Anti-theft baffle mechanism for vending machines

Abstract

Provided is an anti-theft damper mechanism for a vending machine that reduces manufacturing costs while ensuring the security of merchandise. The anti-theft damper mechanism comprises: a damper base disposed within a main body of the vending machine; a damper movable portion coupled to the damper base via a coupling unit and capable of moving forward and backward toward or away from the damper base, wherein the coupling unit comprises: a first link member having a base end coupled to a rotational shaft connected to an output shaft of a damper motor disposed on the damper base, the first link member rotating integrally with the rotational shaft about a central axis of the rotational shaft in a predetermined direction as the damper motor is driven by rotation; and a second link member having one end rotatably coupled to a front end of the first link member and the other end rotatably coupled to the damper movable portion, wherein the damper movable portion is moved forward and backward by the damper motor being driven by rotation in one direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an anti-theft baffle mechanism of an automatic vending machine. Background Art

[0002] Conventional vending machines that sell goods typically deliver goods stored on shelves in a product storage area within the vending machine body to a designated product removal area. The product removal area is a space connected to the exterior of the vending machine body via a product removal opening formed in the vending machine body. Users can remove goods delivered to the product removal area by inserting their hand through the product removal opening.

[0003] Typically, in such vending machines, a portion of the front door forming the front surface of the vending machine body is formed of a transparent panel such as glass, allowing visual identification and selection of items stored in the product shelves in the product storage area from the outside. Vending machines that allow visual identification of the interior of the product storage area in this manner have the advantage of increasing the user's desire to purchase.

[0004] Such vending machines are known to include an anti-theft plate installed inside the machine body. The plate is configured to slide forward and backward, with a rack formed on the plate meshing with a pinion connected to the motor's output shaft. The plate slides forward when the motor is driven in the forward direction, and slides backward when the motor is driven in the reverse direction.

[0005] In the vending machine, when goods are transported to the goods removal area, the motor is driven to rotate in the positive direction to slide the anti-theft plate forward to divide the goods storage area and the goods removal area, thereby preventing malicious people from reaching their hands into the goods removal port and removing goods from the goods shelf (for example, refer to patent document 1).

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 59-108967 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] In addition, in the vending machine proposed in the above-mentioned patent document 1, the motor serving as the driving source for sliding the anti-theft plate is driven in forward and reverse rotation, and the anti-theft plate is slid by the meshing of the rack and the pinion, so torque also acts on the motor, and therefore an expensive motor is required, resulting in an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0011] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft flap mechanism for a vending machine that can reduce manufacturing costs while ensuring the anti-theft performance of commodities.

[0012] Solutions for solving problems

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the anti-theft baffle mechanism of the vending machine involved in the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a baffle base, which is arranged inside the main body of the vending machine; and a baffle movable part, which is connected to the baffle base by means of a coupling unit and can move forward and backward in a manner close to or away from the baffle base, wherein, when the baffle movable part moves forward in a manner away from the baffle base and is arranged in the forward position, a product storage area with a plurality of product shelves is divided and a product removal area is allowed to take out products discharged from the product shelves through a product removal outlet formed in the main body of the vending machine, and the coupling unit The cam is connected to the drive shaft by the spring, and the cam is connected to the drive shaft by the spring. The cam is connected to the drive shaft by the spring.

[0014] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the anti-theft baffle mechanism of the above-mentioned vending machine, the baffle movable part is normally configured in a retracted position after moving backward in a manner close to the baffle base, and is capable of moving forward and backward between the retracted position and the forward position. The baffle motor is driven by one circle of rotation, and the coupling unit causes the baffle movable part to move forward and backward in the order of the retracted position, the forward position, and the retracted position.

[0015] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the anti-theft baffle mechanism of the above-mentioned vending machine, when the baffle movable part is arranged in the forward position, the first link member is in the following forward posture: the front end portion is closer to the forward position than the base end portion, and the first link member extends obliquely from the base end portion toward the front end portion in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first link member, and the baffle base has a stop portion, which is arranged in the rotation area of ​​the first link member when the baffle movable part moves forward from the retreat position to the forward position, and the stop portion allows the first link member to rotate in a specified direction as the baffle motor is driven by rotation, and on the other hand, restricts the first link member from rotating in a direction opposite to the specified direction.

[0016] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the anti-theft baffle mechanism of the above-mentioned vending machine, the baffle motor is housed in a drive housing provided on the baffle base in a manner capable of rotating around the central axis of a transmission gear connected to the output shaft and meshing with the rotating shaft, and the drive housing is normally force-applied by a housing force unit to maintain a reference posture, and on the other hand, when the first link member rotates from the forward posture to a direction opposite to the prescribed direction, the drive housing overcomes the force of the housing force unit and rotates around the central axis of the transmission gear.

[0017] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that, in the anti-theft baffle mechanism of the above-mentioned vending machine, there is a sliding member, which is connected to the other end of the second link member in a manner that the second link member can rotate and is connected to the baffle movable part via a sliding member force unit, thereby being interposed between the second link member and the baffle movable part, and the sliding member allows the baffle movable part arranged in the forward position to overcome the force of the sliding member force unit and displace in a direction away from the baffle base.

[0018] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the anti-theft baffle mechanism of the above-mentioned vending machine is provided with: a first detection unit, which detects whether the baffle movable part is configured in the retracted position; a second detection unit, which detects whether the baffle movable part is configured in the forward position; and a control unit, which forcibly drives the baffle motor to rotate when the power is turned on, and stops the rotation drive of the baffle motor when the first detection unit detects that the baffle movable part is configured in the retracted position after the second detection unit detects that the baffle movable part is configured in the forward position.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, the coupling unit includes: a first link member having a base end connected to a rotational shaft connected to an output shaft of a shutter motor provided on a shutter base, and the first link member rotates integrally with the rotational shaft in a predetermined direction about a central axis of the rotational shaft as the shutter motor is driven to rotate; and a second link member having one end rotatably connected to a front end of the first link member and the other end rotatably connected to a movable shutter portion. Rotational drive of the shutter motor in one direction causes the movable shutter portion to move forward and backward. Therefore, the shutter motor only needs to be driven to rotate in one direction, eliminating the need for forward and reverse rotational drive as in the past. Consequently, an inexpensive motor can be used as the shutter motor, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring the anti-theft performance of the product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the external appearance structure of an automatic vending machine to which the anti-theft shutter mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of an automatic vending machine to which the anti-theft shutter mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a block diagram schematically showing a characteristic control system of an automatic vending machine to which the anti-theft shutter mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0024] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the structure of the anti-theft damper unit is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the structure of the anti-theft damper unit is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the main parts of the anti-theft damper unit is shown.

