Storage unit for vending machines

Abstract

To provide a storage unit for vending machines that can achieve both proper discharge from the vending machine and maintenance of an appropriate temperature after discharge. [Solution] The storage unit 1 for the vending machine comprises a container body 10 having a cylindrical side surface that can be discharged from the vending machine 90, a storage item 20 housed inside the container body 10, and a temperature control body 30 housed inside the container body 10 together with the storage item 20. The temperature control body 30 has the function of maintaining the temperature of the storage item 20 within a predetermined temperature range for a predetermined time, and has a predetermined mass to move the storage unit 1 by its own weight and discharge it from the vending machine 90. The storage item 20 has a sheet-like cosmetic product 21. The temperature control body 30 has a cooling material 31.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a storage unit for a vending machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, containers for vending machines for providing various products other than beverages have been proposed.

[0003] For example, in a conventional container for a vending machine, a weight such as a metal block is attached to the container so that the container containing products such as confectionery is properly discharged from the vending machine by its own weight (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In a vending machine (especially a vending machine for beverages), an opening / closing door (for example, a flap) for partitioning the inside and outside of the temperature control chamber is generally provided to prevent outside air from entering through the product outlet toward the temperature control chamber where beverage cans and the like are stored. The above-described conventional container attempts to move from the temperature control chamber to the product outlet while pushing open this opening / closing door by utilizing the weight of the weight.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, products dispensed from vending machines using the conventional containers mentioned above are usually cooled or heated within the vending machine's temperature control chamber to maintain a predetermined temperature range. After the product is dispensed from the vending machine, its temperature gradually approaches the ambient temperature. However, depending on the product's function and intended use, it is desirable that the temperature controlled by the vending machine be maintained for as long as possible. For these reasons, it is desirable to achieve both the proper dispensing of products from the vending machine and the maintenance of the product at an appropriate temperature after dispensing.

[0006] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a storage unit for vending machines that can achieve both proper dispensing from the vending machine and maintenance of an appropriate temperature state after dispensing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the storage unit according to this invention has the following features.

[0008] A container body having a cylindrical side that can be dispensed from a vending machine, The contents housed inside the container body, A storage unit for a vending machine comprising a temperature control element housed together with the contents inside the container body, The temperature control body is The device has the function of maintaining the temperature of the stored items within a predetermined temperature range for a predetermined time, and has a predetermined mass for moving the stored item unit by its own weight to discharge it from the vending machine. It is a storage unit for vending machines. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the container unit configuration of this invention, the temperature-regulating element (e.g., a cooling agent) contained inside the container body together with the contents (e.g., sheet-type cosmetics) not only maintains the temperature of the contents within a predetermined temperature range even after discharge from the vending machine, but also has a predetermined mass to move the container unit by its own weight and discharge it from the vending machine. In other words, the temperature-regulating element has the function of maintaining the contents at an appropriate temperature and the function of properly discharging the container unit from the vending machine. Therefore, the container unit of this invention can achieve both proper discharge from the vending machine and maintenance of an appropriate temperature after discharge.

[0010] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will become clearer by referring to the attached drawings and reading through the embodiments for carrying out the invention described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the contents unit shown in Figure 1, with the cap separated from the storage case. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a top view of the storage case shown in Figure 2, viewed from above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of items to be stored in a storage case in the storage unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the sheet-like cosmetic material and outer casing of the contents of the product shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a temperature-regulating body housed in a storage case in the storage unit shown in Figure 1, and is a schematic diagram showing the cooling material and outer casing of that example temperature-regulating body. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the product unit shown in Figure 1 is dispensed from the vending machine. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a top view corresponding to Figure 3 in one modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] <Embodiment> The following describes an embodiment of the product storage unit 1 of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In this example, the product storage unit 1 is stored in a beverage vending machine 90 (see Figure 7) and is dispensed from the vending machine 90 in response to a user's purchase operation. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, in this example, the product storage unit 1 has a hollow cylindrical shape overall and comprises a container body 10, a product 20 that has an external shape that can be accommodated in the container body 10 and is stored in the container body 10, and a temperature control body 30 that has an external shape that can be accommodated in the container body 10 and is stored in the container body 10 together with the product 20. The product storage unit 1 is sold in the vending machine 90 after the product 20 has been temperature-controlled by the vending machine 90 to a predetermined temperature range. Details of the product storage unit 1 will be described later.

