Vending machine

Abstract

To provide a vending machine that enables a user who desires to charge a secondary battery of battery-driven equipment to receive only paid charging service anytime.SOLUTION: A vending machine 1 carries out an article corresponding to an article selection button 8 operated among a plurality of article selection buttons in response to payment by a predetermined amount or more and operation with respect to the article selection button 8. The vending machine 1 includes connection ports 21a to 21c to which battery-driven equipment is connected in a detachable state, and a charging device 23 which charges a secondary battery of the battery-driven equipment connected to the connection ports 21a to 21c, and is configured to charge the secondary battery of the battery-driven equipment connected to the connection ports 21a to 21c in response to connection of the battery-driven equipment to the connection ports 21a to 21c, payment by a charging fee or more, and operation of the predetermined article selection button 8 among the plurality of article selection buttons 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine having a function for charging a secondary battery of a battery-powered device. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of this type of vending machine, the vending machine described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a charging unit that charges a secondary battery built into a connected battery-powered device, and is configured to supply charging power to the charging unit when the sales conditions for the product are met or when a predetermined time period has arrived. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-074477 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of the vending machine described in Patent Document 1, a user cannot charge the secondary battery of a battery-powered device that the user owns unless the user purchases a product or it is within a specified time period. Therefore, the vending machine described in Patent Document 1 has the problem of being unable to meet the needs of users who only want to charge the secondary battery of their battery-powered device or users who want to charge the secondary battery of their battery-powered device immediately.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vending machine that allows a user who wishes to charge the secondary battery of a battery-powered device to receive only the charging service at any time for a fee. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a novel vending machine that dispenses a product corresponding to a product selection button operated upon a deposit of a predetermined amount or more and an operation of one of the product selection buttons, the vending machine including a connection port to which a battery-powered device can be detachably connected, and a charging device for charging the secondary battery of the battery-powered device connected to the connection port, configured to charge the secondary battery of the battery-powered device connected to the connection port upon connection of the battery-powered device to the connection port, depositing the charging fee, and operating a predetermined product selection button from the plurality of product selection buttons. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vending machine that enables a user who wishes to charge the secondary battery of a battery-powered device to receive only the charging service at any time for a fee. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a vending machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a vending machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how a predetermined product selection button changes when a battery-powered device is connected to the connection port. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a front view of a vending machine according to a modified example. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a vending machine according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of a vending machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vending machine 1 according to this embodiment has the function of charging secondary batteries (hereinafter simply referred to as "secondary batteries of battery-powered devices") installed in various battery-powered devices such as smartphones. The vending machine 1 has a rectangular box-shaped main body 2 with an open front, and an outer door 3 that closes the front of the main body 2. A product storage compartment (not shown) is provided within the main body 2, and products such as canned drinks are stored in this product storage compartment.

[0011] In the following description, "left side" refers to the left side when facing the front of the vending machine 1, and "right side" refers to the right side when facing the front of the vending machine 1. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used simply to distinguish between similar elements and do not limit the elements to which they are attached.

[0012] In the vending machine 1, a product sample chamber 4 is provided at the upper front of the outer door 3, and a product outlet 5 is provided at the lower front of the outer door 3. The product sample chamber 4 is configured so that the interior can be seen from the front of the vending machine 1 through a transparent plate 6. A plurality of product samples S, each representing a product stored in the product storage cabinet, are displayed in the product sample chamber 4. The product outlet 5 is covered by a cover member 5a that can be opened and closed freely.

[0013] A product selection button device 7 is attached to the front of the transparent plate 6. The product selection button device 7 has a plurality of product selection buttons 8 for selecting products stored in the product storage cabinet. Each of the plurality of product selection buttons 8 has a built-in light-emitting unit and is arranged below the plurality of product samples S so as to correspond to one of the plurality of product samples S. The product selection button device 7 is configured to be able to blink or light up each of the plurality of product selection buttons 8, more specifically, the light-emitting unit of each of the plurality of product selection buttons 8, and is also configured to output a button operation signal mainly in response to an operation of the product selection button 8 by a user.

