Vending machine

Abstract

To determine that a machine is installed appropriately as a cashless machine.SOLUTION: A vending machine 1 which includes a commodity selection button 25 and a settlement processing unit 24 and which carries out a selected commodity when the commodity is selected through the commodity selection button 25 and then settlement processing is executed in the settlement processing unit 24 includes: a currency processing device 28 which is detachably provided for an outer door 1b and which performs depositing / dispensing processing for an input currency; a cancel button 29 which is detachably provided for the outer door 1b and which is operated itself to cancel the commodity selected by the commodity selection button 25; and a control unit 30 which performs determination processing of outputting an error when the currency processing device 28 is connected communicably to itself in a state in which the cancel button 29 is connected communicably and determining that the machine is a cashless machine when the currency processing device 28 is not connected communicably to itself.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a vending machine, there is known one including a money processing device that performs deposit and withdrawal processing of inserted money, and a settlement processing unit that performs settlement processing by reading and writing information between a recording medium held in a predetermined communicable area. In this vending machine, after the deposit processing is performed by the money processing device, when a product is selected, the selected product is carried out, and after the selection of the product, the settlement processing is executed by the settlement processing unit, and then the selected product is carried out (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the above vending machine, the use as a cashless machine that removes the money processing device and carries out products only by the settlement processing in the settlement processing unit is also increasing. That is, there are cases where the vending machine is used as a normal machine that can be settled by the money processing device and the settlement processing unit, and cases where it is used as a cashless machine that can be settled only by the settlement processing unit.

[0005] When using a vending machine as a cashless machine, when the currency processing device is removed, the cancel switch that is turned on and off by operating the return lever is also removed at the same time, and parts such as a cancel button for canceling the previously selected product are required. Therefore, when using it as a cashless machine, it was necessary to determine whether parts such as a cancel button were properly installed.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine capable of determining whether it is properly installed as a cashless machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, a vending machine according to the present invention includes a product selection unit for selecting a product, and a settlement processing unit for performing settlement processing by reading and writing information between a recording medium held in a predetermined communicable area, and after selecting a product through the product selection unit, a settlement process is executed by the settlement processing unit, and the selected product is carried out. A vending machine, which is detachably provided on the vending machine main body and performs deposit and withdrawal processing of the inserted currency; a cancel operation unit that is detachably provided on the vending machine main body and cancels the selection of the product in the product selection unit when it is operated; and a control unit that outputs an error when the currency processing device is communicably connected to itself, and performs a determination process of determining it as a cashless machine when the currency processing device is not communicably connected to itself, in a state where the cancel operation unit is communicably connected.

[0008] Further, the present invention can be set to either a normal machine capable of performing settlement processing in the settlement processing unit and deposit / withdrawal processing by the currency processing device, or a cashless machine capable of only settlement processing in the settlement processing unit. When the control unit is set to the cashless machine, if the cancellation operation unit is communicably connected, the control unit performs the determination processing; while if the cancellation operation unit is not communicably connected, the control unit outputs an error.

[0009] Further, the present invention provides that in the above vending machine, when the control unit is set to the normal machine, if the currency processing device is communicably connected, the control unit determines it as the normal machine; while if the currency processing device is not communicably connected, the control unit outputs an error.

[0010] Further, the present invention provides that in the above vending machine, when the control unit activates the cancellation operation unit, the control unit lights a light source built in the cancellation operation unit.

[0011] Further, the present invention provides that in the above vending machine, when the merchandise selection unit is operated, a light source built therein lights up. After selecting a product through the merchandise selection unit and then operating the cancellation operation unit, the control unit turns off the light source of the merchandise selection unit and enables the operation of the merchandise selection unit on the condition of a response from the settlement processing unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, there is provided a currency processing device that performs deposit and withdrawal processing of inserted currency, and a cancellation operation unit that cancels the selection of a product at the product selection unit when the cancellation operation unit itself is operated is detachably provided on the vending machine main body. When the cancellation operation unit is communicably connected and the currency processing device is communicably connected to itself, the control unit outputs an error. On the other hand, when the currency processing device is not communicably connected to itself, a determination process for determining that it is a cashless machine is performed. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the vending machine is appropriately installed as a cashless machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the vending machine according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0015] Figs. 1 to 3 show a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a front view of the vending machine when used as a normal machine, Fig. 2 is a front view of the vending machine when used as a cashless machine, and Fig. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a characteristic control system. The vending machine 1 illustrated here sells beverages contained in containers such as cans and plastic bottles as products, and is configured to include a main body cabinet 1a and an outer door 1b as a vending machine main body.

