Rotating vending machine for product samples, etc.

Abstract

The present invention provides a rotating vending machine that allows users to select products by checking not only the product name but also the ingredient list and other information, enabling them to make an appropriate and safe decision to purchase their desired product. [Solution] The vending machine comprises a vending machine body 12, a display section 14 for product samples 100 provided on the front side of the vending machine body 12, product selection buttons 16 provided corresponding to the product samples 100, a rotating means 18 for rotating the product samples 100 to change the display part of the product samples 100 visible from the display section 14, and a control unit 20 capable of controlling the rotation of the rotating means 18. The control unit 20 controls the sale of the selected product when the product selection button 16 is pressed for a predetermined time or less, and controls the rotation of the product samples 100 by rotating the rotating means 18 to switch the display part visible from the display section when the product selection button 16 is pressed for a longer time than the predetermined time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary vending machine for product samples or the like suitable for a purchaser to check product displays and the like when selecting a product.

Background Art

[0002] Vending machines that can sell products unmanned regardless of time are installed in various places both indoors and outdoors, such as roads, parks, parking lots, amusement parks, etc., as well as stations, commercial facilities, office buildings, etc., and are widely used. For example, a vending machine that automatically sells articles such as food and drinks generally has a main body in which products are stored, a display section on the front side of the main body where the products themselves to be sold or dummies of the products are arranged side by side, a product selection button for selecting a product, a money insertion section for inserting coins, bills, etc. and a return lever, a product outlet, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When selling food and drinks, for the safety and health of purchasers and for the necessary displays for purchasers to make appropriate selections, there are obligations to display according to laws and regulations such as the Product Display Law, and display standards and guidelines are also set by the Consumer Affairs Agency, etc. Therefore, on the container packaging of products, it is necessary to display various information such as the product name and trademark name, as well as the display of raw materials, additives, allergens, and component displays such as nutritional components. Usually, the product name and the like are displayed on the front side of the product, and the component display such as the display of raw materials and allergens is often displayed on the back side or the side.

[0005] However, in conventional vending machines, the products themselves or product dummies are simply placed in the display area with the front side showing the product name etc. facing outwards. As a result, customers cannot check allergen information, ingredient information, etc. before purchasing, making it difficult to make safe, appropriate, and satisfactory product choices.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a rotating vending machine that displays product samples, etc., which allows users to select products by checking not only the product name, etc., but also the ingredient list, etc., and to make an appropriate judgment and safely select the product they wish to purchase. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention comprises: a vending machine body for storing and automatically selling products; a display section for product samples, etc., provided on the front side of the vending machine body, which displays product samples, etc., each having a different display section at different positions on its outer peripheral side; product selection buttons provided on the vending machine body corresponding to the product samples, etc., in the display section; a rotating means for rotating the product samples, etc., to change the display section of the product samples, etc., visible from the display section; and a control unit capable of controlling the rotation of the rotating means. The aforementioned product samples, etc., are product samples or products used by the purchaser when selecting a product. The control unit is configured as a rotating vending machine for product samples, which controls the sale of the selected product when the product selection button is pressed for a predetermined time or less, and controls the rotation of the product sample, etc., by using a rotating means to rotate the product sample, etc., and switch the display part visible from the display section when the product selection button is pressed for a longer time than the predetermined time.

[0008] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism may include a rotating platform device that supports product samples or the like from below and rotates them around a vertical axis.

[0009] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism may include a rotating suspension device capable of supporting product samples or the like in a suspended manner and rotating them around a vertical axis.

[0010] Furthermore, the control unit may terminate the rotation control when the display unit, such as a product sample, returns to its initial display position via the rotation mechanism.

[0011] Furthermore, the control unit may perform intermittent rotation control, which involves rotating the product sample or the like to its initial display position using a rotating mechanism, and then temporarily pausing for a certain period of time.

