Automatic vending machine

Abstract

To prevent a commodity in a storage from being illegally acquired free of charge in a state where a commercial power supply is not interrupted.SOLUTION: This automatic vending machine 1 is provided with an automatic vending machine main control part 10 for controlling the sales of merchandise stored in a box in a preset normal sales mode in a normal state. The vending machine main controller 10 controls sales of products in a power failure sales mode including at least one of a pay sales mode in which products are sold at a lower price than in a normal sales mode, a free vending mode in which products are sold free of charge, and the normal sales mode on condition that the power supply is switched to the internal power supply by the power supply switching unit 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A vending machine equipped with an earthquake sensor has been proposed in Patent Document 1. In this vending machine, when the earthquake sensor detects an earthquake of a predetermined seismic intensity or greater and is activated, the machine switches from normal vending mode to free vending mode, and sells products stored in the vending machine free of charge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-101527 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the vending machine described above, there is a risk that a malicious person could shake the vending machine so that the earthquake sensor detects a seismic intensity of a certain level or higher, thereby switching the machine into free vending mode and obtaining products for free even if there is no power outage, etc. Furthermore, if the earthquake sensor detects a seismic intensity of a certain level or higher due to a disaster or the like and switches to free vending mode even if there is no power outage, etc., there is a risk that a malicious person could commit fraud by obtaining all the products in the vending machine and selling them to others at a high price.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine that can prevent products in the vending machine from being illegally obtained free of charge when the commercial power supply is not affected by a power outage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the vending machine of the present invention is a vending machine equipped with a vending machine main control unit that controls the sale of products stored in the vending machine in a normal sales mode that is set in advance under normal conditions, and is equipped with a power supply switching unit that switches to power supply from an internal power source when a power outage in the commercial power supply is detected by a power outage detection unit, and is characterized in that, on the condition that the power supply switching unit has switched to power supply from the internal power source, the vending machine main control unit controls the sale of the products in a power outage compatible sales mode that includes at least one of a paid sales mode in which the products are sold at a lower price than in the normal sales mode, a free vending mode in which the products are sold free of charge, and the normal sales mode.

[0007] The present invention is also characterized in that the above-mentioned vending machine is provided with a communication terminal capable of communicating with an external device, and the vending machine main control unit controls the sale of the product in the power outage compatible sales mode provided by the external device via the communication terminal.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned vending machine, the vending machine main control unit sends a notification to the external device via the communication terminal that it has switched to the power outage compatible vending mode, on the condition that the power supply switching unit has switched to power supply from the internal power source.

[0009] The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above-mentioned vending machine, when the paid sales mode is set to the power outage compatible sales mode, the vending machine main control unit controls the sale of the product at the price given by the external device via the communication terminal.

[0010] The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above-mentioned vending machine, a seismic intensity meter capable of measuring the seismic intensity of an earthquake is provided, and the vending machine main control unit, on the condition that the power supply switching unit has switched to power supply from the internal power source, changes the paid sales mode to the power outage compatible sales mode when the seismic intensity measured by the seismic intensity meter is less than a preset threshold, and changes at least one of the paid sales mode and the free vending mode to the power outage compatible sales mode when the seismic intensity measured by the seismic intensity meter is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0011] The present invention is also characterized in that the vending machine is equipped with a seismic intensity meter capable of measuring the seismic intensity of an earthquake, and the vending machine main control unit switches to power supply from the internal power source using the power supply switching unit, and when the seismic intensity measured by the seismic intensity meter is below a preset threshold, and on the condition that communication with the external device is not possible via the communication terminal, changes the paid sales mode to the power outage compatible sales mode, and when the seismic intensity measured by the seismic intensity meter is equal to or greater than the threshold, changes at least one of the paid sales mode and the free vending mode to the power outage compatible sales mode.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned vending machine, the vending machine main control unit changes the paid sales mode to the power outage sales mode when the measured time of shaking is less than a predetermined reference time, provided that the seismic intensity measured by the seismic intensity meter is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and changes the free vending mode to the power outage sales mode when the measured time of shaking is equal to or greater than the reference time.