[0013] For the sake of explanation, the following definitions are given as shown in Figures 1 to 3, etc.: "Front," "Back," "Left," "Right," "Up," "Down," "Front-to-Back Direction," "Left-to-Right Direction," and "Up-and-Down Direction." The "Front-to-Back Direction," "Left-to-Right Direction," and "Up-and-Down Direction" are orthogonal to each other. Note that the front-to-back direction, up-and-down direction, and left-to-right direction are defined solely for the sake of explanation and do not necessarily have to coincide with the front-to-back direction, up-and-down direction, and left-to-right direction of the vending machine 90 when the storage unit 1 is stored in the vending machine 90.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage item unit 1 has a generally cylindrical outer shape as a whole, and has a hollow portion S (see FIGS. 2 and 3) inside it (specifically, inside the container body 10). That is, the storage item unit 1 has a hollow cylindrical shape. However, as long as the storage item unit 1 can be discharged from the vending machine 90 as described later with the storage item 20 and the temperature control unit 30 stored in the hollow portion S of the storage item unit 1, the outer shape of the storage item unit 1 is not particularly limited. For example, the storage item unit 1 may have a generally hollow polygonal columnar shape as a whole, or may have a generally hollow cylindrical or polygonal columnar shape and a shape in which a part of the outer surface is recessed toward the hollow portion S, etc.

[0015] In this example, the diameter D of the storage item unit 1 is 53 mm or more and 66 mm or less, and the length L in the vertical direction (i.e., the axial direction of the storage item unit 1) is 95 mm or more and 143 mm or less. The diameter D and the length L of the storage item unit 1 are determined to be dimensions similar to those of a general beverage can stored in the vending machine 90, or slightly smaller dimensions compared to its diameter and length. By having the above dimensions, the storage item unit 1 can be stored in a vending machine storing general canned beverages together with those canned beverages, and can be discharged from the vending machine 90 according to the purchase operation of the user.

[0016] However, according to the dimensions of other beverage products stored in the vending machine 90, the diameter D and the length L of the storage item unit 1 can be appropriately determined. For example, the diameter D of the storage item unit 1 may be 65 mm or more and 75 mm or less, and the length L in the vertical direction (i.e., the axial direction) may be 180 mm or more and 230 mm or less. In this case, the diameter D and the length L of the storage item unit 1 are determined to be dimensions similar to those of a general beverage plastic bottle, or slightly smaller dimensions compared to its diameter and length.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the container body 10 has a storage case 11 and a cap 12 attached to the storage case 11. The storage case 11 constituting the container body 10 has a bottomed cylindrical shape having a cylindrical side wall 11a and a bottom wall 11b connected to the side wall 11a so as to close the lower end of the side wall 11a. At the upper end of the storage case 11, a cylindrical cap mounting portion 11c having a slightly smaller diameter than the side wall 11a is provided so as to be continuous with the side wall 11a. An opening 11d is formed at the upper end of the storage case 11 (specifically, the open end above the cap mounting portion 11c). In this example, the storage case 11 is formed of a transparent resin, and the stored items 20 and the temperature control body 30 stored in the hollow portion S through the side wall 11a and the bottom wall 11b are visible from the outside. For example, when the stored item 20 is a product to be used after being cooled, by applying a pattern, color, or pattern that evokes a cool feeling to at least one surface of the stored item 20 and the temperature control body 30, a visual cool feeling can be given to the user. The same applies when giving the user a visual warm feeling. However, the storage case 11 may be made of an opaque or translucent resin.

[0018] The cap 12 constituting the container body 10 is detachably attached to the cap mounting portion 11c of the storage case 11 so as to close the opening 11d of the storage case 11. In this example, the cap 12 is screwed into the cap mounting portion 11c and held. However, the cap 12 may be held in the cap mounting portion 11c by engaging with a protrusion or the like provided on the cap mounting portion 11c, or the cap 12 may be held in the cap mounting portion 11c by press-fitting the cap mounting portion 11c inside the cap 12. Further, not only the upper end portion but also the lower end portion of the storage case 11 may be provided with an opening similar to the opening 11d, and a cap similar to the cap 12 may be attached to the opening on the lower end side. In addition, instead of the cap 12, an opening 11d may be closed by heat-welding a resin sheet or the like to the open end of the cap mounting portion 11c.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the contents 20 that constitute the contents unit 1 have an external shape that can be accommodated in the hollow part S of the contents unit 1, and are housed in the hollow part S. Specifically, as an example of the contents 20, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the contents 20 have a sheet-like cosmetic material 21 and an outer casing 22 that houses the sheet-like cosmetic material 21 inside.