[0014] A coin slot 9 and a return lever 10 are provided in the center right part of the front surface of the outer door 3. To the left of the coin slot 9 and return lever 10 and below the product sample chamber 4, a bill insertion slot 11 and an amount display unit 12 are provided. The amount display unit 12 is configured to mainly display the amount of coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 9 and / or the amount of bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 11. To the left of the bill insertion slot 11 and the amount display unit 12, an electronic money reader / writer 13 capable of contact or contactless communication with various IC cards is provided. In addition, a coin return slot 14 is provided below the coin insertion slot 9 and return lever 10 on the front surface of the outer door 3 and to the right of the product outlet 5.

[0015] A charging unit 20 for charging the secondary battery of the battery-powered device is provided between the coin insertion slot 9 and return lever 10 and the coin return slot 14 on the front surface of the outer door 3. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the charging unit 20 protrudes from the front surface of the outer door 3 and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front.

[0016] The charging unit 20 may be attached to the outer door 3 by using an attachment hole formed in the outer door 3. For example, a hollow boss portion through which a power supply line, a signal line, etc., passes may be formed on the rear surface of the charging unit 20, and the charging unit 20 may be fixed to the front surface of the outer door 3 by a predetermined fixing means with the hollow boss portion inserted into the attachment hole. The attachment hole may be a component attachment hole formed in the outer door 3 for attaching components for optional functions of the vending machine 1. Therefore, if the charging unit 20 is not provided, components for other optional functions may be attached to or by using the component attachment hole.

[0017] At least one connection port (connection port) is provided on the bottom surface of charging unit 20. That is, the at least one connection port is open downward. This is to prevent dust and the like from entering the at least one connection port. In addition, the number (port number) of the at least one connection port is displayed on the front surface of charging unit 20. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, three connection ports (first to third connection ports 21a to 21c) are provided on the bottom surface of charging unit 20, and the numbers (1 to 3) of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c, respectively, are displayed on the front surface of charging unit 20.

[0018] Battery-powered devices can be detachably connected to each of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c. The battery-powered device may be directly connected to any of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c, or may be indirectly connected via a charging cable or the like. Therefore, "connected" below includes both direct connection and indirect connection via a charging cable or the like.

[0019] Each of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c is connected to a charging device 23 provided inside the main body 2 via a power supply line 25 (see FIG. 2). The charging device 23 is configured to be able to charge, preferably rapidly charge, the secondary battery of a battery-driven device connected to any of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c by outputting charging power.

[0020] Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c are configured to connect to a battery-powered device via a detachable charging cable, and the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c may be USB (registered trademark) ports, and the charging cable may be a USB cable for charging having a connection terminal at one end that is connected to the battery-powered device and a USB plug at the other end.

[0021] In this embodiment, a connection port number display plate 27 is disposed on the front side of each of the three bottom right product samples S among the multiple product samples S. The connection port number display plate 27 is formed, for example, from a transparent or translucent plate having a width smaller than that of the product sample S and a height equal to or less than half that of the product sample S, and the connection port number is displayed on the front side.

[0022] Specifically, in this embodiment, the front of the connection port number display plate 27 located in front of the third product sample S from the right at the bottom right among the multiple product samples S displays a "1" indicating the first connection port 21a, the front of the connection port number display plate 27 located in front of the second product sample S from the right at the bottom right among the multiple product samples S displays a "2" indicating the second connection port 21b, and the front of the connection port number display plate 27 located in front of the bottom right-most product sample S among the multiple product samples S displays a "3" indicating the third connection port 21c.

[0023] 2 is a block diagram showing the main components of the vending machine 1 according to the embodiment. In addition to the product selection button device 7 and charging device 23 described above, the vending machine 1 also includes a product dispensing device 31, a money processing device 33, a connection detection unit 35, and a control device 40.

[0024] The product discharge device 31 is a device for discharging products in the product storage cabinet to the product outlet 5. The money processing device 33 is configured to output, as deposit information, the amount of coins inserted into the coin slot 9 and / or the amount of bills inserted into the bill slot 11, or the amount of electronic money subtracted from the IC card by the electronic money reader / writer 13.