[0013] Furthermore, in the present invention, in the vending machine, the external device is at least one of a management server and a mobile terminal device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the vending machine main control unit controls the sale of products in a power outage compatible sales mode that includes at least one of a paid sales mode in which products are sold at a lower price than in the normal sales mode, a free vending mode in which products are sold free of charge, and the normal sales mode, on the condition that the power switching unit has switched to power supply from the internal power source. This has the effect of preventing products in the vending machine from being illegally obtained free of charge when the commercial power supply is not affected by a power outage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of a vending machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the power failure detection unit illustrated in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the details of the sales mode setting process carried out by the vending machine main control unit when power is being supplied from a commercial power source. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a control system of a vending machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the details of the sales mode setting process carried out by the vending machine main control unit when power is being supplied from a commercial power source. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a control system of a vending machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the details of the sales mode setting process carried out by the vending machine main control unit when power is being supplied from a commercial power source. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a control system of a vending machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the sales mode setting process carried out by the vending machine main control unit when power is being supplied from a commercial power source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of a vending machine according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] <First Embodiment> 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of a vending machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The vending machine 1 shown here sells beverages in containers such as cans or plastic bottles, and although not shown in the figure, it includes a main body cabinet and a front door.

[0018] The main cabinet is a rectangular, insulated enclosure with an opening on the front. Inside the main cabinet, multiple product storage racks are installed, each with its own column. A column is a unit for storing the same type of product, and one or more product storage racks are installed depending on the products being sold.

[0019] The front door is a heat-insulating door that is swingably mounted on the main cabinet to open and close the opening at the front of the main cabinet. The front door is provided with a product outlet. The product outlet is an opening for retrieving products carried out from inside the main cabinet, and can be opened and closed by the product outlet door.

[0020] The vending machine 1 has a vending machine main control unit 10, which is connected to a main body control unit 20, a cooling device 21, a discharge device 22, a product selection unit 23, a payment unit 24, a remote control 25, and a power switching unit 26. The vending machine 1 also has a power supply unit 28, which supplies power converted to various voltages to each unit.

[0021] The main body control unit 20 is connected to a cooling device 21 and a dispensing device 22. The main body control unit 20 controls the cooling device 21 and the dispensing device 22 under the control of the vending machine main control unit 10.

[0022] The cooling device 21 is used to maintain the products stored in the product storage racks at a set temperature. The cooling device 21 cools the products stored in the product storage racks that are set to be cooled, and heats the products stored in the product storage racks that are set to be heated.

[0023] A carry-out device 22 is provided for each column in the product storage rack. When a carry-out command is given from the vending machine main control unit 10, this carry-out device 22 carries out the product at the most downstream position of the corresponding column, and makes the carried-out product available for removal through the product removal opening.

[0024] The product selection unit 23 is made up of multiple product selection buttons provided on the front door, and allows the user to select a product. When any of the product selection buttons is pressed, the product selection unit 23 sends a selection signal to the vending machine main control unit 10.

[0025] Although not shown in the figure, the settlement unit 24 is configured with a money processing device and a settlement terminal. The money processing device is, for example, a coin mechanism or a bill validator, and processes deposits and withdrawals of money inserted through the money insertion slot. The settlement terminal is provided on the front door and performs settlement processing by reading and writing information (electronic money) from a recording medium, such as an electronic money card, held in a predetermined communication area.

[0026] The remote control 25 is an input means for performing various setting operations. The power supply switching unit 26 constitutes the power supply unit 28 and is connected to the power outage detection unit 27. As shown in Fig. 2, the power outage detection unit 27 monitors the voltages upstream and downstream of an earth leakage breaker (ELB) 271 in the commercial power input line L1 to which the AC input plug outlet C1 is connected, and detects a power outage in the commercial power supply.

[0027] When power outage detection unit 27 detects a power outage in the commercial power supply, power source switching unit 26 switches power supply to an internal power source, such as a battery (not shown), that constitutes power supply unit 28. When power source switching unit 26 switches from commercial power supply to internal power supply, it outputs a signal to that effect to vending machine main control unit 10.

[0028] The vending machine main control unit 10 controls each part of the vending machine 1 in accordance with the programs and data stored in the memory unit 11, and is equipped with an input processing unit 10a, a sales control unit 10b, and a sales mode setting unit 10c.

[0029] Input processing unit 10a processes input data, signals, etc. from each unit connected to vending machine main control unit 10. Sales control unit 10b performs sales processing such as dispensing the product selected by product selection unit 23 and payment processing by payment unit 24, based on the sales mode set by sales mode setting unit 10c.

[0030] The sales mode setting unit 10c sets the sales mode, which includes a "normal sales mode," a "paid sales mode," and a "free vending mode."

