Selection device and vending machine equipped therewith

Abstract

The present invention provides a selection device that reduces manufacturing costs and allows for easy changes to the layout of display items, as well as a vending machine equipped with the same. [Solution] The selection device 1 is provided in correspondence with a plurality of display items 7 housed in a storage space 85 between a housing 80 and a panel 83 attached to the housing 80, and is configured to include a plurality of operation target areas 14 that serve as targets for push operations when a user selects a desired display item 7 from the plurality of display items 7; an operation target member 10 located in the storage space 85 and having a surface 100 visible to the user via the panel 83 with a plurality of operation target areas 14; and a detection unit 2 located on the operation target member 10 to detect a push operation made on the operation target area 14 of the desired display item 7 via the panel 83, and having at least one switch 20 corresponding to one operation target area 14.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a selection device and a vending machine equipped therewith. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional technology includes a vending machine equipped with a display section in which multiple product samples are arranged horizontally on the inside of the front panel of the front door, and multiple rows of product samples are arranged vertically with spacing between them, and a selection instruction button for product selection is installed on the front panel for each product sample between the rows of product samples (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-021697 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Conventional vending machines have selection buttons located on the outside of the front panel, which increases manufacturing costs because the front panel needs to be modified, and also presents the problem that the layout cannot be changed after modification.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a selection device that can suppress manufacturing costs and easily change the layout of display items, and a vending machine equipped therewith. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a selection device comprising: a plurality of operation target areas provided in a storage space between a housing and a panel attached to the housing, which serve as targets for push operations when a user selects a desired display item from the plurality of display items; an operation target member arranged in the storage space and having a surface visible to the user via the panel that has a plurality of operation target areas; and a detection unit arranged on the operation target member to detect a push operation performed on the operation target area of ​​a desired display item via the panel, and having at least one switch corresponding to one operation target area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, manufacturing costs can be reduced and the layout of display items can be easily changed. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the vending machine panel becomes flat, making it difficult for dust and other debris to accumulate, thus making cleaning easier. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a vending machine equipped with multiple selection devices according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) is an example of a block diagram of a selection device according to an embodiment, and Figure 2(b) is an example of a block diagram of a vending machine. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a selection device according to an embodiment, viewed from the front side. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a selection device according to an embodiment, viewed from the side. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a selection device according to an embodiment, viewed from the rear side. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) is a top view showing an example of the selection device according to the embodiment before a push operation is performed, and Figure 6(b) is a top view showing an example of the switch being turned ON by the push operation. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a rear panel to which the selection device according to the embodiment is attached. [Figure 8] FIGS. 8(a) to 8(e) are diagrams showing an example of the selection device according to the modification. [Figure 9] FIGS. 9(a) to 9(e) are diagrams showing an example of the selection device according to the modification.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] (SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENT) The selection device according to the embodiment is provided corresponding to a plurality of display items accommodated in an accommodation space between a housing and a panel attached to the housing, and a plurality of operation target areas that are targets of push operations when a user selects a desired display item from the plurality of display items, an operation target member disposed in the accommodation space and having a plurality of operation target areas on a surface visible to the user through the panel, and a detection unit disposed on the operation target member for detecting a push operation made on the operation target area of the desired display item through the panel and having at least one switch corresponding to one operation target area, and is generally configured.

[0010] This selection device can be disposed in the accommodation space without processing the panel, so that the manufacturing cost can be suppressed and the layout of the display items can be easily changed as compared with the case of processing the panel and disposing buttons for selecting the display items and the display items.

[0011] [EMBODIMENT] (OVERVIEW OF SELECTION DEVICE 1 AND VENDING MACHINE 8) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vending machine equipped with a plurality of selection devices according to an embodiment. FIG. 2(a) is an example of a block diagram of the selection device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2(b) is an example of a block diagram of the vending machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the selection device according to the embodiment as viewed from the front side. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the selection device according to the embodiment as viewed from the side. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the selection device according to the embodiment as viewed from the back side. FIG. 6(a) is a top view showing an example before a push operation is performed on the selection device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is a top view showing an example when the switch is turned on by the push operation. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the back panel to which the selection device according to the embodiment is attached.