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the main parts of the anti-theft damper unit is shown.

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the main parts of the anti-theft damper unit is shown.

[0029] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the main parts of the anti-theft damper unit is shown.

[0030] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the main parts of the anti-theft damper unit is shown.

[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the main parts of the anti-theft damper unit is shown.

[0032] Figure 12 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the main parts of the anti-theft damper unit is shown.

[0033] Figure 13 It shows Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustrated diagram is a plan view of the anti-theft damper unit in operation, with some components omitted from illustration.

[0034] Figure 14 It is shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 The anti-theft shutter unit is shown in a plan view showing a state in which the shutter movable portion is arranged in a retracted position.

[0035] Figure 15 It shows Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustrated diagram is a plan view of the anti-theft damper unit in operation, with some components omitted from illustration.

[0036] Figure 16 It is shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 A plan view of the anti-theft shutter unit showing a state in which the shutter movable portion is moving forward.

[0037] Figure 17 It is shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 The anti-theft shutter unit is shown in a plan view showing a state in which the shutter movable portion is arranged in the advanced position.

[0038] Figure 18 It is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of an automatic vending machine to which the anti-theft shutter mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0039] Figure 19 is Figure 17The illustrated anti-theft damper unit is a plan view in which some components are omitted.

[0040] Figure 20 It shows Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustrated diagram is a plan view of the anti-theft damper unit in operation, with some components omitted from illustration.

[0041] Figure 21 It is shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 A plan view of the anti-theft shutter unit showing a state in which the shutter movable portion is moving backward.

[0042] Figure 22 It shows Figure 3 Flowchart showing the processing contents of the initial operation control performed by the damper control unit shown.

[0043] Figure 23 This is a plan view showing a state in which the shutter movable portion is pushed rearward in the anti-theft shutter unit in which the shutter movable portion is arranged in the advanced position, and some components are omitted from illustration.

[0044] Figure 24 This is a plan view showing a state in which the shutter movable portion is pulled forward in the anti-theft shutter unit in which the shutter movable portion is arranged in the forward position, and some components are omitted from illustration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the anti-theft flap mechanism for a vending machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figures 1 to 3 The following respectively show an automatic vending machine to which the anti-theft flap mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 1 is a front view showing the appearance structure, Figure 2 is a side sectional view schematically showing the internal structure, Figure 3 It is a block diagram schematically showing a characteristic control system.

[0047] The vending machine 1 illustrated here is a vending machine installed in a store or the like to sell products stored therein, and includes a vending machine body 1 a . The vending machine body 1 a includes a main cabinet 10 and a front door 20 .

[0048] The main cabinet 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped housing having an opening (hereinafter referred to as the front opening) 10a on its front surface. A front door 20 is flat and swingably mounted on one side of the main cabinet 10 to open and close the front opening 10a. This front door 20 forms the front surface of the vending machine body 1a.

[0049] Although not explicitly shown in the figure, the main cabinet 10 and the front surface door 20 each have an insulating function. When the front surface opening 10a of the main cabinet 10 is blocked by the front surface door 20, a product storage room 11 is formed inside the main cabinet 10 as an insulating space.

[0050] A product storage area 11A serving as a space for storing products is secured in the product storage compartment 11 of the main cabinet 10 . In the product storage area 11A, multiple layers of product shelves 12 are provided in the vertical direction.

[0051] The merchandise rack 12 is configured such that merchandise aisles 12a are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction and store a plurality of merchandise in the front-to-back direction. The merchandise aisles 12a are conventional merchandise aisles that store merchandise by confining the merchandise between the pitches of a spiral member 12b extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0052] Furthermore, the above-mentioned product lane 12a includes the spiral member 12b, but in the present invention, the product lane 12a may be configured to store products by placing products on a horizontally extending portion above a conveyor belt endlessly stretched between a pair of front and rear pulleys.

[0053] An evaporator 13a is provided in the merchandise storage room 11. The evaporator 13a, along with a compressor 13b, a condenser 13c, and an expansion mechanism 13d located in a machine room 14 defined below the merchandise storage room 11, form a cooling unit 13 that circulates refrigerant. The evaporator 13a cools the air by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing through its refrigerant passage (not shown) and the air passing through the surrounding merchandise storage room 11.

[0054] The air cooled around the evaporator 13a is driven by the in-warehouse air supply fan 15 and is sucked into the ventilation path 16b from the suction port 16a of the back panel 16 provided on the back side of the product storage room 11. After passing through the ventilation path 16b, the air is blown out from the various blow-out ports 16c formed on the back panel 16, thereby cooling the products stored in each product shelf 12.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the front door 20 is provided with a window 21 and a product removal opening 22. The window 21 is formed by providing a transparent and heat-insulating surface material 21a such as multi-layer glass. When the front opening 10a of the main cabinet 10 is blocked by the front door 20, the window 21 allows visual identification of the products stored in the front row of the product aisles 12a of all the product shelves 12 from the outside.

[0056] The commodity removal port 22 is an opening for users to take out purchased commodities, and is formed on the front surface door 20 at a position lower than the window portion 21. Figure 2It can be seen that the upper edge 22 a of the opening of the product removal port 22 is set to be located below the product shelf 12 arranged at the lowest level.

[0057] The product removal opening 22 is always blocked by a product removal door 23 provided on the front door 20. The product removal opening 22 can be opened by pushing the product removal door 23 inward. The product removal door 23 is supported on the front door 20 via an opening and closing axis 23a extending in the left-right direction at its upper end.

[0058] Although not explicitly shown in the figure, a gasket is provided around the portion of the front surface door 20 located around the product removal outlet 22 and facing the product removal door 23. The gasket is used to prevent the internal air of the product storage room 11 and the external gas from circulating through the product removal outlet 22.