[0025] The connection detection unit 35 is configured to detect that a battery-powered device has been connected to the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c and output a connection detection signal, for example, by monitoring the signal lines of each of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c, and to detect that a battery-powered device (or a charging cable, etc.) has been removed from the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c and output a connection release signal.

[0026] The control device 40 controls the overall operation of the vending machine 1. The control device 40 receives a button operation signal from the product selection button device 7 in response to an operation on one of the multiple product selection buttons 8, receives deposit information from the money processing device 33, and receives a connection detection signal and a connection release signal from the connection detection unit 35. The control device 40 is also configured to output control signals to each of the product selection button device 7, the charging device 23, and the product delivery device 31, and to appropriately control each of the product selection button device 7 (product selection button 8), the charging device 23, and the product delivery device 31.

[0027] Next, an example of the operation of the vending machine 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0028] The vending machine 1 is configured to dispense the product corresponding to the operated product selection button 8 when a predetermined amount or more is deposited and one of the multiple product selection buttons 8 is operated (dispensing operation of stored product). The order of depositing the predetermined amount or more and operating one of the multiple product selection buttons 8 does not matter. In other words, the deposit of the predetermined amount or more may be made first, or one of the multiple product selection buttons 8 may be operated first. A specific explanation will be given below.

[0029] [Stored product removal operation 1] In the vending machine 1, when coins are inserted into the coin slot 9 and / or banknotes are inserted into the banknote slot 11 (i.e., when a deposit is made), the money processing device 33 outputs the amount of the inserted coins and / or the amount of the inserted banknotes as deposit information to the control device 40. When the deposit information is input from the money processing device 33, the control device 40 outputs a control signal according to the input deposit information (i.e., the deposit amount) to the product selection button device 7, and causes the product selection button device 7 to light up one or more product selection buttons 8 from the plurality of product selection buttons 8 to select products that can be purchased with the deposit amount.

[0030] Thereafter, when one of the lit product selection buttons 8 is operated, the product selection button device 7 outputs a button operation signal corresponding to the operated product selection button 8 to the control device 40. In this case, the button operation signal is a "product selection signal." When the button operation signal (product selection signal) is input from the product selection button device 7, the control device 40 outputs a control signal to the product discharge device 31, causing the product discharge device 31 to discharge the product corresponding to the operated product selection button 8 to the product outlet 5. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, if the amount deposited is greater than the price of the discharged product, the difference is returned to the coin return slot 14 by the control device 40 and the money processing device 33.

[0031] [Stored product removal operation 2] In the vending machine 1, when one of the multiple product selection buttons 8 is operated, the product selection button device 7 outputs a button operation signal corresponding to the operated product selection button 8 to the control device 40. The button operation signal in this case is also a "product selection signal." When a button operation signal (product selection signal) is input from the product selection button device 7, the control device 40 outputs a control signal to the product selection button device 7, causing the product selection button device 7 to light up the operated product selection button 8.

[0032] Thereafter, when coins are inserted into the coin slot 9 and / or banknotes are inserted into the banknote insertion slot 11, or an IC card is touched to the electronic money reader / writer 13 (i.e., when a deposit is made), the money processing device 33 outputs the amount of the inserted coins and / or the amount of the banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion slot 11, or the amount of electronic money subtracted from the IC card by the electronic money reader / writer 13, as deposit information to the control device 40. When the deposit information (i.e., the deposit amount) is input from the money processing device 33, the control device 40 compares the input deposit information (deposit amount) with the price of the product corresponding to the operated product selection button 8, and if the input deposit information (deposit amount) is equal to or greater than the price of the product corresponding to the operated product selection button 8, it outputs a control signal to the product delivery device 31, causing the product delivery device 31 to deliver the product corresponding to the operated product selection button 8 to the product outlet 5. If the amount deposited is greater than the price of the removed goods, the difference is returned to the coin return slot 14 by the control device 40 and the money processing device 33.