[0016] The main body cabinet 1a is a rectangular heat-insulating housing having a front opening (not shown) on the front surface. Although not explicitly shown in the figure, a plurality of product storage compartments are defined inside the main body cabinet 1a, and a plurality of product storage racks are provided in each product storage compartment. Columns are set in these product storage racks. A column is a storage unit in which the same type of product is stored, and one or a plurality of product storage racks are provided according to the products to be sold.

[0017] The outer door 1b is swingably provided on the main body cabinet 1a in a manner of opening and closing the front opening of the main body cabinet 1a. Incidentally, an inner door (not shown) having a heat-insulating structure is provided between the main body cabinet 1a and the outer door 1b in a manner of opening and closing the front surface of the product storage compartment.

[0018] A pop-up handle 11 is provided in the middle of the right side of the front surface of the outer door 1b. The pop-up handle 11 locks the outer door 1b in a closed state. The vending machine 1 is locked by pushing in the pop-up handle 11 with the outer door 1b closed, and when an unlocking operation is performed, the pop-up handle 11 pops up (protrudes), enabling the outer door 1b to be opened.

[0019] In addition, a display room 12 is provided in the upper front area of the front surface of the outer door 1b. The display room 12 displays product samples 13 of the products sold by the vending machine 1. The product samples 13 are displayed side by side on three stages 14 arranged vertically in the display room 12.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the vending machine 1 has a control unit 30, to which a remote controller 21, a cooling and heating device 22, a carry-out device 23, a settlement processing unit 24, product selection buttons 25, and a display unit 26 are connected, and either a currency processing device 28 or a cancel button 29 is alternatively connected.

[0021] The remote controller 21 is for performing various setting operations and confirmation operations of various sales data. In addition to operation keys such as a write key and an end key, it is equipped with a liquid crystal display on which various setting data and confirmation data are displayed. The input data input from the remote controller 21 is transmitted to the control unit 30. Then, the remote controller 21 receives the confirmation data transmitted from this control unit 30.

[0022] Also, the remote controller 21 is for setting the vending machine 1 as a "normal machine" or a "cashless machine". Here, the "normal machine" is a vending machine 1 in which a product can be purchased by settlement processing in the settlement processing unit 24 and deposit and withdrawal processing by the currency processing device 28, and the "cashless machine" is a vending machine 1 in which a product can be purchased only by the settlement processing of the settlement processing unit 24.

[0023] The cooling and heating device 22 is for managing the inside of the product storage to a set temperature state. The cooling and heating device 22 cools the products in the product storage with cooling set, while heating the products in the product storage with heating set.

[0024] The carry-out device 23 is provided for each column in the product storage rack. When a carry-out command is given from the control unit 30, this carry-out device 23 carries out the product at the most downstream position of the corresponding column. The product carried out from such a carry-out device 23 can be taken out through a product outlet 17 provided at the lower front part of the outer door 1b.

[0025] The settlement processing unit 24 has a settlement terminal 24a. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the settlement terminal 24a is provided below the display room 12 on the front surface of the outer door 1b. The settlement terminal 24a reads and writes information (electronic money) with a recording medium such as an electronic money card held in a predetermined communicable area. The settlement processing unit 24 performs settlement processing using electronic money with the recording medium through the settlement terminal 24a. Incidentally, the settlement terminal 24a has a function of identifying the validity and type of the recording medium.

[0026] The product selection button 25 is a product selection unit for selecting a product, and is provided corresponding to the product sample 13. Incidentally, the product selection button 25 incorporates a light source 25a composed of an LED or the like. The light source 25a lights constantly, blinks, or turns off according to a command given from the control unit 30. The display unit 26 displays various information such as during sales and preparation.