[0031] The "normal sales mode" is performed when power is normally supplied from a commercial power source. The "paid sales mode" sells products at a lower price than in the normal sales mode. In this paid sales mode, unlike the normal sales mode, the cooling device 21 is stopped from operating, various lights are turned off, and price displays on the product selection buttons that make up the product selection unit 23 are turned off.

[0032] In the "free vending mode," products are sold free of charge. In this free vending mode, unlike the normal vending mode, the payment unit 24 is deactivated, the cooling device 21 is deactivated, various lights are turned off, and the price displays on the product selection buttons that make up the product selection unit 23 are turned off.

[0033] The memory unit 11 stores power outage compatible sales mode information 11a. This power outage compatible sales mode information 11a is information about the sales mode to be used when the commercial power supply is interrupted and power is supplied from an internal power source, and is set in advance via the remote control 25. The power outage compatible sales mode in the power outage compatible sales mode information 11a includes at least one of a normal sales mode, a paid sales mode, and a free vending mode. This power outage compatible sales mode is determined by the location where the vending machine 1 is installed, etc.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the details of the sales mode setting process carried out by the vending machine main control unit 10 when power is being supplied from a commercial power source.

[0035] In this sales mode setting process, the vending machine main control unit 10 receives a signal from the power supply switching unit 26 via the input processing unit 10a and determines whether or not power supply has switched to the internal power supply (step S101).

[0036] If no signal is input from the power supply switching unit 26 through the input processing unit 10a and power supply has not been switched to from the internal power supply (step S101: No), the vending machine main control unit 10 maintains the normal sales mode (step S102), and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0037] On the other hand, if power supply is switched to from the internal power source by inputting a signal from the power supply switching unit 26 through the input processing unit 10a (step S101: Yes), the vending machine main control unit 10 reads the power outage compatible sales mode information 11a from the memory unit 11, sets a change from normal sales mode to power outage compatible sales mode through the sales mode setting unit 10c (step S103), and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0038] According to this, when the power outage compatible sales mode is the paid sales mode, sales are controlled in the paid sales mode, and when the power outage compatible sales mode is the free vending mode, sales are controlled in the free vending mode. Also, when the power outage compatible mode is the normal vending mode, the normal vending mode is maintained in appearance.

[0039] As described above, in the vending machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the vending machine main control unit 10 controls the sale of products in a power outage compatible sales mode that includes at least one of paid sales mode, free vending mode, and normal sales mode, provided that the power supply switching unit 26 has switched to power supply from the internal power source. This makes it possible to prevent products in the vending machine from being illegally obtained free of charge when the commercial power supply is not affected by a power outage.

[0040] <Embodiment 2> 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a control system of a vending machine according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Note that the same components as those in vending machine 1 according to embodiment 1 described above are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0041] The vending machine 2 illustrated here sells beverages in containers such as cans and plastic bottles, and although not shown in the drawings, it includes a main body cabinet and a front door.

[0042] The main cabinet is a rectangular, insulated enclosure with an opening on the front. Inside the main cabinet, multiple product storage racks are installed, each with its own column. A column is a unit for storing the same type of product, and one or more product storage racks are installed depending on the products being sold.

[0043] The front door is a heat-insulating door that is swingably mounted on the main cabinet to open and close the opening at the front of the main cabinet. The front door is provided with a product outlet. The product outlet is an opening for retrieving products carried out from inside the main cabinet, and can be opened and closed by the product outlet door.

[0044] The vending machine 2 has a vending machine main control unit 30, to which a main body control unit 20, a refrigeration device 21, a discharge device 22, a product selection unit 23, a payment unit 24, a remote control 25, a power switching unit 26, and a communication terminal 32 are connected.

[0045] The communication terminal 32 has an internet connection communication unit 32a and a short-range wireless communication unit 32b. The internet connection communication unit 32a is a communication interface that connects to the internet via a cellular communication network to the network N using a communication method such as 3G, LTE (registered trademark), 4G, or 5G, and can be connected to a management server 80, which is an external device.

[0046] The short-range wireless communication unit 32b is a communication interface that performs short-range wireless communication with a mobile terminal device 90 owned by an administrator or the like. The short-range wireless communication unit 32b functions as a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication connection to wireless communication means such as one or more specific wireless communication protocols. The short-range wireless communication can be Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark), and in particular, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication from the viewpoint of low power consumption.

[0047] The vending machine main control unit 30 controls each part of the vending machine 2 in accordance with the programs and data stored in the memory unit 31, and is equipped with an input processing unit 30a, a sales control unit 30b, and a sales mode setting unit 30c.