[0033] Furthermore, the vending machine 1 is configured to charge the secondary battery of a battery-powered device connected to one of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c by connecting the battery-powered device to one of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c, depositing a predetermined amount of charging money or more, and operating a predetermined product selection button 8 out of the multiple product selection buttons 8 (charging operation of the battery-powered device). The order of connecting the battery-powered device to one of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c, depositing a predetermined amount of charging money or more, and operating the predetermined product selection button 8 does not matter. A specific description will be given below.

[0034] [Charging operation of battery-powered devices 1] In the vending machine 1, when a battery-powered device is connected to any of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c, the connection detection unit 35 outputs a connection detection signal to the control device 40 that includes information indicating the connection port to which the battery-powered device is connected.

[0035] Specifically, when a battery-powered device is connected to first connection port 21a, connection detection unit 35 outputs a first connection detection signal to control device 40, the first connection detection signal including information indicating that the battery-powered device is connected to first connection port 21a. When a battery-powered device is connected to second connection port 21b, connection detection unit 35 outputs a second connection detection signal to control device 40, the second connection detection signal including information indicating that the battery-powered device is connected to second connection port 21b. When a battery-powered device is connected to third connection port 21c, connection detection unit 35 outputs a third connection detection signal to control device 40, the third connection detection signal including information indicating that the battery-powered device is connected to third connection port 21c.

[0036] When a connection detection signal is input from the connection detection unit 35, the control device 40 assigns some of the multiple product selection buttons 8 to "charge selection buttons" based on the input connection detection signal. In other words, the control device 40 temporarily switches the function of some of the multiple product selection buttons 8 from "selection of a product stored in the product storage cabinet" to "selection of charging the secondary battery of a battery-powered device" based on the input connection detection signal.

[0037] Specifically, when the control device 40 receives the first connection detection signal from the connection detection unit 35, it assigns (temporarily switches) the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8 to the charge selection button, and outputs a control signal to the product selection button device 7 to cause the product selection button device 7 to blink the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right. Furthermore, when the control device 40 receives the second connection detection signal from the connection detection unit 35, it assigns (temporarily switches) the second product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8 to the charge selection button, and outputs a control signal to the product selection button device 7 to cause the product selection button device 7 to blink the second product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right. Furthermore, when the control device 40 receives the third connection detection signal from the connection detection unit 35, it assigns (temporarily switches) the bottom-rightmost product selection button 8 from the multiple product selection buttons 8 to the charge selection button, and outputs a control signal to the product selection button device 7 to cause the product selection button device 7 to blink the bottom-rightmost product selection button 8.

[0038] Thereafter, when coins are inserted into the coin slot 9 and / or bills are inserted into the bill insertion slot 11, or an IC card is touched to the electronic money reader / writer 13 (i.e., when a deposit is made), the money processing device 33 outputs the amount of the inserted coins and / or the amount of the bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 11, or the amount of electronic money subtracted from the IC card by the electronic money reader / writer 13, as deposit information to the control device 40. When the deposit information (i.e., the deposit amount) is input from the money processing device 33, the control device 40 compares the input deposit information (deposit amount) with the charging fee, and if the input deposit information (deposit amount) is equal to or greater than the charging fee, it enables the flashing product selection button 8 as a charging selection button and outputs a control signal to the product selection button device 7, causing the product selection button device 7 to light up the flashing product selection button 8.

[0039] Figure 3 shows the change in the product selection button 8 located below the connection port number display plate 27, which displays "1" to indicate the first connection port 21a when a battery-powered device is connected to the first connection port 21a, i.e., the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8.

[0040] When a battery-powered device is connected to the first connection port 21a, the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8 is assigned as the charging selection button, and the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8 flashes, as shown by the hatching in Figure 3(a).

[0041] Next, when a deposit of more than the specified charging fee is made by inserting coins into the coin slot 9 and / or bills into the bill slot 11, or by touching an IC card to the electronic money reader / writer 13, the flashing product selection button 8, i.e., the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8, is activated as the charging selection button, and the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right of the product selection buttons 8 lights up, as shown in black in Figure 3(b).