[0027] The currency processing device 28 is a device composed of a coin mech (coin processing device) and a bill validator (bill processing device). This currency processing device 28 identifies the authenticity and denomination of currency such as coins inserted through the coin insertion slot 15a provided on the front surface of the outer door 1b and bills inserted through the bill insertion slot 15b, and transmits the amount of the inserted currency to the control unit 30. The currency processing device 28 also stores and dispenses currency according to a command from the control unit 30.

[0028] Such a currency processing device 28 is provided with a cancel switch 28a. The cancel switch 28a is normally off, but turns on when the return lever 15c provided on the front surface of the outer door 1b is operated, and transmits a cancel signal to the control unit 30.

[0029] When the cancel switch 28a is turned on, the transaction is interrupted, and the money is returned to the coin return slot 15d provided on the front surface of the outer door 1b and the above-mentioned bill insertion slot 15b. Also, when the cancel switch 28a is turned on, even if a product has been selected through the product selection button 25 before money is inserted into the money processing device 28, the selection of such a product is canceled. When such a money processing device 28 is communicably connected to the control unit 30, the vending machine 1 is used as the above-mentioned normal machine.

[0030] The cancel button 29 is a cancel operation unit that sends a cancel signal to the control unit 30 when pressed. As shown in FIG. 2, this cancel button 29 is provided on a blindfold plate 16a attached in such a manner that the coin insertion slot 15a, the bill insertion slot 15b, and the return lever 15c are removed and exposed on the front surface of the outer door 1b. The coin return slot 15d is also covered by a blindfold plate 16b.

[0031] The cancel button 29 also incorporates a light source 29a composed of an LED or the like. The light source 29a lights up or goes out according to a command given from the control unit 30. When such a cancel button 29 is communicably connected to the control unit 30, the light source 29a is always lit, allowing the user to recognize that the cancel button 29 is enabled, and the vending machine 1 is used as the above-mentioned cashless machine. When the cancel button 29 is not communicably connected to the control unit 30, the light source 29a goes out, and the cancel button 29 is disabled.

[0032] The control unit 30 comprehensively controls the operations of each part of the vending machine 1 according to the programs and data stored in the storage unit 31, and includes a sales control processing unit 30a and a determination control processing unit 30b. The sales control processing unit 30a controls the sales processing of products. The determination control processing unit 30b performs determination control processing that is carried out when the power of the vending machine 1 is turned on.

[0033] Further, the control unit 30 may be realized by causing a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program, that is, by software, or by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), or by using a combination of software and hardware.

[0034] When the power is turned on, the vending machine 1 having the above configuration performs the following determination control process. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the determination control process performed by the control unit 30 shown in FIG. 3.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the determination control unit 30b of the control unit 30 determines whether or not it is set to the cashless machine through the remote control 21 (step S101).

[0036] If it is not set to the cashless machine (step S101: No), that is, if it is set to the normal machine, the determination control unit 30b determines whether or not the money processing device 28 is communicably connected to the control unit 30 (step S102).

[0037] If the money processing device 28 is communicably connected to the control unit 30 (step S102: Yes), the determination control unit 30b determines that the vending machine 1 is a normal machine (step S103), and then returns the procedure to end the current process.

[0038] According to this, it is possible to make the administrator of the vending machine 1 or the like recognize that the vending machine 1 is properly installed as a normal machine.

[0039] On the other hand, if the money processing device 28 is not communicably connected to the control unit 30 (step S102: No), the determination control unit 30b performs an error output for causing an error display on, for example, the display unit 26 (step S104), and then returns the procedure to end the current process.

[0040] According to this, it is possible to make the administrator or the like of the vending machine 1 recognize that the vending machine 1 is not properly installed as a normal machine.

[0041] By the way, when it is set to the cashless machine in the above step S101 (step S101: Yes), the determination control processing unit 30b determines whether the cancel button 29 is communicably connected to the control unit 30 (step S105).

[0042] When the cancel button 29 is not communicably connected to the control unit 30 (step S105: No), the determination control processing unit 30b performs an error output for causing an error display on, for example, the display unit 26 or the like (step S106), and then returns the procedure to end the current process.

[0043] On the other hand, when the cancel button 29 is communicably connected to the control unit 30 (step S105: Yes), the determination control processing unit 30b performs the following determination process.