[0059] Furthermore, a product selection portion 24 , a coin insertion port 25 , a banknote insertion port 26 , a card reader 27 , and a coin return port 28 are provided at a portion of the front door 20 that is lateral to the window portion 21 .

[0060] The commodity selection section 24 includes buttons, numeric keys, a display, etc., for the user to select commodities. The coin insertion port 25 is an opening for inserting coins. The banknote insertion port 26 is an opening for inserting banknotes.

[0061] When a recording medium storing so-called electronic money amount information is held in a predetermined communicable area, the card reader 27 transmits and receives money-related data to and from the recording medium. The coin return port 28 is an opening for returning inserted coins or returning change.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, a product removal area 11B and a delivery area 11C are provided at the front end of the product storage 11. The product removal area 11B is the space where the products purchased by the user are finally delivered. The product removal area 11B is located below the upper edge 22a of the product removal port 22 when the front door 20 blocks the front opening 10a.

[0063] The conveying area 11C is a space used to convey merchandise discharged from each merchandise aisle 12a of the merchandise rack 12 to the merchandise removal area 11B. This conveying area 11C is located in front of the merchandise storage area 11A and is continuous above the merchandise removal area 11B. The front-to-back and left-to-right dimensions of the conveying area 11C are approximately the same as those of the merchandise removal area 11B.

[0064] A pair of conveyor rails 17 are provided on either side of the product removal area 11B and the conveyor area 11C, which are secured at the front end of the product storage 11. Conveyor trays 18 are provided to be movable vertically between these conveyor rails 17. In a standby state, the conveyor trays 18 are positioned in the product removal area 11B.

[0065] The conveyor tray 18 is constructed by arranging a center plate 18b between a pair of side plates 18a. The dimension of the center plate 18b in the left-right direction is set to be substantially the same as the overall width of the merchandise rack 12. The conveyor tray 18 is an elongated member whose left-right extension length is sufficiently greater than its front-back extension length, and whose left-right direction is the longitudinal direction.

[0066] In the above-mentioned product storage room 11, an anti-theft shutter unit 30 is provided below the product storage area 11A, that is, behind the boundary portion between the product removal area 11B and the conveyance area 11C.

[0067] Figure 4 and Figure 5 They are shown respectively Figure 2 The structure of the anti-theft baffle unit 30 is shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the anti-theft shutter unit 30 is configured to include a shutter base 31 and a shutter movable portion 32 .

[0068] The baffle base 31 is formed by appropriately combining a plurality of metal plates and has a box-like shape with an opening on the upper surface. The baffle base 31 has a size that is substantially equal to the left-right and front-back dimensions of the merchandise rack 12. Figure 6 As also shown, the baffle base 31 has a base bottom 311 , a base side wall 312 , a base front wall 313 , and a base rear wall 314 .

[0069] The base bottom portion 311 forms the bottom portion of the baffle base 31 and has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The base bottom portion 311 is configured such that a central region 311C is appropriately curved so as to bulge upward. The drive unit 33 and the stopper 43 are provided in a right region 311R to the right of the central region 311C.

[0070] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the drive unit 33 is provided through a rectangular mounting opening 311a formed in the right region 311R of the base bottom 311. The drive unit 33 is configured such that a drive mechanism 34, a transmission gear 35, and a rotating shaft 36 are disposed between a pair of upper and lower unit covers 33a and 33b.

[0071] A pair of upper and lower unit covers 33a and 33b are respectively constructed by bending metal plates, etc. The upper unit cover 33a arranged on the upper side of the mounting opening 311a is installed on the lower unit cover 33b arranged on the lower side of the mounting opening 311a via mounting screw components, etc., and the upper unit cover 33a is also installed on the base bottom 311 via mounting screw components, etc.

[0072] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As also shown in FIG, the drive mechanism 34 includes an output gear 342 inside a drive housing 341 formed by combining two drive boxes 341 a and 341 b to form an upper and lower pair.

[0073] The output gear 342 has a generally annular shape and is housed within the drive housing 341, with an inner peripheral output tooth portion 342a formed on the inner peripheral edge thereof protruding from the inner surface of an insertion hole 341c formed in the drive housing 341. The insertion hole 341c extends vertically approximately in the center of the drive housing 341. Furthermore, the output gear 342 is housed within the drive housing 341 with its central axis aligned with the central axis of the insertion hole 341c of the drive housing 341.

[0074] The output gear 342 has an outer peripheral output tooth portion 342b formed on its outer periphery, which is connected to an output shaft 343a of a damper motor 343 housed within a drive housing 341 via connecting gears 344a and 344b. The damper motor 343 serves as the drive source for the anti-theft damper unit 30, driven by commands from a control unit 70 (described later). In this embodiment, the damper motor 343 is driven to rotate in one direction based on commands from the control unit 70. More specifically, it is driven to rotate the output gear 342 counterclockwise when viewed from above. Furthermore, the rotation of the output gear 342 is detected by a rotation detection switch 345 located within the drive housing 341.

[0075] The transmission gear 35 is formed of, for example, a resin material and is formed by integrally molding a transmission base 351 , a first transmission gear portion 352 , and a second transmission gear portion 353 , and has a vertically extending through-hole portion 354 formed therein.

[0076] The transmission base 351 is in the shape of a roughly circular plate. The first transmission gear portion 352 is a cylindrical portion formed in a manner protruding downward from the lower surface of the transmission base 351. The first transmission gear portion 352 has an outer diameter that can be inserted into the insertion hole 341c of the drive housing 341. In addition, meshing pieces 352a are formed at the mutually facing portions of the lower end portion of the first transmission gear portion 352. Meshing protrusions 352b are formed at each end of these meshing pieces 352a, and the meshing protrusions 352b mesh with a portion of the inner peripheral output tooth portion 342a of the output gear 342. As a result, the transmission gear 35 can rotate integrally with the output gear 342 around its own central axis, that is, it can rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above. Here, the central axis of the transmission gear 35 is consistent with the central axis of the insertion hole 341c of the drive housing 341 and the central axis of the output gear 342.