[0012] In each of the figures according to the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes between the figures may be different from the actual ratios and shapes. In FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the main signal flow is indicated by arrows. First, an overview of the vending machine 8 in which a plurality of selection devices 1 are arranged will be described below.

[0013] (Overview of Vending Machine 8) As an example, the vending machine 8 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 80 that is long in the vertical direction on the plane of FIG. 1. This housing 80 includes a box body 81 that opens forward and a door body 82 that closes the opening 810 of the box body 81.

[0014] The box body 81 houses products 70 corresponding to the display items 7 inside. As an example, these products 70 are beverages, but they may be foodstuffs, toys, etc., and are not limited to these. The door body 82 has a panel 83 arranged in a recess 821 provided on the front surface 820. This panel 83 is formed in a single plate shape from a transparent acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, etc. so that the display item 7 arranged inside can be seen. This panel 83 does not have holes for arranging buttons for selecting the display item 7 at least in the portion exposed from the door body 82.

[0015] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, for example, the door body 82 has a banknote slot 822, a coin slot 823, a return lever 824, a price indicator 825, a change return slot 826, a product retrieval opening 827, a door lock 828, and an advertising space 829 arranged on its front surface 820. Note that the banknote slot 822, coin slot 823, return lever 824, and change return slot 826 may be omitted in a vending machine 8 that does not use banknotes or coins, for example, through cashless payment. Therefore, by providing multiple selection devices 1, the vending machine 8 can have a larger panel 83 and a greater degree of freedom in arranging a larger number of display items 7.

[0016] The banknote slot 822 is where banknotes are inserted and ejected. The coin slot 823 is where coins are inserted. The return lever 824 is operated when returning banknotes and coins. The amount display 825 is a display that shows when change is out and the amount of inserted banknotes and coins. The change return slot 826 is where change is returned. The product dispensing slot 827 is where purchased products 70 are dispensed. The door lock 828 is operated when locking and unlocking the door body 82. The advertising space 829 is a place to display advertisements.

[0017] The door body 82 has a storage space 85 for accommodating multiple display items 7 and a selection device 1. The door body 82 also has a back panel 84 facing the panel 83 and located at the bottom of the recess 821. The storage space 85 is the space formed between the panel 83 and the back panel 84. The back panel 84 is, for example, formed in the shape of a plate using a metal material.

[0018] The vending machine 8 is configured to include at least one selection device 1. The vending machine 8 of this embodiment, as an example, includes, as shown in Figure 1, five selection devices 1 capable of displaying six display items 7, and one selection device 1 capable of displaying twelve display items 7, but is not limited to this. These selection devices 1 display multiple types of display items 7. The vending machine 8, as an example, is generally configured to include, as shown in Figure 2(b), six selection devices 1, a storage unit 86, multiple item dispensing units 87, a communication unit 88, and a main control unit 89.

[0019] The storage unit 86 is, for example, a semiconductor memory. This storage unit 86 stores the determination information 860. The item dispensing unit 87 is configured to dispense the item 70 corresponding to the display item 7 selected by the user to the item dispensing outlet 827 in exchange for payment. The communication unit 88 is configured to communicate with the selection device 1.

[0020] The main control unit 89 is a microcomputer composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations and processing on acquired data according to a stored program, and semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM stores, for example, the program necessary for the main control unit 89 to operate. The RAM is used, for example, as a storage area to temporarily store calculation results.

[0021] The main control unit 89 is configured to comprehensively control the vending machine 8. The main control unit 89 is electrically connected to a plurality of selection devices 1 and receives selection signals S via the communication unit 88. a ~Selection signal S f The main control unit 89 obtains the selection signal S obtained from the six selection devices 1. a ~Selection signal S f Based on the determination information 860, the system determines the display item 7 selected by the user and dispenses the product 70 to the product dispensing port 827.

[0022] Furthermore, the main control unit 89 controls the lighting state of the light source 22 of the selection device 1, which will be described later, by controlling the lighting control signal S g ~Lighting control signal S l This is configured to output to six selection devices 1 via the communication unit 88.