[0044] That is, the determination control processing unit 30b determines whether the currency processing device 28 is communicably connected to the control unit 30 (step S107).

[0045] When the currency processing device 28 is communicably connected to the control unit 30 (step S107: Yes), the determination control processing unit 30b performs an error output for causing an error display on, for example, the display unit 26 or the like (step S108), and then returns the procedure to end the current process.

[0046] According to this, it is possible to make the administrator or the like of the vending machine 1 recognize that the vending machine 1 is not properly installed as a cashless machine.

[0047] On the other hand, when the currency processing device 28 is not communicably connected to the control unit 30 (step S107: No), the determination control unit 30b determines that the vending machine 1 is a cashless machine (step S109), and then returns the procedure to end the current process.

[0048] According to this, it is possible to make the administrator of the vending machine 1, etc. recognize that the vending machine 1 is appropriately installed as a cashless machine.

[0049] When the vending machine 1 is used as a normal machine, it operates as follows. Since the configuration and operation of a normal machine are well-known, they will be briefly described here.

[0050] Currency is inserted through the coin insertion slot 15a or the bill insertion slot 15b, and authenticity, etc. is identified by the currency processing device 28, and the inserted amount is transmitted to the control unit 30. As a result, when the inserted amount is equal to or greater than the product price, the control unit 30 constantly lights the light source 25a of the corresponding product selection button 25. When any of the product selection buttons 25 with the light source 25a constantly lit is pressed, the control unit 30 operates the carry-out device 23 of the column that houses the product corresponding to the product selection button 25, carries out the product, and makes it possible to take it out through the product outlet 17. Then, when there is change, etc., the control unit 30 sends a command to the currency processing device 28 to return the change through the coin return slot 15d, etc., and ends the sale of the product in the normal machine. Then, the light source 25a of the product selection button 25 is turned off.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the control unit 30 when the vending machine 1 is used as a cashless machine. As a premise, the light source 29a of the cancel button 29 is constantly lit, and the cancel button 29 is enabled.

[0052] As shown in this Figure 5, the sales control processing unit 30a of the control unit 30 determines whether the product selection button 25 has been operated (pressed) (step S201). If none of the product selection buttons 25 have been operated (step S201: No), the sales control processing unit 30a remains in a predetermined sales standby state.

[0053] If any of the product selection buttons 25 have been operated (step S201: Yes), the sales control processing unit 30a outputs a blinking lighting instruction to the corresponding product selection button 25 (step S202), causes the light source 25a to blink and light up, and outputs a settlement instruction to the settlement processing unit 24 (step S203).

[0054] After that, the sales control processing unit 30a determines whether the cancel button 29 has been operated or whether there is a settlement process before a preset predetermined time (for example, about 30 seconds) has elapsed (steps S204, S205, S206).

[0055] If a settlement process is performed by the settlement processing unit 24 before the predetermined time has elapsed (step S205: Yes), the sales control processing unit 30a gives a carry-out command to the carry-out device 23 of the column associated with the operated product selection button 25 to cause a carry-out operation (step S207). As a result, the product carried out by the carry-out device 23 can be taken out through the product outlet 17. Then, the sales control processing unit 30a outputs a turn-off instruction to the corresponding product selection button 25 (step S208), and then returns the procedure to end the current process. Thereby, the light source 25a that blinked and lit up in step S202 turns off, and the vending machine 1 enters a standby state.

[0056] If the cancel button 29 is not operated and no settlement process is performed by the settlement processing unit 24 and the predetermined time has elapsed (step S206: Yes), the sales control processing unit 30a outputs a turn-off instruction to the corresponding product selection button 25 (step S209), and then returns the procedure to end the current process. Thereby, the light source 25a that blinked and lit up in step S202 turns off, and the vending machine 1 enters a standby state.

[0057] On the other hand, if the cancel button 29 is operated before the elapse of the specified time (step S204: Yes), the sales control processing unit 30a outputs a cancel instruction to the settlement processing unit 24 (step S210) and waits for a response to the cancel instruction from the settlement processing unit 24 (step S211).