[0048] Input processing unit 30a processes input data, signals, etc. from each unit connected to vending machine main control unit 30. Sales control unit 30b performs sales processing such as dispensing the product selected by product selection unit 23 and payment processing by payment unit 24, based on the sales mode set by sales mode setting unit 30c.

[0049] The sales mode setting unit 30c sets the sales mode, which includes a "normal sales mode," a "paid sales mode," and a "free vending mode."

[0050] The "normal sales mode" is performed when power is normally supplied from a commercial power source. The "paid sales mode" sells products at a lower price than in the normal sales mode. In this paid sales mode, unlike the normal sales mode, the cooling device 21 is stopped from operating, various lights are turned off, and price displays on the product selection buttons that make up the product selection unit 23 are turned off.

[0051] In the "free vending mode," products are sold free of charge. In this free vending mode, unlike the normal vending mode, the payment unit 24 is deactivated, the cooling device 21 is deactivated, various lights are turned off, and the price displays on the product selection buttons that make up the product selection unit 23 are turned off.

[0052] The memory unit 31 stores power outage compatible sales mode information 31a. This power outage compatible sales mode information 31a is information about the sales mode to be used when the commercial power supply is interrupted and power is supplied from an internal power source, and is set in advance via the remote control 25. The power outage compatible sales mode in the power outage compatible sales mode information 31a includes at least one of the normal sales mode, the paid sales mode, and the free vending mode. This power outage compatible sales mode is determined by the location where the vending machine 2 is installed, etc.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the details of the sales mode setting process carried out by the vending machine main control unit 30 when power is being supplied from a commercial power source.

[0054] In this sales mode setting process, the vending machine main control unit 30 receives a signal from the power supply switching unit 26 via the input processing unit 30a and determines whether or not power supply has switched to the internal power supply (step S201).

[0055] If no signal is input from the power supply switching unit 26 through the input processing unit 30a and power supply has not been switched to from the internal power source (step S201: No), the vending machine main control unit 30 maintains the normal sales mode (step S202), and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0056] On the other hand, if power supply is switched to from the internal power source by inputting a signal from the power source switching unit 26 through the input processing unit 30a (step S201: Yes), the vending machine main control unit 30 determines whether communication with an external device (management server 80 or mobile terminal device 90) is possible via the communication terminal 32 (step S203).

[0057] If communication with external devices is not possible (step S203: No), the vending machine main control unit 30 reads out the power outage compatible sales mode information 31a from the memory unit 31 (step S204), sets a change from normal sales mode to power outage compatible sales mode via the sales mode setting unit 30c (step S205), and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0058] According to this, when the power outage compatible sales mode is the paid sales mode, sales are controlled in the paid sales mode, and when the power outage compatible sales mode is the free vending mode, sales are controlled in the free vending mode. Also, when the power outage compatible mode is the normal vending mode, the normal vending mode is maintained in appearance.

[0059] In step S203 above, if communication with the external device is possible (step S203: Yes), the vending machine main control unit 30 waits for an instruction to switch to power outage compatible vending mode from the external device via the communication terminal 32 (step S206).

[0060] If an instruction to switch to power outage-resistant sales mode is received from an external device via communication terminal 32 (step S206: Yes), vending machine main control unit 30 changes the setting from normal sales mode to power outage-resistant sales mode via sales mode setting unit 30c (step S207).

[0061] The change to the power outage compatible sales mode in step S207 follows the instructions for the power outage compatible sales mode given in step S206. That is, if the power outage compatible sales mode is the paid sales mode, the price of each product will be the price given from the external device. Also, the power outage compatible sales mode does not have to be one of the paid sales mode, free vending mode, and normal sales mode, but may be a combination of these depending on the day of the week or time of day.

[0062] After setting the change to power outage compatible sales mode in this way, the vending machine main control unit 30 sends a notification of the change to power outage compatible sales mode to the external device (the external device to which the instruction was given in step S206) via the communication terminal 32 (step S208), and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0063] This allows the vending machine 2 to control the sale of products in the power outage compatible vending mode provided by the external device.

[0064] As described above, in vending machine 2 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, vending machine main control unit 30 controls product sales in a power outage compatible sales mode set by an external device via communication terminal 32, provided that power supply switching unit 26 has switched to power supply from the internal power source. This makes it possible to prevent products in the vending machine from being illegally obtained free of charge when the commercial power supply is not affected by a power outage.