[0020] The sheet-like cosmetic 21 in this example is, for example, a wet sheet comprising a base sheet and an impregnation liquid impregnated into the base sheet. The sheet-like cosmetic 21 may be housed in the outer casing 22 in a folded state as shown in Figure 5, or it may be housed in the outer casing 22 in a rolled state. The sheet-like cosmetic 21 may be used, for example, by placing it on a part of the user's body (for example, around the neck or shoulders), or by wiping the user's body. Examples of the sheet-like cosmetic 21 include a cooling sheet or a warming sheet. In this specification, "cooling" means either or both of the cooling effect that actually lowers the temperature of the area where the sheet-like cosmetic 21 is placed, and the sensory effect that causes the area to perceive coolness. The same applies to "warming."

[0021] The base sheet used in the sheet-like cosmetic 21 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. As the base sheet, a nonwoven fabric composed of various fibers can be used. Examples of fibers used in the base sheet include natural cellulose fibers such as cotton and wood pulp, regenerated cellulose fibers such as rayon, cupro and lyocell, natural fibers such as silk, polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene fibers and polypropylene fibers, acrylic fibers, and synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers. These fibers may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0022] The impregnation solution used in the sheet-type cosmetic composition 21 may be an aqueous composition containing water and optional components. Examples of optional components include water-soluble polymers, water-soluble organic solvents, surfactants, fragrances, cooling agents, preservatives, oils, pH adjusters, moisturizers, anti-inflammatory agents, and skin-improving agents. Examples of cooling agents include menthol, menthol derivatives, isopulegol, menthanediol, cineole, borneol, thymol, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide and their derivatives, as well as menthol-containing essential oils such as peppermint oil and spearmint oil. These cooling agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of water-soluble organic solvents include lower alcohols such as ethanol, polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, glycerin, and polyethylene glycol.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the temperature control element 30 constituting the product storage unit 1 has an external shape that allows it to be housed in the hollow section S of the product storage unit 1, and is housed in the hollow section S. As shown in Figure 3, at least a portion of the temperature control element 30 is in close contact with the product storage unit 20. As a result, the temperature control element 30 can suppress temperature changes in the product storage unit 20 and maintain the temperature of the product storage unit 20 within a predetermined temperature range for a predetermined time. However, the temperature control element 30 only needs to be housed inside the container body 10 and does not necessarily need to be in close contact with the product storage unit 20. By suppressing temperature changes in the air inside the hollow section S, the temperature control element 30 can indirectly suppress temperature changes in the product storage unit 20.

[0024] Specifically, as an example of the temperature control body 30, as shown in Figure 6, the temperature control body 30 has a cooling material 31 and an outer casing 32 that houses the cooling material 31 inside. The cooling material 31 in this example is composed of a gel-like composition containing water and a polymer material for retaining or thickening the water. Examples of polymer materials include gelling agents, thickeners, and superabsorbent polymers. Examples of superabsorbent polymers include polyacrylate resins, sodium polyacrylate, and acrylate polymers. The gel-like composition may also contain preservatives, solidification point modifiers such as sodium chloride, and colorants. The cooling material 31 does not harden easily even at low temperatures and has appropriate flexibility and elasticity. As a result, the temperature control body 30 can easily conform to the outer surface shape of the contained item 20 and adhere closely to the contained item 20, and by increasing the contact area with the contained item 20, heat exchange between the contained item 20 and the temperature control body 30 can be efficiently performed. Furthermore, the cooling material 31 is not limited to a gel-like composition, but may be composed of a semi-solid composition or a two-component mixture type material.

[0025] If the temperature control body 30 has a cooling material 31, it is preferable that it can maintain a temperature of 15°C or lower for at least 40 minutes under a predetermined ambient temperature (for example, in an environment of 25°C), and more preferably that it can maintain a temperature of 10°C or lower for at least 20 minutes. However, depending on the function of the stored product 20, the temperature control body 30 may also have a heat-retaining material (not shown) to maintain the temperature of the stored product 20 heated in the vending machine 90.

[0026] The temperature control element 30 has a mass such that the total mass of the product storage unit 1 (i.e., the sum of the container body 10, the product storage unit 20, and the temperature control element 30) is 220g or more. This allows the product storage unit 1 to be properly discharged from the vending machine 90.