[0077] The second transmission gear portion 353 is formed to protrude upward from the upper surface of the transmission base portion 351, and its central axis coincides with the central axis of the first transmission gear portion 352. A transmission tooth portion 353a is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the second transmission gear portion 353.

[0078] The first transmission gear portion 352 is inserted through the insertion hole 341c of the drive housing 341 and meshes with the output gear 342. The transmission shaft 37, which extends through the insertion hole 354, is supported by the upper and lower unit covers 33a and 33b. The transmission gear 35 is thus disposed between the unit covers 33a and 33b. The central axis of the transmission shaft 37 coincides with the central axis of the transmission gear 35. Consequently, the central axis of the transmission shaft 37 also coincides with the central axis of the insertion hole 341c of the drive housing 341 and the central axis of the output gear 342.

[0079] In addition, the drive housing 341 is as shown Figure 9 As shown in FIG, the support metal plate 38 is fixed and supported, and a locking portion 38a protruding downward is formed on the support metal plate 38. Figure 8 As shown, the cover hole 331 of the long hole shape formed on the lower side of the unit cover 33b is penetrated and is locked to the other end of the housing spring 39, one end of which is installed on the lower surface of the base bottom 311. The drive housing 341 is always urged backward by the housing spring 39 with the central axis of the transmission gear 35 as the center. The locked portion 38a is kept in contact with the rear edge of the cover hole 331. Figure 7 The reference posture shown in the figure.

[0080] The rotating shaft 36 is a long strip-shaped member extending in the vertical direction and rotatably supports the upper and lower unit covers 33a and 33b on the left side of the transmission shaft 37 (transmission gear 35). The upper end portion 36a of the rotating shaft 36 protrudes upward from the upper unit cover 33a.

[0081] A disc-shaped rotating gear portion 361 protruding radially outward is integrally formed at the vertically intermediate portion of the rotating shaft 36. The rotating gear portion 361 has rotating teeth 361a formed on its outer periphery and meshes with the transmission teeth 353a.

[0082] Thus, the rotating shaft 36 is connected to the output shaft 343a of the damper motor 343. When the transmission gear 35 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from above due to the rotational drive of the damper motor 343, the rotating shaft 36 rotates clockwise when viewed from above.

[0083] The upper end portion 36a of the rotating shaft 36 is as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 4 , the first link member 40 is connected to the base end portion 40a of the first link member 40. Figure 6 The long flat plate member, with its longitudinal direction extending in the front-to-back direction, is bent midway in the first link member 40 so that its front end 40b is positioned upward relative to its base end 40a. The base end 40a of the first link member 40 is coupled to the upper end portion 36a of the rotating shaft 36 and rotates integrally therewith.

[0084] The front end portion 40b of the first link member 40 is connected to the one end portion 41a of the second link member 41 via the first connecting pin 42a. Figure 6 The long flat plate member, whose longitudinal direction is the front-rear direction, is bent midway in the second link member 41 so that the other end portion 41 b is positioned upward relative to the one end portion 41 a .

[0085] The stopper 43 is disposed in front of the transmission shaft 37 and below the rotational region of the first link member 40. The stopper 43 includes a stopper piece 432 that can project upward and retract from a stopper body 431. The stopper piece 432 is constantly biased upward by a stopper spring (not shown) and projects upward from the stopper body 431.

[0086] Such a stop portion 43 allows the first link member 40 to rotate clockwise when viewed from above, and on the other hand, limits the rotation of the first link member 40 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from above by abutting the first link member 40 against the abutting portion 432b formed on the stop plate 432.

[0087] The base sidewalls 312 are a pair of left and right base sidewalls 312 extending upward from the left and right ends of the base bottom 311. Hereinafter, directions in which the base sidewalls 312 approach each other are referred to as inner sides, and directions in which the base sidewalls 312 move away from each other are referred to as outer sides.

[0088] The base side wall portion 312 is provided with a fixed guide roller 44 and a guide rail 45. The fixed guide roller 44 is provided on the inner surface of the front side of the base side wall portion 312 so as to be rotatable around a central axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0089] The guide rail 45 is provided on the upper portion of the base side wall portion 312, extending in the front-to-back direction. A rail extension portion 46 is formed on the outer portion of the guide rail 45, extending upward and then curving inward. Furthermore, an auxiliary base roller 45a is provided at the front end of the guide rail 45. The auxiliary base roller 45a is rotatable about a central axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0090] The base front wall 313 extends upward from the front end of the base bottom 311 to connect the front ends of the base side walls 312. The base rear wall 314 extends upward from the rear end of the base bottom 311 to connect the rear ends of the base side walls 312.

[0091] Figure 11 and Figure 12 They are shown respectively Figure 4 and Figure 5 The exploded perspective view of the baffle movable portion 32 is shown. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the baffle movable portion 32 is configured such that an upper movable structural portion 321 and a lower movable structural portion 322 , both of which are formed by processing a metal plate or the like, overlap with each other.

[0092] The movable baffle portion 32 has left-right and front-back dimensions substantially equal to those of the baffle base 31 , and includes a slider 47 , a movable guide roller 48 , and a pressing member 49 .

[0093] The slide 47 is as follows Figure 11 As shown in the figure, the slider 47 is a long flat plate member with its longitudinal direction being the front-back direction. Attachment holes 471 in the shape of elongated holes with its longitudinal direction being the front-back direction are formed at the front and rear ends of the slider 47.

[0094] The slider 47 is attached to the lower movable structure portion 322 by having a slider attachment screw 472 penetrate the attachment hole 471 from above to close the connection hole 322 a formed in the lower movable structure portion 322 .

[0095] That is, the slider 47 is mounted between the upper movable structure portion 321 and the lower movable structure portion 322 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction with the slider mounting screw 472 being relatively displaced in the mounting hole 471 .

[0096] The front end of the slider 47 is locked to the other end of a slider spring 50, one end of which is locked to the lower movable structure 322. The slider 47 is constantly urged forward by the slider spring 50. As a result, the slider 47 maintains its position with the slider mounting screw 472 in contact with the rear edge of the mounting hole 471.