[0065] Furthermore, product sales are controlled in a power outage compatible sales mode provided by an external device, so that when there is no manager near the vending machine 2, products are sold in normal sales mode, and when there is a manager near the vending machine 2, products are sold in free vending mode or paid sales mode, so that when a power outage occurs due to an earthquake or other disaster, for example, products can be distributed uniformly to disaster victims.

[0066] <Third Embodiment> 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a control system of a vending machine according to embodiment 3 of the present invention. Note that the same components as those in vending machine 1 according to embodiment 1 described above are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0067] The vending machine 3 illustrated here sells beverages in containers such as cans and plastic bottles, and although not shown in the drawings, it includes a main body cabinet and a front door.

[0068] The main cabinet is a rectangular, insulated enclosure with an opening on the front. Inside the main cabinet, multiple product storage racks are installed, each with its own column. A column is a unit for storing the same type of product, and one or more product storage racks are installed depending on the products being sold.

[0069] The front door is a heat-insulating door that is swingably mounted on the main cabinet to open and close the opening at the front of the main cabinet. The front door is provided with a product outlet. The product outlet is an opening for retrieving products carried out from inside the main cabinet, and can be opened and closed by the product outlet door.

[0070] The vending machine 3 has a vending machine main control unit 40, which is connected to a main body control unit 20, a refrigeration device 21, a discharge device 22, a product selection unit 23, a payment unit 24, a remote control 25, a power switching unit 26, and a seismic intensity meter 42.

[0071] The seismic intensity meter 42 is capable of measuring the seismic intensity of an earthquake, as well as the seismic intensity and shaking duration. The measurement results of the seismic intensity meter 42 are output as a signal to the vending machine main control unit 40.

[0072] The vending machine main control unit 40 controls each part of the vending machine 3 in accordance with the programs and data stored in the memory unit 41, and is equipped with an input processing unit 40a, a sales control unit 40b, and a sales mode setting unit 40c.

[0073] Input processing unit 40a processes input data, signals, etc. from each unit connected to vending machine main control unit 40. Sales control unit 40b performs sales processing such as dispensing the product selected by product selection unit 23 and payment processing by payment unit 24, based on the sales mode set by sales mode setting unit 40c.

[0074] The sales mode setting section 40c sets the sales mode, which includes a "normal sales mode," a "paid sales mode," and a "free vending mode."

[0075] The "normal sales mode" is performed when power is normally supplied from a commercial power source. The "paid sales mode" sells products at a lower price than in the normal sales mode. In this paid sales mode, unlike the normal sales mode, the cooling device 21 is stopped from operating, various lights are turned off, and price displays on the product selection buttons that make up the product selection unit 23 are turned off.

[0076] In the "free vending mode," products are sold free of charge. In this free vending mode, unlike the normal vending mode, the payment unit 24 is deactivated, the cooling device 21 is deactivated, various lights are turned off, and the price displays on the product selection buttons that make up the product selection unit 23 are turned off.

[0077] Power failure compatible sales mode information 41a is stored in the storage unit 41. This power failure compatible sales mode information 41a is information about a sales mode to be used when the commercial power supply is interrupted and power is supplied by an internal power supply, and is set in advance via the remote control 25.

[0078] The power outage sales modes in the power outage sales mode information 41a include a paid sales mode and a free bend mode. Explaining in more detail, if the seismic intensity measured by the seismic intensity meter 42 is below a threshold (for example, a seismic intensity of 6 lower) or if the seismic intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold but the shaking duration is less than a preset reference time (for example, 10 seconds), the paid sales mode is set as the power outage sales mode, and if the seismic intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold and the shaking duration is equal to or greater than the reference time, the free bend mode is set as the power outage sales mode.

[0079] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the details of the sales mode setting process carried out by the vending machine main control unit 40 when power is being supplied from a commercial power source.

[0080] In this sales mode setting process, vending machine main control unit 40 receives a signal from power supply switching unit 26 via input processing unit 40a and determines whether power supply has switched to power from the internal power supply (step S301).

[0081] If no signal is input from the power supply switching unit 26 through the input processing unit 40a and power supply has not been switched to from the internal power supply (step S301: No), the vending machine main control unit 40 maintains the normal sales mode (step S302), and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0082] On the other hand, if power supply is switched to from the internal power source by inputting a signal from the power source switching unit 26 through the input processing unit 40a (step S301: Yes), the vending machine main control unit 40 determines whether the seismic intensity is above the threshold based on the measurement results input from the seismic intensity meter 42 through the input processing unit 40a (step S303).

