prevention means for preventing water from flowing down the outer surface of the cover at least within the sensing range of the human sensor,
The water flow prevention means is a waterproof levee that is formed at least on the upper edge of the cover and projects obliquely upward and forward, and the water that has flowed down the front surface of the outer door is received by the waterproof levee, The vending machine is discharged outside the sensing range of the human sensor. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof bank is formed from the upper edge of the cover to the left and right edges. In a vending machine provided with a sensor unit having a human sensor that senses a user within a predetermined sensing range on the front side of the outer door and outputs a signal,
The sensor unit includes a cover that protects the human sensor, and water flow prevention means for preventing water from flowing down the outer surface of the cover at least within the sensing range of the human sensor,
The water flow preventing means is constituted by inclining the outer surface of the cover so as to be directed obliquely downward. The vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the sensor unit is inclined so as to be directed obliquely downward. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer surface of the cover is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the human sensor is a Doppler radio wave sensor.

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