[0042] Although not shown here, the same applies to the change in the second product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8 when a battery-powered device is connected to the second connection port 21b, and the change in the bottom right-most product selection button 8 of the multiple product selection buttons 8 when a battery-powered device is connected to the third connection port 21c.

[0043] Thereafter, when the lit product selection button 8, i.e., the product selection button 8 enabled as the charging selection button, is operated, the product selection button device 7 outputs a button operation signal corresponding to the operated product selection button 8 to the control device 40. In this case, the button operation signal is a "charging selection signal." When the button operation signal (charging selection signal) is input from the product selection button device 7, the control device 40 outputs a control signal to the charging device 23, causing the charging device 23 to output charging power. As a result, the secondary battery of the battery-powered device connected to any of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c is charged by the charging device 23. Note that if the deposited amount is greater than the charging fee, the control device 40 and the money processing device 33 return the difference to the coin return slot 14. Furthermore, when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the charging device 23 started outputting charging power, or when a disconnection signal is input from the connection detection unit 35, the control device 40 outputs a control signal to the charging device 23 to stop outputting charging power.

[0044] [Charging operation of battery-powered devices 2] In the vending machine 1, when a battery-powered device is connected to any of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c, the connection detection unit 35 outputs the connection detection signal to the control device 40, which includes information indicating the connection port to which the battery-powered device is connected. When the connection detection signal is input from the connection detection unit 35, the control device 40 assigns some of the multiple product selection buttons 8 to "charge selection buttons" based on the input connection detection signal. In addition, the product selection button 8 assigned as the charge selection button flashes. Up to this point, the charging operation for a battery-powered device is the same as that described above in Operation 1.

[0045] Thereafter, when the blinking product selection button 8 is operated, the product selection button device 7 outputs a button operation signal corresponding to the operated product selection button 8 to the control device 40. In this case, the button operation signal is also a "charge selection signal." When the button operation signal (charge selection signal) is input from the product selection button device 7, the control device 40 outputs a control signal to the product selection button device 7, causing the product selection button device 7 to light up the operated product selection button 8.

[0046] Thereafter, when coins are inserted into the coin slot 9 and / or bills are inserted into the bill insertion slot 11, or an IC card is touched to the electronic money reader / writer 13 (i.e., when a deposit is made), the money processing device 33 outputs the amount of the inserted coins and / or the amount of the bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 11, or the amount of electronic money subtracted from the IC card by the electronic money reader / writer 13, as deposit information to the control device 40. When the deposit information (i.e., the deposit amount) is input from the money processing device 33, the control device 40 compares the input deposit information (deposit amount) with the charging fee, and if the input deposit information (deposit amount) is equal to or greater than the charging fee, outputs a control signal to the charging device 23 to cause the charging device 23 to output charging power. As a result, the secondary battery of the battery-powered device connected to any of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c is charged by the charging device 23. If the amount deposited is greater than the charging fee, the difference is returned to the coin return slot 14 by the control device 40 and the money processing device 33. Furthermore, when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the charging device 23 started to output charging power, or when a disconnection signal is input from the connection detection unit 35, the control device 40 outputs a control signal to the charging device 23 to stop the output of charging power.

[0047] [Charging operation of battery-powered devices 3] In the vending machine 1, when any of the three product selection buttons 8 at the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8 is pressed and held, the product selection button device 7 outputs a long press button operation signal corresponding to the product selection button 8 that was pressed and held to the control device 40. A long press operation refers to pressing the product selection button 8 for a longer period (e.g., three seconds or more) than the normal operation time (e.g., one second or less). Although not shown, the vending machine 1 may have a display near the three product selection buttons 8 at the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8 indicating that if a user wishes to charge a battery-powered device, the user must press and hold one of the three product selection buttons 8 at the bottom right and then connect the battery-powered device to one of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c that corresponds to the product selection button 8 that was pressed and held.