[0023] The following describes the overview of the selection device 1.

[0024] (Overview of Selected Device 1) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the selection device 1 is provided in correspondence with a plurality of display items 7 housed in a storage space 85 between a housing 80 and a panel 83 attached to the housing 80, and is generally configured to include a plurality of operation target areas 14 that serve as targets for push operations when a user selects a desired display item 7 from the plurality of display items 7; an operation target member 10 located in the storage space 85 and having a surface 100 visible to the user via the panel 83 with a plurality of operation target areas 14; and a detection unit 2 located on the operation target member 10 to detect a push operation made on the operation target area 14 of the desired display item 7 via the panel 83, and having at least one switch 20 corresponding to one operation target area 14.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the selection device 1 includes a partition 3 having at least one projection 30 on the left and right sides of the target operation area 14 in order to partition the target operation area 14. The target operation area 14 is, for example, the area enclosed by the dotted line as shown in Figure 3.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, the switch 20 of the detection unit 2 has a switch body 20a and an operating part 20b that protrudes from the switch body 20a and moves toward the switch body 20a when pushed. As shown in Figure 4, this operating part 20b and projection 30 are in contact with the panel 83.

[0027] The operation target area 14 has a display 16 that shows information about the exhibit item 7, as shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the display 16 is configured, for example, to include a first display 161 and a second display 162, as shown in Figure 3, but is not limited thereto.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, multiple target areas 14 are arranged in a row on the surface 100.

[0029] The targeting member 10 is integrated with the base member 12 on which multiple display items 7 are placed. The targeting member 10 may be positioned separately from the base member 12. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the selection device 1 is attached to the back panel 84 by mounting members 4 located on the back surface 121 of the base member 12.

[0030] (Configuration of the operating target member 10 and the base member 12) The target member 10 and the base member 12 are formed using resin material as an example, but may also be formed using metal material. Furthermore, although the target member 10 is formed integrally with the base member 12 as described above, one may be attached to the other.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the target member 10 and the base member 12 have an elongated plate shape. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the target member 10 and the base member 12 have an L-shape in side view. The base member 12 is configured to hold the display item 7 placed on its upper surface 120.

[0032] In this embodiment, the target areas 14 are provided in accordance with the display items 7 placed on the base member 12, as shown in Figure 3, for example. Therefore, a selection device 1 with six display items 7 has six target areas 14. A selection device 1 with twelve display items 7 has twelve target areas 14. The partition 3 is arranged to define the target areas 14.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the target area 14 is located on the back surface 831 of the panel 83. In other words, the user 9 does not directly push the target area 14, but rather pushes the front surface 830 of the panel 83.

[0034] The target operation area 14 includes a display 16 corresponding to the exhibit item 7. The target operation area 14 also includes at least one switch 20 within or adjacent to the area.

[0035] (Configuration of Display 16) The display 16 may, for example, display text or graphics prompting a push operation, the price of the product 70 corresponding to the display item 7, or the status of the display item 7 such as "Hot," "Cold," or "Sold Out." The display 16 may be a film or piece of paper attached to the surface 100 of the target operation member 10, or it may be formed by printing, but it is not limited to these.

[0036] Furthermore, the display 16 may be, for example, a 7-segment display arranged on the surface 100, or it may be configured using a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0037] As an example, the display 16 of this embodiment has a first display 161 and a second display 162, as shown in Figure 3. The first display 161 is, for example, a display that indicates the target of a push operation, such as "Push". The second display 162 is, for example, a display that shows a price, such as "130 yen". The shape and display of the first display 161 and the second display 162 are examples and are not limited thereto.

[0038] (Configuration of detection unit 2) As shown in Figure 3, the detection unit 2 is generally configured to have one switch 20 for each target operation area 14. This switch 20 is, for example, a microswitch capable of detecting a push operation, but is not limited to this; any switch capable of detecting a push operation is acceptable.