[0083] If the seismic intensity is less than the threshold value (step S303: No), the vending machine main control unit 40 reads out the power outage compatible sales mode information 41a from the memory unit 41, changes the power outage compatible sales mode to paid sales mode via the sales mode setting unit 40c (step S304), and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0084] On the other hand, if the seismic intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S303: Yes), the vending machine main control unit 40 determines whether the shaking time is equal to or greater than the reference time (step S305). If the shaking time is less than the reference time (step S305: No), the vending machine main control unit 40 performs the processing of step S304, and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0085] Meanwhile, if the shaking time is equal to or longer than the reference time (step S305: Yes), the vending machine main control unit 40 reads out the power outage compatible sales mode information 41a from the memory unit 41, changes the power outage compatible sales mode to free vending mode via the sales mode setting unit 40c (step S306), and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0086] As described above, in the vending machine 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the vending machine main control unit 40 controls the sale of products in the power failure safe sales mode on the condition that the power supply switching unit 26 has switched to power supply from the internal power source. This makes it possible to prevent products in the vending machine from being illegally obtained free of charge when the commercial power supply is not affected by a power failure.

[0087] Furthermore, the paid vending mode or free vending mode is set as the power outage vending mode based on the measurement results (seismic intensity and duration of shaking) from the seismic intensity meter 42, so it is possible to ensure the supply of products according to the extent of damage caused by an earthquake, etc. Also, because the free vending mode is set based not only on the seismic intensity but also on the duration of shaking, even if the vending machine 3 is tampered with, it will not easily switch to free vending mode, preventing fraudulent acquisition of products.

[0088] <Fourth Embodiment> 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a control system of a vending machine according to embodiment 4 of the present invention. Note that the same components as those in vending machines 1, 2, and 3 according to embodiments 1 to 3 described above are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate.

[0089] The vending machine 4 illustrated here sells beverages in containers such as cans and PET bottles, and although not shown in the drawings, it includes a main body cabinet and a front door.

[0090] The main cabinet is a rectangular, insulated enclosure with an opening on the front. Inside the main cabinet, multiple product storage racks are installed, each with its own column. A column is a unit for storing the same type of product, and one or more product storage racks are installed depending on the products being sold.

[0091] The front door is a heat-insulating door that is swingably mounted on the main cabinet to open and close the opening at the front of the main cabinet. The front door is provided with a product outlet. The product outlet is an opening for retrieving products carried out from inside the main cabinet, and can be opened and closed by the product outlet door.

[0092] The vending machine 4 has a vending machine main control unit 50, which is connected to a main body control unit 20, a refrigeration device 21, a discharge device 22, a product selection unit 23, a payment unit 24, a remote control 25, a power switching unit 26, a communication terminal 32, and a seismic intensity meter 42.

[0093] The vending machine main control unit 50 controls each part of the vending machine 4 in accordance with the programs and data stored in the memory unit 51, and is equipped with an input processing unit 50a, a sales control unit 50b, and a sales mode setting unit 50c.

[0094] The input processing unit 50a processes input data, signals, etc. from each unit connected to the vending machine main control unit 50. The sales control unit 50b performs sales processing such as dispensing the product selected by the product selection unit 23 and payment processing by the payment unit 24, based on the sales mode set by the sales mode setting unit 50c.

[0095] The sales mode setting section 50c sets the sales mode, which includes "normal sales mode," "paid sales mode," and "free vending mode."

[0096] The "normal sales mode" is performed when power is normally supplied from a commercial power source. The "paid sales mode" sells products at a lower price than in the normal sales mode. In this paid sales mode, unlike the normal sales mode, the cooling device 21 is stopped from operating, various lights are turned off, and price displays on the product selection buttons that make up the product selection unit 23 are turned off.

[0097] In the "free vending mode," products are sold free of charge. In this free vending mode, unlike the normal vending mode, the payment unit 24 is deactivated, the cooling device 21 is deactivated, various lights are turned off, and the price displays on the product selection buttons that make up the product selection unit 23 are turned off.