[0048] Specifically, the product selection button device 7 outputs a first long press button operation signal to the control device 40 when the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right among the multiple product selection buttons 8 is pressed and held, outputs a second long press button operation signal to the control device 40 when the second product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right among the multiple product selection buttons 8 is pressed and held, and outputs a third long press button operation signal to the control device 40 when the bottom rightmost product selection button 8 of the multiple product selection buttons 8 is pressed and held.

[0049] When a long press button operation signal is input from the product selection button device 7, the control device 40 considers that the user has selected charging of the secondary battery of the battery-driven device, rather than selecting a product stored in the product storage cabinet. In other words, in the vending machine 1, a long press of any of the three product selection buttons 8 on the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8 selects charging of the secondary battery of the battery-driven device via any of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c.

[0050] Specifically, when the control device 40 receives the first long press button operation signal from the product selection button device 7, it determines that charging of a battery-powered device via the first connection port 21a has been selected, and outputs a control signal to the product selection button device 7, causing the product selection button device 7 to blink the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right. Furthermore, when the control device 40 receives the second long press button operation signal from the product selection button device 7, it determines that charging of a battery-powered device via the second connection port 21b has been selected, and outputs a control signal to the product selection button device 7, causing the product selection button device 7 to blink the second product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right. Furthermore, when the control device 40 receives the third long press button operation signal from the product selection button device 7, it determines that charging of a battery-powered device via the third connection port 21c has been selected, and outputs a control signal to the product selection button device 7, causing the product selection button device 7 to blink the bottom right product selection button 8.

[0051] Thereafter, when a battery-powered device is connected to any of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c, the connection detection unit 35 outputs the connection detection signal (the first connection detection signal, the second connection detection signal, or the third connection detection signal) to the control device 40, which includes information indicating the connection port to which the battery-powered device is connected.

[0052] When the first connection detection signal is input from the connection detection unit 35 while the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right among the multiple product selection buttons 8 is flashing, i.e., when the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right is pressed and held and a battery-powered device is connected to the first connection port 21a, the control device 40 outputs a control signal to the product selection button device 7, causing the product selection button device 7 to light up the flashing product selection button 8 (i.e., the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right).

[0053] When the second connection detection signal is input from the connection detection unit 35 while the second product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right among the multiple product selection buttons 8 is flashing, i.e., when the second product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right is pressed and held and a battery-powered device is connected to the second connection port 21b, the control device 40 outputs a control signal to the product selection button device 7, causing the product selection button device 7 to light up the flashing product selection button 8 (i.e., the second product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right).

[0054] When the third connection detection signal is input from the connection detection unit 35 while the bottom right product selection button 8 of the multiple product selection buttons 8 is flashing, i.e., when the bottom right product selection button 8 is pressed and held and a battery-powered device is connected to the third connection port 21c, the control device 40 outputs a control signal to the product selection button device 7, causing the product selection button device 7 to light up the flashing product selection button 8 (i.e., the bottom right product selection button 8).

[0055] Thereafter, when coins are inserted into the coin slot 9 and / or bills are inserted into the bill insertion slot 11, or an IC card is touched to the electronic money reader / writer 13 (i.e., when a deposit is made), the money processing device 33 outputs the amount of the inserted coins, the amount of the bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 11, or the amount of electronic money subtracted from the IC card by the electronic money reader / writer 13 as deposit information to the control device 40. When the deposit information (i.e., the deposit amount) is input from the money processing device 33, the control device 40 compares the input deposit information (deposit amount) with the charging fee, and if the input deposit information (deposit amount) is equal to or greater than the charging fee, outputs a control signal to the charging device 23 to cause the charging device 23 to output charging power. As a result, the secondary battery of the battery-powered device connected to any of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c is charged by the charging device 23. If the amount deposited is greater than the charging fee, the difference is returned to the coin return slot 14 by the control device 40 and the money processing device 33. Furthermore, when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the charging device 23 started to output charging power, or when a disconnection signal is input from the connection detection unit 35, the control device 40 outputs a control signal to the charging device 23 to stop the output of charging power.