[0027] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the vending machine 90 in this example includes a stocker 91 that stores and holds a product unit 1 and a general canned beverage 2, a lock lever 92 that operates in response to a user's purchase operation, an inclined surface 93 that catches the product unit 1 and canned beverage 2 that fall from the stocker 91 by their own weight when the lock lever 92 is activated, a discharge groove 94 provided at the lower end of the inclined surface 93 through which the product unit 1 and canned beverage 2 are discharged, a flap 95 that separates the stocker 91 from the discharge groove 94 to maintain the temperature inside the stocker 91, and a dispensing opening 96 into which a user can insert their hand. The flap 95 rotates around a pivot axis provided at the top of the flap 95 (i.e., opens and closes) when a product unit 1 or canned beverage 2 of a predetermined mass or greater rolls down the inclined surface 93 and pushes against the flap 95. The total mass of the product unit 1 is determined to be the weight at which the product unit 1 can open the flap 95 by its own weight. Although the vending machine 90 is a beverage vending machine for distributing canned beverages 2, a dedicated vending machine for distributing the storage unit 1 may also be used when distributing the storage unit 1.

[0028] <Summary of effects and benefits> According to the product storage unit 1 of this embodiment, the temperature control body 30 (e.g., a cooling material 31) housed inside the container body 10 together with the product 20 (e.g., a sheet-type cosmetic product 21) not only maintains the temperature of the product 20 within a predetermined temperature range even after discharge from the vending machine 90, but also has a predetermined mass to move the product storage unit 1 by its own weight and discharge it from the vending machine 90. In other words, the temperature control body 30 has both the function of maintaining the product 20 at an appropriate temperature and the function of properly discharging the product storage unit 1 from the vending machine 90. Therefore, the product storage unit 1 can achieve both proper discharge from the vending machine 90 and maintenance of an appropriate temperature after discharge.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the storage unit 1, when providing sheet-type cosmetic products 21 (for example, cooling sheets, etc.) in the vending machine 90, the vending machine 90 can adjust the temperature of the sheet-type cosmetic products 21, and the temperature control unit 30 can maintain the sheet-type cosmetic products 21 at an appropriate temperature for a long period of time.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the storage unit 1, by using the cooling pack 31 in the temperature control unit 30, the temperature of the stored items 20 can be maintained at a low temperature. In addition, by placing the cooling pack 31 itself on a part of the user's body, a cooling sensation can also be obtained.

[0031] Furthermore, since at least a portion of the temperature control element 30 can be in close contact with the contained item 20, the contact area between the temperature control element 30 and the contained item 20 is increased, allowing for efficient heat exchange between the contained item 20 and the temperature control element 30. This makes it possible to more reliably maintain the contained item 20 at an appropriate temperature.

[0032] Furthermore, with respect to the product storage unit 1, by determining the diameter D and length L of the container body 10 in accordance with the size of a typical canned beverage or a typical PET bottle beverage, the product storage unit 1 can be sold using a vending machine 90.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the contents storage unit 1, the temperature control element 30 can maintain a temperature of 10°C or lower for at least 20 minutes under a predetermined ambient temperature, or a temperature of 15°C or lower for at least 40 minutes under a predetermined ambient temperature, thereby enabling the contents storage unit 20 to be kept at an appropriate temperature even outdoors in the summer.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the product storage unit 1, the temperature control body 30 has a mass of 220g or more, so that the total mass of the product storage unit 1 can be sold using a typical vending machine 90.

[0035] As described above, at least when the contents unit 1 is in use or not in use, the container body 10, the contents 20, and the temperature control body 30 are in a spatially separated configuration, and the container body 10, the contents 20, and the temperature control body 30 independently have a certain structure or shape, and when used, they are functionally related to each other (for example, the temperature control body 30 is involved in temperature control of the contents 20 and mass control of the contents unit 1) to create value in use.

[0036] <Other forms> Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc. as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, arrangement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0037] In the above embodiment, a sheet-like cosmetic 21 (contained item 20) and a cooling material 31 (temperature control body 30) are contained in the hollow part S of the containment case 11 of the container body 10. In contrast, as shown in the modified example in Figure 8, an insulating material 33 may be used as the temperature control body 30. Examples of insulating materials 33 include resin foam, porous material, metal film, etc. It is preferable that the insulating material 33 is arranged along the inner wall surface of the containment case 11 so as to surround the contained item 20. The insulating material 33 has a mass such that the total mass of the contained item unit 1 is 220 g or more, similar to the case in which the cooling material 31 is used.

[0038] Herein, the features of the embodiments of the storage unit 1 according to the present invention described above are briefly summarized below.