[0097] The movable guide roller 48 is provided on the outer surface of the rear side of the lower movable structure portion 322 so as to be rotatable around a central axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0098] A front right auxiliary movable roller 51a and a rear right auxiliary movable roller 51b are provided so as to protrude downward from the lower surface of the right end portion of the lower movable structure 322. The front right auxiliary movable roller 51a and the rear right auxiliary movable roller 51b are separated from each other in the front and rear directions and are each provided so as to be rotatable around a central axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0099] A front left auxiliary movable roller 51c is provided on the lower surface of the left end portion of the lower movable structure 322, protruding downward. This front left auxiliary movable roller 51c forms a pair with the front right auxiliary movable roller 51a, and is rotatable about a center axis extending in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a rear left auxiliary movable roller 51d is provided on the roller support piece 321a mounted on the upper movable structure 321, behind the front left auxiliary movable roller 51c. This rear left auxiliary movable roller 51d forms a pair with the rear right auxiliary movable roller 51b, and is rotatable about a center axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0100] The pressing member 49 is formed of, for example, a resin material and is a long strip-shaped member with its longitudinal direction extending in the front-to-back direction. The pressing member 49 is attached to the lower surface of the right end portion of the lower movable structural portion 322 and to the inner portion (left side portion) of the front right auxiliary movable roller 51a. The pressing member 49 has a downwardly protruding pressing portion 491 in the central portion in the front-to-back direction. The front end portion 491a of the pressing portion 491 gradually extends upwardly as it moves forward, while the rear end portion 491b of the pressing portion 491 gradually extends upwardly as it moves backward.

[0101] The movable shutter portion 32 is connected to the other end 41b of the second link member 41 via the second connecting pin 42b via the connecting hole 322a. Thus, the one end 41a of the second link member 41 is rotatably connected to the front end 40b of the first link member 40 via the first connecting pin 42a, and the other end 41b is rotatably connected to the slider 47 (movable shutter portion 32) via the second connecting pin 42b.

[0102] Furthermore, the movable guide rollers 48 are rotatably mounted on the corresponding guide rails 45, and the front ends of the left and right ends of the lower movable structure 322 are mounted on the corresponding fixed guide rollers 44. As a result, the movable baffle portion 32 is configured to be movable forward and backward in the front-back direction, approaching or moving away from the baffle base 31. Furthermore, the rail extension 46 restricts the left-right displacement of the movable baffle portion 32 relative to the baffle base 31. Thus, the first link member 40 and the second link member 41 form a joint unit that connects the baffle base 31 to the movable baffle portion 32.

[0103] The operation of the anti-theft damper unit 30 will be described. In the standby state, i.e., the normal state, in which the damper motor 343 is not driven to rotate, the anti-theft damper unit 30 is arranged in the front-to-back direction such that the front end portion 40b of the first link member 40 is arranged rearward relative to the base end portion 40a, and Figure 13 As shown, the second link member 41 is arranged in the front-rear direction so as to overlap the first link member 40 and to have the other end 41b arranged in front of the one end 41a. Figure 14 As shown, it is arranged in the rearmost retreat position.

[0104] When the shutter motor 343 is driven to rotate in a state where the shutter movable portion 32 is arranged at the retreat position, the transmission gear 35 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from above, thereby Figure 15As shown, the first link member 40 rotates clockwise when viewed from above integrally with the rotating shaft 36. As the first link member 40 rotates clockwise in this manner, the movable guide roller 48 rolls forward on the corresponding guide rail 45 and the second link member 41 also rotates about the central axis of the first connecting pin 42a as the axis. Figure 16 As shown, the shutter movable portion 32 moves forward toward the front so as to be separated from the shutter base 31 .

[0105] As the baffle movable portion 32 moves forward in this manner, the first link member 40, which is rotating clockwise, passes the stopper 43. However, as described above, the first link member 40 abuts against the inclined extension 432a of the stopper piece 432, causing the stopper piece 432 to shift downward against the biasing force of the stopper spring and be received in the stopper body 431, thereby allowing the clockwise rotation of the first link member 40. Furthermore, after the first link member 40 passes, the stopper piece 432 shifts upward due to the biasing force of the stopper spring, thereby protruding above the stopper body 431.

[0106] After that, the forward movement of the baffle movable portion 32 is restricted by the front right auxiliary movable roller 51a and the front left auxiliary movable roller 51c contacting the corresponding fixed guide roller 44, so that the forward movement is Figure 17 As shown, it is arranged in the forward position on the front side.

[0107] When the shutter movable portion 32 is arranged in the forward position as described above, the anti-theft shutter unit 30 is Figure 18 As shown, the front end portion of the shutter movable portion 32 abuts against the front door 20 that closes the front opening 10 a , thereby partitioning the product removal area 11B and the conveyance area 11C (product storage area 11A).

[0108] In addition, when the baffle movable portion 32 is arranged in the forward position, as shown in FIG. Figure 19 As shown, the first link member 40 is in the following forward posture: the front end 40b is closer to the forward position than the base end 40a, and the first link member 40 extends obliquely from the base end 40a toward the front end 40b in the direction opposite to the rotation direction (clockwise rotation direction) of the first link member 40 (counterclockwise rotation direction).

[0109] When the damper movable portion 32 is arranged in the forward position, the damper motor 343 is driven to rotate, whereby the transmission gear 35 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from above, thereby Figure 20As shown in FIG. 1 , the first link member 40 in the forward posture rotates clockwise as viewed from above together with the rotation shaft 36. As the first link member 40 rotates clockwise in this manner, the movable guide roller 48 rolls rearward on the corresponding guide rail 45, and the second link member 41 also rotates about the central axis of the first connecting pin 42a, thereby Figure 21 As shown, the baffle movable portion 32 moves backward toward the rear so as to approach the baffle base 31 .

[0110] After that, the flapper motor 343 rotates one circle from the above-mentioned standby state, thereby Figure 14 As shown, the movable baffle portion 32 is in the retracted position. Specifically, the movable baffle portion 32 is normally positioned in the retracted position, having moved toward the baffle base 31, and is capable of moving forward and backward between the retracted position and the forward position. Furthermore, when the baffle motor 343 is driven by one rotation, the first link member 40 and the second link member 41 cause the movable baffle portion 32 to move forward and backward in the order of the retracted position, the forward position, and the retracted position.