[0039] As shown in Figures 5, 6(a), and 6(b), the switch 20 has a switch body 20a positioned on the back surface 101 of the target member 10, and an operating portion 20b protruding from the front surface 100 of the target member 10 and in contact with the back surface 831 of the panel 83. The operating portion 20b is equipped with a light source 22 so that its tip surface 20c lights up, as an example, but is not limited to this, and the light source 22 may be positioned separately from the switch 20.

[0040] This light source 22 is, for example, a light-emitting element. The light source 22 may, for example, emit light in a single color, but is not limited to this; it may be configured to emit light in multiple colors. Furthermore, the light source 22 may be positioned, for example, to illuminate the display 16.

[0041] Switch 20 is configured, for example, to change the illumination state of the light source 22 before and after a push operation is received. Switch 20 is also configured, for example, to change the illumination state depending on whether the display item 7 is available for purchase or not. The selection device 1 may also be configured such that the light source 22 is located in a different position than the switch 20, and the device illuminates the price, the temperature of the display item 7 (e.g., warm or cold), and the display 16 (e.g., sold out) depending on the situation. Alternatively, the selection device 1 may be configured such that the light source 22 is located in a different position than the switch 20, and the illumination state of the light source 22 indicates whether or not a push operation has been received, or whether or not the item is available for purchase.

[0042] The selection device 1, which can select six display items 7, outputs operation signals S1 to S6 to the control unit 6, as shown in Figure 2(a) as an example. The control unit 6 of this selection device 1 outputs a selection signal S1 to S6 that indicates which display item 7 has been selected based on the acquired operation signals S1 to S6. a It generates a signal and outputs it to the main control unit 89 via the communication unit 5.

[0043] Furthermore, the selection device 1, which can select six display items 7, uses, as an example, the lighting control signal S acquired from the main control unit 89, as shown in Figure 2(a). gGenerate lighting signals S7 to S for changing the light emission state of the light source 22 based on this and output them to the light source 22. 12

[0044] The selection device 1 capable of selecting 12 display items 7 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the display item 7. The control unit 6 of this selection device 1 generates a selection signal S f indicating which display item 7 has been selected based on the acquired operation signal and outputs it to the main control unit 89 via the communication unit 5.

[0045] Also, the selection device 1 capable of selecting 12 display items 7 generates a lighting signal for changing the light emission state of the light source 22 based on the lighting control signal S l acquired from the main control unit 89 and outputs it to the light source 22.

[0046] The main control unit 89 of the vending machine 8, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2(b), determines the display item 7 selected based on the selection signals S a ~S f output from the six arranged selection devices 1 and controls the corresponding article dispensing unit 87 to dispense the product 70.

[0047] Also, the main control unit 89 outputs lighting control signals S g ~S l for controlling the lighting of the light sources 22 of the six arranged selection devices 1 to the corresponding selection devices 1. The light source 22 of the selection device 1 changes its light emission state according to this lighting control signal.

[0048] (Configuration of partition part 3) The partition part 3 is configured to have a plurality of protrusions 30 that partition the operation target area 14. These protrusions 30 protrude from the surface 100 of the operation target member 10 using, for example, a resin material or a metal material.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the protrusions 30 in this embodiment are positioned on the left and right sides of the operation target area 14. As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), these protrusions 30 are provided to suppress deformation of the panel 83 that comes into contact with the switch 20 of the operation target area 14 adjacent to the operation target area 14 that has been pushed. In other words, the partition 3 is provided to prevent the panel 83 of the operation target area 14 adjacent to the operation target area 14 that has been pushed from deforming, thereby preventing the switch 20 of the adjacent operation target area 14 from being turned on.

[0050] The projection 30, for example, has an elongated columnar shape as shown in Figure 3, but is not limited to this. The projection 30 extends vertically adjacent to the first indicator 161 and the second indicator 162.

[0051] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the operating portion 20b and projection 30 of the switch 20 are in contact with the back surface 831 of the panel 83 when no push operation is performed. At this time, the switch 20 is in contact with the panel 83 within a range where the operating portion 20b does not turn ON. As shown in Figure 4, the switch 20 is configured to transition from the OFF state to the ON state and output an operation signal when the operating portion 20b is pushed toward the switch body 20a by a distance R from the state when no push operation is performed. In Figure 4, the dotted line on the operating portion 20b indicates the position of the tip surface 20c that transitions from the OFF state to the ON state when a push operation is performed.