[0098] The storage unit 51 stores power outage compatible sales mode information 51a. This power outage compatible sales mode information 51a is information about the sales mode to be used when the commercial power supply is interrupted and power is supplied by the internal power supply, and is set in advance via the remote control 25. The power outage compatible sales modes in the power outage compatible sales mode information 51a include a paid sales mode and a free vending mode. Explaining this in more detail, when the seismic intensity measured by the seismic intensity meter 42 is below a threshold value (for example, a seismic intensity of 6 lower) or when the seismic intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold value but the shaking duration is less than a preset reference time (for example, 10 seconds), the paid sales mode is set as the power outage compatible sales mode. When the seismic intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold value and the shaking duration is equal to or greater than the reference time, the free vending mode is set as the power outage compatible sales mode.

[0099] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the details of the sales mode setting process carried out by the vending machine main control unit 50 when power is being supplied from a commercial power source.

[0100] In this sales mode setting process, the vending machine main control unit 50 receives a signal from the power supply switching unit 26 via the input processing unit 50a and determines whether or not power supply has switched to the internal power supply (step S401).

[0101] If no signal is input from the power supply switching unit 26 through the input processing unit 50a and power supply has not been switched to from the internal power supply (step S401: No), the vending machine main control unit 50 maintains the normal sales mode (step S402), and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0102] On the other hand, if power supply is switched to from the internal power source by inputting a signal from the power source switching unit 26 through the input processing unit 50a (step S401: Yes), the vending machine main control unit 50 determines whether communication with an external device (management server 80 or mobile terminal device 90) is possible via the communication terminal 32 (step S403).

[0103] If communication with the external device is possible (step S403: Yes), the vending machine main control unit 50 waits for an instruction to switch to power outage compatible vending mode from the external device via the communication terminal 32 (step S404).

[0104] If an instruction to switch to power outage-resistant sales mode is received from an external device via communication terminal 32 (step S404: Yes), vending machine main control unit 50 changes the setting from normal sales mode to power outage-resistant sales mode via sales mode setting unit 50c (step S405).

[0105] The change to the power outage compatible sales mode in step S405 follows the instructions for the power outage compatible sales mode given in step S404. That is, if the power outage compatible sales mode is the paid sales mode, the price of each product will be the price given from the external device. Also, the power outage compatible sales mode does not have to be one of the paid sales mode, free vending mode, or regular sales mode, but may be a combination of these depending on the day of the week or time of day.

[0106] After setting the change to power outage compatible sales mode in this way, the vending machine main control unit 50 sends a notification of the change to power outage compatible sales mode to the external device (the external device to which the instruction was given in step S404) via the communication terminal 32 (step S406), and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0107] This allows the vending machine 4 to control the sale of products in the power outage compatible vending mode provided by the external device.

[0108] On the other hand, if communication with an external device is not possible in step S403 (step S403: No), the vending machine main control unit 50 determines whether the seismic intensity is above a threshold based on the measurement results input from the seismic intensity meter 42 via the input processing unit 50a (step S407).

[0109] If the seismic intensity is less than the threshold (step S407: No), the vending machine main control unit 50 reads out the power outage compatible sales mode information 51a from the memory unit 51, changes the power outage compatible sales mode to paid sales mode via the sales mode setting unit 50c (step S408), and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0110] On the other hand, if the seismic intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S407: Yes), the vending machine main control unit 50 determines whether the shaking time is equal to or greater than the reference time (step S409). If the shaking time is less than the reference time (step S409: No), the vending machine main control unit 50 performs the processing of step S408, and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0111] If the shaking time is equal to or longer than the reference time (step S409: Yes), the vending machine main control unit 50 reads out the power outage compatible sales mode information 51a from the memory unit 51, changes the power outage compatible sales mode to free vending mode via the sales mode setting unit 50c (step S410), and then returns the procedure to end this processing.

[0112] As described above, in vending machine 4 according to embodiment 4 of the present invention, vending machine main control unit 50 controls product sales in power outage compatible sales mode on the condition that power supply switching unit 26 has switched to power supply from the internal power source. This makes it possible to prevent products in the vending machine from being illegally obtained free of charge when the commercial power source is not affected by a power outage.

[0113] Furthermore, according to the vending machine 4, product sales are controlled in a power outage compatible sales mode provided by an external device. Therefore, when there is no manager near the vending machine 4, products are sold in the normal sales mode, and when there is a manager near the vending machine 4, products are sold in the free vending mode or the paid sales mode. This allows products to be distributed uniformly to disaster victims in the event of a power outage due to an earthquake, for example.