[0058] After that, if there is a response to the cancel instruction from the settlement processing unit 24 (step S211: Yes), the sales control processing unit 30a outputs a turn-off instruction to the product selection button 25 (step S212), and then returns the procedure to end the current process. As a result, the light source 25a that blinked and lit in step S202 turns off, and the vending machine 1 enters the standby state.

[0059] As described above, according to the vending machine 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention, when the control unit 30 is in a state where the cancel button 29 is communicably connected, if the money processing device 28 is communicably connected to itself, an error is output, while if the money processing device 28 is not communicably connected to itself, a determination process of determining it as a cashless machine is performed. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether it is appropriately installed as a cashless machine.

[0060] Also, according to the vending machine 1, when the control unit 30 is set as a normal machine, if the money processing device 28 is communicably connected, it is determined as a normal machine, while if the money processing device 28 is not communicably connected, an error is output. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether it is appropriately installed as a normal machine.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the vending machine 1, when the cancel button 29 is operated after the control unit 30 selects a product through the product selection button 25, the light source 25a of the product selection button 25 is turned off on the condition of the response from the settlement processing unit 24, and the operation on the product selection button 25 is enabled. Therefore, it is possible to prevent troubles caused by the coincidence of the timing when the cancel button 29 is operated and the timing of the settlement process due to an unintended action of placing the recording medium in the communication range of the settlement terminal 24a (the action of holding the recording medium in the communication range of the settlement terminal 24a).

[0062] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the product selection button 25 has been described as an example of the product selection unit, and the cancel button 29 has been described as an example of the cancel operation unit. However, in the present invention, the product selection unit and the cancel operation unit may be displayed on a touch panel type display means without having a push button structure.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the cancel button 29 is enabled with the light source 29a always lit. However, in the present invention, by changing the lighting pattern of the light source 29a in the cancel button 29 during a predetermined time after the vending machine 1 is powered on, various service functions such as version confirmation of the vending machine 1 may be provided.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0065] 1... Vending machine, 1a... Main body cabinet, 1b... Outer door, 21... Remote control, 22... Heating and cooling device, 23... Delivery device, 24... Settlement processing unit, 24a... Settlement terminal, 25... Product selection button, 25a... Light source, 26... Display unit, 28... Currency processing device, 28a... Cancel switch, 29... Cancel button, 29a... Light source, 30... Control unit, 30a... Sales control processing unit, 30b... Judgment control processing unit, 31... Storage unit.

Claims

1. A product selection unit for selecting a product, and a settlement processing unit that performs reading and writing of information with a recording medium held in a predetermined communicable area to execute settlement processing comprising: an automatic vending machine that performs settlement processing in the settlement processing unit after selecting a product through the product selection unit, and then carries out the selected product, a currency processing device that is detachably provided on the main body of the automatic vending machine and performs deposit and withdrawal processing of inserted currency, a cancellation operation unit that is detachably provided on the main body of the automatic vending machine and cancels the selection of a product in the product selection unit when it is operated, and a control unit that outputs an error when the currency processing device is communicably connected to itself in a state where the cancellation operation unit is communicably connected, and performs a determination process of determining as a cashless machine when the currency processing device is not communicably connected to itself An automatic vending machine characterized by comprising the above.

2. It can be set to either a normal machine capable of settlement processing in the settlement processing unit and deposit and withdrawal processing by the currency processing device, or a cashless machine capable of only settlement processing in the settlement processing unit, The control unit performs the determination process when the cancellation operation unit is communicably connected on the condition that it is set as a cashless machine, and outputs an error when the cancellation operation unit is not communicably connected. The automatic vending machine according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The control unit determines as a normal machine when the currency processing device is communicably connected on the condition that it is set as a normal machine, and outputs an error when the currency processing device is not communicably connected. The automatic vending machine according to Claim 2, characterized by this.

4. When the control unit activates the cancellation operation unit, the control unit lights a light source built in the cancellation operation unit. The automatic vending machine according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

5. When the product selection unit is operated, the built-in light source lights up, When the cancellation operation unit is operated after selecting a product through the product selection unit, the control unit turns off the light source of the product selection unit and activates the operation in the product selection unit on the condition of the response from the settlement processing unit. The automatic vending machine according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

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