[0052] This distance R depends on the size of the operating target area 14, the type of switch 20, the material of the panel 83, the distance between the protrusions 30, and so on. In this embodiment, the distance R is, for example, 0 to 3 mm, preferably 0 to 2 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0053] (Configuration of mounting member 4) As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7, the mounting member 4 of this embodiment has a hook shape that allows the selection device 1 to be attached to the rear panel 84 by being inserted into a mounting opening 840 provided in the rear panel 84.

[0054] As an example, the mounting member 4 is formed in an L-shape using a resin material or a metal material, as shown in Figure 4. The mounting member 4 is provided on the left and right sides of the back surface 121 of the base member 12, as shown in Figure 5, but is not limited to this.

[0055] The mounting member 4 comprises a base portion 40 that is attached to the base member 12, and an extension portion 41 that extends in a direction intersecting the normal direction of the back surface 121 of the base member 12.

[0056] The selection device 1 can be easily attached to the rear panel 84 by inserting the tip 42 of the extension portion 41 of the mounting member 4 into the mounting opening 840. As shown in Figure 7, multiple mounting openings 840 are provided at possible locations where the selection device 1 may be placed. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the selection device 1 can be freely positioned according to the mounting opening 840 even if its height changes depending on the type of exhibited item 7.

[0057] The shape of the mounting member 4 is not limited to a hook shape. The mounting member 4 may also be a magnet. In this case, the rear panel 84 does not need to have a mounting opening 840.

[0058] (Regarding a modified example of partition section 3) Figures 8(a) to 8(e) and 9(a) to 9(e) show examples of selection devices related to modified designs. Figures 8(a) to 8(d) show examples of modified arrangements and numbers of switches 20. Figures 8(e) and 9(a) to 9(e) show examples of modified partitions.

[0059] In the selection device 1 shown in Figure 8(a), the switch 20 is positioned above the display 16. In the selection device 1 shown in Figure 8(b), the switch 20 is positioned below the display 16. In the selection device 1 shown in Figure 8(c), two switches 20 are positioned above and below the display 16. This selection device 1 has only one display 16. In the selection device 1 shown in Figure 8(d), two switches 20 are positioned above and below the display 16.

[0060] In the selection device 1 shown in Figure 8(e), the left and right protrusions 30 of the operating target area 14 are divided vertically. These protrusions 30 may be further divided into multiple sections, or they may have a shape other than a straight line.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9(a) to 9(e), the partition 3 may have protrusions on at least one of the upper and lower sides of the operation target area 14, in addition to the left and right sides of the operation target area 14.

[0062] The selection device 1 shown in Figure 9(a) has a partition 3 that includes cylindrical projections 30 extending upward on the left and right sides, and projections 30 extending downward across multiple operating target areas 14.

[0063] The selection device 1 shown in Figure 9(b) has a partition 3 with an inverted T-shaped projection 30 between the target operating areas 14. Furthermore, the partition 3 has an L-shaped projection 30 at the end of the target operating area 14. In other words, the partition 3 has projections 30 on the left, right, and bottom of the target operating area 14.

[0064] The selection device 1 shown in Figure 9(c) includes a triangular projection 30 positioned between the operating target areas 14 and a projection 30 positioned below the display 16. This projection 30 is smaller than the other projections 30.

[0065] The selection device 1 shown in Figure 9(d) has a partition 3 with a projection 30 that surrounds the target area 14.

[0066] The selection device 1 shown in Figure 9(e) has a partition 3 that is not linear in shape, but has an arc-shaped projection 30 that surrounds the elliptical display 16. This projection 30 has a roughly X-shape with the top and bottom of the ellipse cut out.

[0067] The above-described modifications can also be combined. Furthermore, these modifications are merely examples, and the arrangement of the switches 20, the shape and arrangement of the displays 16, and the number, arrangement, and shape of the partitions 3 can be further changed.