[0056] In this embodiment, the vending machine 1 is configured to be able to simultaneously remove stored products and charge the secondary battery of the battery-powered device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the product selection button 8 assigned as the charging selection button in the above-described [Battery-Powered Device Charging Operation 1] or [Battery-Powered Device Charging Operation 2] is released from the assignment and its function returns from "selecting charging of the battery-powered device's secondary battery" to "selecting a product stored in the product storage cabinet" when a second predetermined time (<the first predetermined time) has elapsed since the start of output of charging power from the charging device 23. Furthermore, the product selection button 8 pressed and held in the above-described [Battery-Powered Device Charging Operation 3] is able to accept normal operation when a second predetermined time (<the first predetermined time) has elapsed since the start of output of charging power from the charging device 23. Therefore, even while the secondary battery of the battery-powered device is being charged, the vending machine 1 can use the above-mentioned [Stored Product Discharge Operation 1] or [Stored Product Discharge Operation 2] to dispense products corresponding to each of the multiple product selection buttons 8 (including the product corresponding to the product selection button 8 that was last operated to charge the secondary battery of the battery-powered device).

[0057] In this embodiment, the third product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8 when a battery-powered device is connected to the first connection port 21a, the second product selection button 8 from the right at the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8 when a battery-powered device is connected to the second connection port 21b, and the bottom rightmost product selection button 8 of the multiple product selection buttons 8 when a battery-powered device is connected to the third connection port 21c correspond to the ``specified product selection button'' of the present invention.

[0058] According to the vending machine 1 according to the embodiment, the following effects can be obtained, for example.

[0059] The vending machine 1 according to the embodiment is configured so that the charging device 23 charges the secondary battery of the battery-powered device connected to one of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c when the user connects the battery-powered device to one of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c, deposits money equal to or greater than the charging fee, and operates one of the three product selection buttons 8 at the bottom right of the multiple product selection buttons 8 that corresponds to the connection port to which the battery-powered device is connected. In other words, the vending machine 1 is configured to provide a charging service for charging the secondary battery of the battery-powered device for a fee, without requiring the sale of a product or any time restrictions. Therefore, the vending machine 1 according to the embodiment allows a user who wishes to charge the secondary battery of a battery-powered device they own to receive only the charging service at any time for a fee.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the vending machine 1 is configured to charge the secondary batteries of the battery-powered devices connected to any of the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c. However, this is not limited to this. The vending machine 1 may also be configured to charge the secondary batteries of the battery-powered devices connected to each of multiple connection ports among the first to third connection ports 21a to 21c. In this case, the vending machine 1 may be configured to charge the secondary batteries of the battery-powered devices connected to each of the multiple connection ports by depositing an amount equal to or greater than the charging fee for the number of connected battery-powered devices and operating multiple product selection buttons 8 corresponding to the multiple connection ports to which the battery-powered devices are connected.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the three bottom-right product selection buttons 8 of the multiple product selection buttons 8 also serve as charging selection buttons. That is, the three bottom-right product selection buttons 8 normally function as product selection buttons for selecting products stored in the product storage cabinet, and when a battery-powered device is connected to the corresponding connection port or when a button is pressed and held, they function as charging selection buttons for selecting charging of the secondary battery of the battery-powered device. However, this is not limited to this. The three bottom-right product selection buttons 8 may be preset as dedicated charging selection buttons for selecting charging of the secondary battery of the battery-powered device. In this case, the three bottom-right product selection buttons 8 are not used to select products stored in the product storage cabinet, and the three bottom-right product samples S of the multiple product samples S are removed.

[0062] Alternatively, the vending machine 1 may be configured to have an operation unit that can be operated externally, and by operating the operation unit, the three bottom right product selection buttons 8 among the multiple product selection buttons 8 are switched and set as dedicated charge selection buttons for selecting charging of the secondary battery of the battery-powered device. In this case, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, the vending machine 1 may further be provided with a key switch 29 as the operation unit on the front surface of the outer door 3, and as shown in Fig. 5, the vending machine 1 may further have an operation detection unit 37.