[0039] [1] A container body (10) having a cylindrical side surface (11a) that can be discharged from a vending machine (90), The contents (20) housed inside the container body (10), A vending machine storage unit (1) comprising a temperature control element (30) housed together with the contents (20) inside the container body (10), The temperature control element (30) is The device has the function of maintaining the temperature of the contents (20) within a predetermined temperature range for a predetermined time, and has a predetermined mass for moving the contents unit (1) by its own weight to discharge it from the vending machine (90). A storage unit (1) for a vending machine. [2] In the contents unit (1) described in [1] above, The aforementioned contents (20) include a sheet-like cosmetic (21), A storage unit (1) for a vending machine.

[0040] [3] In the contents unit (1) described in [1] above, The temperature control body (30) has a cooling material (31), A storage unit (1) for a vending machine. [4] In the contents unit (1) described in [1] above, The temperature control element (30) is such that at least a portion of it can be in close contact with the contents (20). A storage unit (1) for a vending machine. [5] In the contents unit (1) described in [1] above, The container body (10) has a hollow columnar shape that can be dispensed from the beverage vending machine (90). A storage unit (1) for a vending machine. [6] In the contents unit (1) described in [1] above, The container body (10) has a hollow cylindrical shape with a diameter of 53 mm or more and 66 mm or less, and a length in the axial direction of the cylinder of 95 mm or more and 143 mm or less. A storage unit (1) for a vending machine. [7] In the contents unit (1) described in [1] above, The container body (10) has a hollow cylindrical shape with a diameter of 65 mm or more and 75 mm or less, and a length in the axial direction of the cylinder of 180 mm or more and 230 mm or less. A storage unit (1) for a vending machine. [8] In the contents unit (1) described in [3] above, The temperature control body (30) is capable of maintaining a temperature of 10°C or lower for at least 20 minutes under a predetermined ambient temperature. A storage unit (1) for a vending machine. [9] In the contents unit (1) described in [3] above, The temperature control element (30) is capable of maintaining a temperature of 15°C or lower for at least 40 minutes under a predetermined ambient temperature. A storage unit (1) for a vending machine.

[10] In the contents unit (1) described in [1] above, The temperature control body (30) has a mass such that the total mass of the contents unit (1) is 220 g or more. A storage unit (1) for a vending machine. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1. Storage Unit 10 Container body 11 storage cases 12 caps 20 items 21 Sheet-type cosmetic 30 Temperature adjustment body 31 Cooling pack 90 Vending machines 95 Flap

Claims

1. A container body having a cylindrical side that can be dispensed from a vending machine, The contents housed inside the container body, A storage unit for a vending machine comprising a temperature control element housed together with the contents inside the container body, The temperature control body is The device has the function of maintaining the temperature of the stored items within a predetermined temperature range for a predetermined time, and has a predetermined mass for moving the stored item unit by its own weight to discharge it from the vending machine. A storage unit for vending machines.

2. In the storage unit according to claim 1, The aforementioned contents include a sheet-like cosmetic, A storage unit for vending machines.

3. In the storage unit according to claim 1, The temperature control body has a cooling material. A storage unit for vending machines.

4. In the storage unit according to claim 1, The temperature control body is such that at least a portion of it can be in close contact with the contents. A storage unit for vending machines.

5. In the storage unit according to claim 1, The container body has a hollow, columnar shape that can be dispensed from the vending machine for beverages. A storage unit for vending machines.

6. In the storage unit according to claim 1, The container body has a hollow cylindrical shape with a diameter of 53 mm or more and 66 mm or less, and a length in the axial direction of the cylinder of 95 mm or more and 143 mm or less. A storage unit for vending machines.

7. In the storage unit according to claim 1, The container body has a hollow cylindrical shape with a diameter of 65 mm or more and 75 mm or less, and a length in the axial direction of the cylinder of 180 mm or more and 230 mm or less. A storage unit for vending machines.

8. In the storage unit described in claim 3, The temperature control body is capable of maintaining a temperature of 10°C or lower at a predetermined ambient temperature for at least 20 minutes. A storage unit for vending machines.

9. In the storage unit described in claim 3, The temperature control body is capable of maintaining a temperature of 15°C or lower at a predetermined ambient temperature for at least 40 minutes. A storage unit for vending machines.

10. In the storage unit according to claim 1, The temperature control body has a mass such that the total mass of the contained item unit is 220 g or more. A storage unit for vending machines.

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