[0114] Furthermore, according to the vending machine 4, the paid vending mode or free vending mode is set as the power outage vending mode based on the measurement results (seismic intensity and duration of shaking) from the seismic intensity meter 42, so it is possible to ensure the supply of products according to the scale of damage caused by an earthquake, etc. Also, because the free vending mode is set based not only on the seismic intensity but also on the duration of shaking, even if the vending machine 4 is tampered with, it will not easily switch to free vending mode, preventing fraudulent acquisition of products.

[0115] In addition, the measurement results input from the seismic intensity meter 42 can be sent to the management server 80, which can then judge the measurement results. If the measurement results are valid, the management server 80 can instruct the vending machine main control unit 50 to switch to power outage-resistant sales mode via the communication terminal 32.

[0116] Although the preferred embodiments 1 to 4 of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and various modifications can be made.

[0117] In the above-mentioned third and fourth embodiments, the power outage sales mode is set to either paid sales mode or free bend mode based on the measurement results of the seismic intensity meter 42, but in the present invention, paid sales mode and free bend mode may be combined, or all may be set to free bend mode.

[0118] The configurations illustrated in the above first to fourth embodiments are merely functional schematics and are not necessarily physically configured as shown. In other words, the distribution and integration of each device and component is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various usage situations, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1, 2, 3, 4... Vending machine, 10, 30, 40, 50... Vending machine main control unit, 10a, 30a, 40a, 50a... Input processing unit, 10b, 30b, 40b, 50b... Sales control unit, 10c, 30c, 40c, 50c... Sales mode setting unit, 11, 31, 41, 51... Memory unit, 11a, 31a, 41a, 51a... Power outage compatible sales mode information, 20... Main body control unit, 21... Refrigeration device, 2 2...discharge device, 23...product selection unit, 24...payment unit, 25...remote control, 26...power switching unit, 27...power outage detection unit, 271...earth leakage circuit breaker, 28...power supply unit, 32...communication terminal, 32a...internet connection communication unit, 32b...short-range wireless communication unit, 42...seismic intensity meter, 80...management server, 90...mobile terminal device, C1...plug outlet for AC input, L1...input line, N...network.

Claims

1. A vending machine equipped with a vending machine main control unit that controls the sale of products stored in a vending machine in a normal vending mode that is set in advance under normal conditions, a power supply switching unit that switches to power supply from an internal power supply when a power outage of the commercial power supply is detected by the power outage detection unit; The vending machine is characterized in that, on the condition that the power switching unit has switched to power supply from the internal power source, the vending machine main control unit controls the sale of the product in a power outage compatible sales mode that includes at least one of a paid sales mode in which the product is sold at a lower price than in the normal sales mode, a free vending mode in which the product is sold free of charge, and the normal sales mode.

2. A communication terminal capable of communicating with an external device is provided, The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the vending machine main control unit controls the sale of the product in the power outage compatible sales mode provided by the external device via the communication terminal.

3. The vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the vending machine main control unit, on the condition that the power supply switching unit has switched to power supply from the internal power source, sends a notification to the external device via the communication terminal that it has switched to the power outage compatible vending mode.

4. The vending machine main control unit controls the sale of the product at a price given by the external device via the communication terminal when the paid sales mode is set to the power outage compatible sales mode. The vending machine according to claim 2,

5. Equipped with a seismic intensity meter that can measure the seismic intensity of earthquakes, The vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, on the condition that the power supply switching unit has switched to power supply from the internal power source, if the seismic intensity measured by the seismic intensity meter is less than a predetermined threshold, the vending machine main control unit changes the paid sales mode to the power outage compatible sales mode, and if the seismic intensity measured by the seismic intensity meter is equal to or greater than the threshold, changes at least one of the paid sales mode and the free vending mode to the power outage compatible sales mode.

6. Equipped with a seismic intensity meter that can measure the seismic intensity of earthquakes, The vending machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the vending machine main control unit switches to power supply from the internal power source by the power supply switching unit, and, provided that communication with the external device via the communication terminal is not possible, changes the paid sales mode to the power outage sales mode when the seismic intensity measured by the seismic intensity meter is less than a predetermined threshold, and changes at least one of the paid sales mode and the free vending mode to the power outage sales mode when the seismic intensity measured by the seismic intensity meter is equal to or greater than the threshold.

7. The vending machine main control unit changes the paid sales mode to the power outage sales mode when the measured time of shaking is less than a predetermined reference time, provided that the seismic intensity measured by the seismic intensity meter is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and changes the free vending mode to the power outage sales mode when the measured time of shaking is equal to or greater than the reference time. The vending machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that

8. 3. The vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the external device is at least one of a management server and a mobile terminal device.

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