[0063] The key switch 29 can be operated from outside the vending machine 1, i.e., it can be operated without opening the outer door 3. The key switch 29 is a switch that is turned ON to switch the three product selection buttons 8 on the bottom right to the dedicated charging selection button, and is configured to be turned ON / OFF with a dedicated key. The operation detection unit 37 is configured to detect that the key switch 29 has been turned ON / OFF and output the result as a detection signal (ON operation signal / OFF operation signal).

[0064] In the vending machine 1 shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the key switch 29 is operated to ON, the operation detection unit 37 outputs an ON operation signal to the control device 40. When the ON operation signal is input from the operation detection unit 37, the control device 40 switches the bottom three right product selection buttons 8 of the multiple product selection buttons 8 to charging selection buttons. In this case, the bottom three right product selection buttons 8 of the multiple product selection buttons 8 are not used to select products stored in the product storage cabinet. In other words, the bottom three right product selection buttons 8 do not light up in the above-mentioned [Stored Product Discharge Operation 1] and [Stored Product Discharge Operation 2]. The charging operation for battery-powered devices is basically the same as the above-mentioned [Battery-Powered Device Charging Operations 1-3].

[0065] On the other hand, when the key switch 29 is not turned ON or when the key switch 29 is turned OFF while it is ON, the three product selection buttons 8 at the bottom right remain as product selection buttons or are switched to product selection buttons. In this case, the vending machine 1 does not charge the secondary battery of the battery-powered device. The stored product removal operation is basically the same as the above-mentioned [Stored Product Remove-Out Operation 1] and [Stored Product Remove-Out Operation 2].

[0066] In this way, it becomes possible to choose whether to sell a wider variety of products or reduce the number of products that can be sold and enable charging of the secondary batteries of battery-powered devices, without changing the installation space, depending on the installation location of the vending machine 1 and the wishes of the installer.

[0067] The above describes the embodiments and modifications of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and it goes without saying that modifications are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1...vending machine, 4...product sample room, 5...product outlet, 7...product selection button device, 8...product selection button, 9...coin slot, 11...banknote slot, 13...electronic money reader / writer, 20...charging unit, 21a-21c...first to third connection ports, 23...charging device, 25...power supply line, 27...connection port number display plate, 29...key switch (operation unit), 31...product discharge device, 33...money processing device, 35...connection detection unit, 37...operation detection unit, S...product sample

Claims

1. A vending machine that dispenses a product corresponding to a product selection button operated when a predetermined amount or more is deposited and one of a plurality of product selection buttons is operated, a connection port to which a battery-powered device is detachably connected; a charging device for charging a secondary battery of a battery-powered device connected to the connection port; Including, The charging device is configured to charge the secondary battery of the battery-powered device connected to the connection port by connecting the battery-powered device to the connection port, depositing an amount equal to or greater than the charging fee, and operating a predetermined product selection button from among the plurality of product selection buttons. Vending machine.

2. 2. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the predetermined product selection button is assigned to a charging selection button when a battery-powered device is connected to the connection port, and then the secondary battery of the battery-powered device connected to the connection port is charged when a deposit equal to or greater than the charging fee is made and the predetermined product selection button is operated.

3. 2. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein charging of a battery-powered device via the connection port is selected by pressing and holding the specified product selection button, and then the secondary battery of the battery-powered device connected to the connection port is charged by connecting the battery-powered device to the connection port and depositing an amount equal to or greater than the charging fee.

4. A vending machine that dispenses a product corresponding to a product selection button operated when a predetermined amount or more is deposited and one of a plurality of product selection buttons is operated, An operation unit that can be operated from the outside; a connection port to which a battery-powered device is detachably connected; a charging device for charging a secondary battery of a battery-powered device connected to the connection port; Including, When the operation unit is operated, a predetermined product selection button among the plurality of product selection buttons is switched and set to a charge selection button; The device is configured to charge the secondary battery of the battery-powered device connected to the connection port when the battery-powered device is connected to the connection port, an amount equal to or greater than the charging fee is deposited, and the predetermined product selection button is operated. Vending machine.

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