[0068] (Effects of the embodiment) The selection device 1 and vending machine 8 according to this embodiment reduce manufacturing costs and allow for easy changes to the layout of the display items 7. Specifically, the vending machine 8 allows for the free placement of the selection device 1 without processing the panel 83, thus reducing manufacturing costs compared to cases where the panel is processed. Furthermore, since the vending machine 8 allows for the free placement of the selection device 1 within the storage space 85 without processing the panel 83, the layout of the selection device 1 and the display items 7 can be easily changed compared to cases where processing is required. In addition, because the panel 83 of the vending machine 8 is flat, dust and other debris are less likely to accumulate compared to cases where the panel is processed to place buttons, making cleaning easier.

[0069] Since the selection device 1 is located inside the panel 83, maintenance of the panel 83 is easier and it has superior waterproofing compared to the case where holes are made on the surface of the panel to place buttons.

[0070] The selection device 1 allows for the display and selection of multiple display items 7 with a single device, and since it does not require drilling holes or a waterproof structure in the panel 83, it offers greater layout flexibility compared to cases where these are necessary.

[0071] The selection device 1 has fewer constraints compared to processing panels, and offers greater freedom in the number and shape of the display items 7, the target operation area 14, and the display 16.

[0072] Since the selection device 1 has projections 30 of the partition portion 3 positioned on the left and right sides of the switch 20, or on at least one side above and below in addition to the left and right sides, compared to a configuration that is not adopted, false detections that cause the switch 20 of an adjacent operation target area 14 to be in the ON state can be suppressed, and push operation detection with high accuracy can be performed.

[0073] In the selection device 1, the tip surface 20c of the switch 20 and the projection 30 are in contact with the back surface 831 of the panel 83. Compared to cases where this configuration is not adopted, it is possible to suppress the unnecessarily long stroke of the push operation, resulting in high operability.

[0074] Although embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. These novel embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential for solving the problem of the invention. Moreover, these embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...Selection device, 2...Detection unit, 3...Partition unit, 4...Mounting member, 5...Communication unit, 6...Control unit, 7...Display item, 8...Vending machine, 9...User, 10...Operation target member, 12...Base member, 14...Operation target area, 16...Display, 20...Switch, 20a...Switch body, 20b...Operation unit, 20c...Tip surface, 22...Light source, 30...Protrusion, 40...Base, 41...Extendable part, 42...Tip, 70...Product, 80...Housing, 81...Box body, 82...Door body, 83...Panel, 84...Rear panel, 85...Storage space, 86... 87...Storage unit, 88...Item dispensing unit, 89...Communication unit, 100...Front, 101...Back, 120...Top, 121...Back, 161...First display, 162...Second display, 810...Opening, 820...Front, 821...Recess, 822...Banknote insertion / removal, 823...Coin insertion slot, 824...Return lever, 825...Amount display, 826...Change return slot, 827...Product removal opening, 828...Door lock, 829...Advertising space, 830...Front, 831...Back, 840...Mounting opening, 860...Judgment information

Claims

1. A plurality of operation target areas are provided corresponding to a plurality of display items housed in the storage space between the housing and the panel attached to the housing, and which serve as targets for push operations when a user selects a desired display item from the plurality of display items. An operating target member is provided, which is arranged in the aforementioned storage space and has a surface visible to the user via the panel, having a plurality of operating target areas on it. A detection unit is positioned on the target operation member to detect the push operation performed on the target operation area of ​​a desired display item via the panel, and has at least one switch corresponding to one of the target operation areas. A selection device equipped with this device.

2. To partition the aforementioned target area for operation, the device is provided with partitions having at least one projection on each side of the target area for operation. The selection device according to claim 1.

3. The partition portion has the projection on at least one of the upper and lower sides of the target operating area, in addition to the left and right sides of the target operating area. The selection device according to claim 2.

4. The switch in the detection unit has a switch body and an operating part that protrudes from the switch body and moves toward the switch body when pushed. The operating section and the projection contact the panel. The selection device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned target area of ​​operation has a display that shows information relating to the exhibited items. The selection device according to claim 1.

6. A vending machine comprising at least one selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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