[0111] Such a vending machine 1 has the above-mentioned structure and also has the following features: Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the present invention includes a discharging mechanism 61, a conveying mechanism 62, a door locking mechanism 63, a commodity detection sensor 64, a money handling unit 65, a first detection unit 66, a second detection unit 67, and a control unit 70.

[0112] The discharge mechanism 61 is provided in each product aisle 12a that constitutes the merchandise rack 12. The discharge mechanism 61 includes a discharge motor 61a. The discharge motor 61a is a drive source that is driven by commands from the control unit 70. Thus, when the discharge motor 61a is driven, the discharge mechanism 61 rotates the screw 12b and other components of the corresponding product aisle 12a, discharging the frontmost product forward.

[0113] The conveyor mechanism 62 includes a conveyor motor 62a and a tray detector 62b. The conveyor motor 62a is a drive source driven by commands from the control unit 70. The tray detector 62b, which includes an encoder that detects the rotation of the conveyor motor 62a, detects the position of the conveyor tray 18. This allows the conveyor mechanism 62 to move the conveyor tray 18 vertically between the conveyor rails 17. Furthermore, in the standby state, the conveyor mechanism 62 positions the conveyor tray 18 at a predetermined standby position.

[0114] The door locking mechanism 63 is disposed near the product removal outlet 22. The door locking mechanism 63 can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state. The locked state holds the product removal door 23, which blocks the product removal outlet 22, closed, restricting the door 23 from swinging rearward. The unlocked state allows the door 23 to swing rearward. The door locking mechanism 63 switches between the locked and unlocked states based on commands from the control unit 70.

[0115] The product detection sensors 64 are configured, for example, as optical sensors, having a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion. The product detection sensors 64 are located on the left and right sides of the product removal area 11B. The product detection sensors 64 detect whether light from the light-emitting portion passes through a detection hole (not shown) in the conveyor tray 18 that has been moved to the product removal area 11B, thereby detecting whether a product is placed on the conveyor tray 18. The product detection sensors 64 provide this detection result to the control unit 70.

[0116] The money processing unit 65 includes a coin mechanism 65a and a banknote validator 65b, and performs money processing on coins inserted from the coin insertion port 25 and banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion port 26. Furthermore, the money processing unit 65 performs money processing such as subtraction of amount information read by the card reader 27.

[0117] The first detection unit 66 is a component constituting the anti-theft flap unit 30. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first detection portion 66 is provided at the right rear portion of the drive unit 33 in the right region 311R of the base bottom 311 .

[0118] When the movable shutter portion 32 is in the retracted position, the first detector 66 is in the ON state due to the first contact 66a being pressed by the pressing member 49, and transmits an ON signal to the control unit 70. When the movable shutter portion 32 is in a position other than the retracted position, the first detector 66 is in the OFF state due to the first contact 66a being free. In other words, the first detector 66 detects when the movable shutter portion 32 is in the retracted position.

[0119] The second detection unit 67 is a component constituting the anti-theft flap unit 30. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second detection portion 67 is provided in front of the first detection portion 66 in the right region 311R of the base bottom portion 311 .

[0120] When the movable flapper portion 32 is in the forward position, the second detector 67 is in the ON state due to the second contact 67a being pressed by the pressing member 49, and transmits an ON signal to the control unit 70. When the movable flapper portion 32 is in a position other than the forward position, the second detector 67 is in the OFF state due to the second contact 67a being in the free state. In other words, the second detector 67 detects when the movable flapper portion 32 is in the forward position.

[0121] The control unit 70 is electrically connected to each unit of the vending machine 1 and centrally controls the vending operation of the vending machine 1 according to programs and data stored in a similarly electrically connected storage unit 71. The control unit 70 includes a vending machine control unit 70a and a shutter control unit 70b.

[0122] The vending machine control unit 70 a comprehensively controls the sales operation of commodities in the vending machine 1 , and the shutter control unit 70 b comprehensively controls the operation of the anti-theft shutter unit 30 .

[0123] The control unit 70 may be implemented by software, for example, by causing a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program, or by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0124] The vending operation of the vending machine 1 having the above-described structure will now be described. After selecting a product through the product selection unit 24 and appropriately processing money through the money processing unit 65, the vending machine control unit 70a issues a command to the conveying motor 62a, driving the conveying mechanism 62 to move the conveying tray 18 located in the product removal area 11B upward to the area in front of a designated product shelf 12.

[0125] When the tray detector 62b detects that the conveyor tray 18 has been delivered to the front area of ​​the specified merchandise shelf 12, the vending machine control unit 70a stops driving the conveyor motor 62a and drives the discharge motor 61a of the corresponding merchandise aisle 12a. As a result, the discharge mechanism 61 drives the corresponding screw 12b to rotate, and the merchandise constrained between the frontmost pitches of the screw 12b is discharged forward and stored on the conveyor tray 18. After the merchandise constrained between the frontmost pitches is discharged forward, the vending machine control unit 70a stops driving the discharge motor 61a and drives the conveyor motor 62a. As a result, the conveyor tray 18 moves downward toward the merchandise removal area 11B via the conveyor mechanism 62.

[0126] When the tray detector 62b detects that the conveyor tray 18 is positioned in the product removal area 11B, the vending machine control unit 70a stops driving the conveyor motor 62a. Then, when the product detection sensor 64 detects that a product is placed on the conveyor tray 18, the damper control unit 70b provides a drive command to the damper motor 343, causing the damper motor 343 to rotate.

[0127] By rotating the shutter motor 343 in this manner, the shutter movable portion 32, which is located in the retracted position, moves forward to the advanced position as described above. The shutter movable portion 32 that has moved forward is then located in the advanced position, and the second detection unit 67 is turned on, whereupon the shutter control unit 70b stops the rotation of the shutter motor 343.

[0128] When the shutter movable portion 32 is thus positioned at the advanced position, the vending machine control unit 70 a switches the door lock mechanism 63 from the locked state to the released state, allowing the product removal door 23 to swing in the open direction, thereby allowing products to be removed through the product removal port 22 .

[0129] When the product detection sensor 64 detects that no product is placed on the conveying tray 18 , the vending machine control unit 70 a switches the door locking mechanism 63 from the unlocked state to the locked state to restrict the product removal door 23 from swinging in the opening direction.

[0130] The flap control unit 70b also provides a drive command to the flap motor 343, causing it to rotate. This rotation of the flap motor 343 causes the flap movable unit 32, which is positioned in the forward position, to move backward to the retracted position as described above. The retracted flap movable unit 32 then moves to the retracted position, turning the first detector 66 on. The flap control unit 70b then stops the flap motor 343. This ensures that theft prevention is ensured while ensuring good product sales.

[0131] Furthermore, when power is supplied to the automatic vending machine 1 or when power is restored after a power outage, the damper control unit 70b performs the following initial operation control.

[0132] Figure 22 It shows Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the initial operation control performed by the damper control unit 70 b.

[0133] During this initial operation control, the damper control unit 70b sends a drive command to the damper motor 343 (step S101) and determines whether the second detection unit 67 has switched from the on state to the off state (step S102). If the damper control unit 70b fails to determine that the second detection unit 67 has switched from the on state to the off state ("No" in step S102), the damper control unit 70b repeats this process.

[0134] On the other hand, when it is determined that the second detection unit 67 has switched from the on state to the off state ("Yes" in step S102), that is, when the baffle movable part 32 has moved backward from the forward position, the baffle control unit 70b determines whether the first detection unit 66 has switched from the off state to the on state before a predetermined reference time (for example, about 2 seconds to 3 seconds) has passed (steps S103, step S104).

[0135] When it is determined that the first detection unit 66 is switched from the off state to the on state before the reference time has passed ("Yes" in step S103 and "No" in step S104), that is, when the baffle movable part 32 is configured in the retracted position, the baffle control unit 70b sends a drive stop instruction to the baffle motor 343 (step S105, step S106) on the condition that a specified time (for example, about 1 second) has passed, and then returns the process and ends this processing.

[0136] With this, the shutter movable portion 32 can be reliably arranged at the retracted position, and the above-mentioned commodity selling operation can be performed.

[0137] On the other hand, when it is not determined that the first detection unit 66 has switched from the off state to the on state and the reference time has passed ("No" in step S103 and "Yes" in step S104), the damper control unit 70b makes an abnormality determination indicating that an abnormality has occurred (step S107), and then returns the process to end this processing.

[0138] This allows the operator to determine that the shutter movable portion 32 is not located at the retracted position, and subsequently, the operator of the vending machine 1 can be made aware of the abnormality by displaying the abnormality on the display unit.

[0139] As described above, the anti-theft damper unit 30 and the damper control unit 70 b constitute the anti-theft damper mechanism in the present invention.

[0140] Moreover, in the anti-theft baffle mechanism of the vending machine 1, the first link member 40 and the second link member 41 are driven by the baffle motor 343 to rotate in one direction to move the baffle movable part 32 forward and backward, wherein the base end 40a of the first link member 40 is connected to the rotating shaft 36, and the rotating shaft 36 is connected to the output shaft 343a of the baffle motor 343 provided on the baffle base 31, and the first link member 40 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 36 around the central axis of the rotating shaft 36 in the clockwise direction when viewed from above as the baffle motor 343 rotates, one end 41a of the second link member 41 is connected to the front end 40b of the first link member 40 in a rotatable manner, and the other end 41b of the second link member 41 is connected to the baffle movable part 32 in a rotatable manner, therefore, it is sufficient for the baffle motor 343 to rotate in one direction, and there is no need to perform forward and reverse rotation drive as before. This allows an inexpensive motor to be used as the damper motor 343. Therefore, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs while ensuring the anti-theft properties of the product.

[0141] According to the anti-theft flapper mechanism of the automatic vending machine 1, when the flapper movable portion 32 is arranged in the forward position, the first link member 40 is in the forward position as follows: the front end portion 40b is closer to the forward position than the base end portion 40a, and the first link member 40 extends obliquely from the base end portion 40a toward the front end portion 40b in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first link member 40 (see FIG. Figure 19 ), the stopper 43 provided in the rotational region of the first link member 40 when the damper movable portion 32 moves forward from the retracted position to the forward position allows the first link member 40 to rotate clockwise as viewed from above in response to the rotational drive of the damper motor 343, while restricting the first link member 40 from rotating counterclockwise as viewed from above. Therefore, although the first link member 40 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from above when the damper movable portion 32, which is arranged in the forward position, is pressed toward the retracted position, the rotation is restricted due to the abutment of the first link member 40 against the stopper 43. Thus, even when the damper movable portion 32, which is arranged in the forward position, is pressed toward the retracted position, its backward movement is restricted.

[0142] In particular, the drive housing 341 that houses the shutter motor 343 is provided on the shutter base 31 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the central axis of the transmission gear 35. In normal conditions, the drive housing 341 is biased by the housing spring 39 to maintain a reference posture. Figure 23As shown, when the first link member 40 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from above from the forward position, the drive housing 341 overcomes the biasing force of the housing spring 39 and rotates about the center axis of the transmission gear 35. Therefore, when the damper movable portion 32, which is positioned in the forward position, is inadvertently pressed toward the reverse position, the drive housing 341 rotates about the center axis of the transmission gear 35, overcoming the biasing force of the housing spring 39, until the reverse movement is restricted by the stopper 43. This prevents excessive load from being applied to the damper motor 343, thereby preventing damage to the damper motor 343.

[0143] In addition, in the anti-theft flap mechanism of the automatic vending machine 1, the slider 47 rotatably connected to the other end 41b of the second link member 41 is always urged forward by the slider spring 50, thereby maintaining the position in a state where the slider mounting screw member 472 abuts against the rear edge of the mounting hole 471. Figure 24 As shown, when the movable baffle portion 32, positioned in the forward position, is pulled forward, the slider mounting screw member 472 is allowed to move relative to the mounting hole 471, overcoming the biasing force of the slider spring 50. Specifically, the slider 47, which is coupled to the movable baffle portion 32 via the slider spring 50 so that the movable baffle portion 32 can move forward and backward, is interposed between the second link member 41 and the movable baffle portion 32. This allows the movable baffle portion 32, positioned in the forward position, to move forward (away from) the baffle base 31, overcoming the biasing force of the slider 47 spring 50. Consequently, even if the movable baffle portion 32, positioned in the forward position, is mishandled and pulled away from the baffle base 31, it does not impose an excessive load on the baffle motor 343, thereby preventing damage to the baffle motor 343.

[0144] As mentioned above, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention was described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made.

[0145] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first link member 40 is rotated clockwise when viewed from above by the rotation drive of the baffle motor 343, but in the present invention, the coupling unit having the first link member and the second link member only needs to be able to move the baffle movable part forward and backward by the rotation drive of the baffle motor in one direction, and the direction is not particularly limited.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the drive housing 341 housing the shutter motor 343 is rotatably mounted on the shutter base 31 about the center axis of the transmission gear 35 . However, in the present invention, the drive housing may not be rotatably mounted on the shutter base.

[0147] In the above-described embodiment, the slider 47 is interposed between the shutter movable portion 32 and the other end portion 41 b of the second link member 41 . However, in the present invention, the slider may not be provided.

[0148] Description of Reference Numerals

[0149] 1: Vending machine; 1a: Vending machine body; 10: Main cabinet; 11: Product storage; 11A: Product storage area; 11B: Product removal area; 11C: Conveyor area; 12: Product shelf; 12a: Product aisle; 18: Conveyor tray; 20: Front door; 22: Product removal outlet; 30: Anti-theft baffle unit; 31: Baffle base; 311: Base bottom; 312: Base side wall; 313: Base front wall; 314: Base rear wall; 32: Baffle movable part; 3 21: Upper movable structure; 322: Lower movable structure; 33: Drive unit; 33a, 33b: Unit cover; 34: Drive mechanism; 341: Drive housing; 341a, 341b: Drive box; 341c: Insertion hole; 342: Output gear; 343: Baffle motor; 343a: Output shaft; 344a, 344b: Connecting gear; 35: Transmission gear; 351: Transmission base; 352: First transmission gear; 353: Second transmission gear; 354: Through-hole; 36: Rotating shaft; 361: Rotating gear portion; 37: Transmission shaft; 38: Supporting metal plate; 39: Spring for housing; 40: First link member; 40a: Base end portion; 40b: Front end portion; 41: Second link member; 41a: One end portion; 41b: Other end portion; 43: Stopper; 431: Stopper body; 432: Stopper piece; 44: Fixed guide roller; 45: Guide rail; 47: Slider; 471: Mounting hole; 472: Slider mounting screw member; 48: Movable guide roller; 4 9: Pressing member; 50: Spring for sliding member; 51a: Front right auxiliary movable roller; 51b: Rear right auxiliary movable roller; 51c: Front left auxiliary movable roller; 51d: Rear left auxiliary movable roller; 61: Discharge mechanism; 62: Conveying mechanism; 63: Door locking mechanism; 64: Commodity detection sensor; 65: Currency processing unit; 66: First detection unit; 67: Second detection unit; 70: Control unit; 70a: Vending machine control unit; 70b: Baffle control unit; 71: Storage unit.

Claims

1. An anti-theft baffle mechanism for a vending machine, characterized in that: have: a baffle base disposed inside the vending machine body; and a baffle movable portion, which is engaged with the baffle base by means of an engagement unit and is capable of moving forward and backward in a manner of approaching or moving away from the baffle base; When the movable baffle portion moves forward away from the baffle base and is disposed in the forward position, a product storage area having a plurality of product shelves is defined, and a product removal area is defined for allowing products discharged from the product shelves to be removed through a product removal port formed in the vending machine body. The joining unit comprises: a first link member having a base end portion connected to a rotating shaft connected to an output shaft of a damper motor provided on the damper base, and wherein the first link member rotates integrally with the rotating shaft in a predetermined direction around a central axis of the rotating shaft as the damper motor is driven to rotate; and a second link member, one end of which is rotatably connected to the front end of the first link member, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the damper movable portion; The shutter movable portion is moved forward and backward by the shutter motor being driven to rotate in one direction.

2. The anti-theft baffle mechanism of the vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shutter movable portion is normally arranged at a retreated position after having retreated so as to approach the shutter base, and is capable of moving forward and backward between the retreated position and the advanced position. When the shutter motor is driven to rotate once, the engaging unit moves the shutter movable portion forward and backward in the order of the retracted position, the advanced position, and the retracted position.

3. The anti-theft baffle mechanism of the vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the flap movable portion is arranged in the forward position, the first link member is in an advanced posture in which the front end portion is closer to the forward position than the base end portion, and the first link member extends obliquely from the base end portion toward the front end portion in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first link member. The baffle base has a stop portion, which is arranged in a rotation area of ​​the first link member when the baffle movable portion moves forward from the retracted position to the forward position, and the stop portion allows the first link member to rotate in a specified direction as the baffle motor is driven by rotation, and on the other hand, restricts the first link member from rotating in a direction opposite to the specified direction.

4. The anti-theft baffle mechanism of the vending machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The damper motor is housed in a drive housing provided on the damper base so as to be rotatable about a central axis of a transmission gear connected to the output shaft and meshing with the rotation shaft. The drive housing is normally biased by the housing biasing unit to maintain a reference posture. On the other hand, when the first link member rotates from the forward posture in a direction opposite to the prescribed direction, the drive housing overcomes the biasing force of the housing biasing unit and rotates around the central axis of the transmission gear.

5. The anti-theft flap mechanism for a vending machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The cam is connected to the second end of the second link member in a manner that the second link member can rotate and is connected to the baffle movable part via a sliding member force unit, thereby being interposed between the second link member and the baffle movable part, and the sliding member allows the baffle movable part arranged in the forward position to overcome the force of the sliding member force unit and displace in a direction away from the baffle base.

6. The anti-theft flap mechanism for a vending machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: Also features: a first detection unit configured to detect whether the baffle movable portion is disposed at the retracted position; a second detection unit configured to detect whether the baffle movable portion is disposed at the forward position; as well as A control unit forcibly drives the baffle motor to rotate when power is turned on, and stops the rotation drive of the baffle motor when the first detection unit detects that the baffle movable part is configured in the retracted position after the second detection unit detects that the baffle movable part is configured in the forward position.

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