[0012] Furthermore, the control unit may, during rotational control by the rotating means, control the sale of the selected product from the vending machine body if the product selection button is pressed within a predetermined time or less.

[0013] Alternatively, a speaker device may be installed facing downwards at the upper front of the vending machine body, and the control unit may play audio from the speaker device when a product selection button is pressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The present invention provides a vending machine with a rotating display for product samples, comprising: a vending machine body that stores and sells products; a display section for product samples provided on the front side of the vending machine body, which displays product samples with different display sections at different positions on the outer circumference; a product selection button provided in correspondence with the product samples in the display section of the vending machine body; a rotating means for rotating the product samples to change the display section visible from the display section; and a control unit capable of controlling the rotation of the rotating means. The control unit controls the sale of the selected product when the product selection button is pressed for a predetermined time or less, and controls the rotation of the product samples by rotating the rotating means to switch the display section visible from the display section when the product selection button is pressed for a longer time than the predetermined time. Thus, even in a vending machine sales format, it is possible to provide a vending machine that allows customers to check the contents and ingredients before selecting a product, enabling them to make informed decisions and purchase products they are satisfied with.

[0015] Furthermore, the rotating mechanism is configured to have a rotating platform device that supports product samples from below and can rotate them around a vertical axis. This allows for the stable placement and rotation of products such as cans, PET bottles, boxes, and product dummies, as well as stable rotation, enabling proper viewing of the display.

[0016] Furthermore, by having a rotating suspension device that supports product samples in a suspended manner and rotates them around a vertical axis, it is possible to suspend and rotate products such as bagged products, canned products, PET bottle products, and boxed products, thus limiting the types of products that can be used and enabling broad application.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to terminate rotation control when the display unit of the product sample returns to its initial display position via the rotation mechanism. This allows customers to purchase products smoothly and without stress, even while the product sample is rotating, without any waiting time.

[0018] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to perform intermittent rotation control, which involves rotating the product sample to its initial display position using a rotating mechanism, and then temporarily pausing for a certain period of time. This allows prospective buyers to easily check the display section located on the side of the product sample. In addition, because it uses intermittent rotation control, it can reduce unnecessary power consumption during the operation of the rotating vending machine for product samples.

[0019] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to control the sale of the selected product from the vending machine body when the product selection button is pressed within a predetermined time while the rotation control is being performed by the rotating mechanism. This eliminates waiting time during rotation control, allowing customers to purchase products without stress, according to their purchasing timing.

[0020] In addition, a speaker device is installed downward at the upper position on the front side of the vending machine main body, and the control unit is configured to play sound from the speaker device when a product selection button is pressed, so that product information, commercials, music, etc. can be played from the speaker. Also, since the directional speaker is provided downward, the sound is unlikely to spread around the vending machine regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors, making it difficult to cause trouble to neighboring residents or people around, and enabling installation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a front explanatory view of a product sample etc. rotary vending machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the product sample etc. rotary vending machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an overview of the control unit and other configurations of the product sample etc. rotary vending machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] (a) is an enlarged explanatory view of the rotating means of the product sample etc. rotary vending machine of FIG. 1, (b) is a plan view thereof and an explanatory view of the operation of rotation control, and (c) is an explanatory view of another operation of rotation control in the case of other product samples etc. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory view of another example of the rotating means of the product sample etc. rotary vending machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] (a) is a schematic view of the speaker device of the product sample etc. rotary vending machine of FIG. 1, and (b) is an explanatory view seen from the sound output side of the speaker device. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of a usage example of the product sample etc. rotary vending machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] (a) is a perspective view in a state where the front side and the right side of a product sample etc. used in the product sample etc. rotary vending machine of FIG. 1 can be seen, and (b) is a perspective explanatory view in a state where the rear side and the left side of the product sample etc. can be seen. [Figure 9] (a) is a perspective view in a state where the front side and the right side of a product sample etc. used in the product sample etc. rotary vending machine of FIG. 1 can be seen, and (b) is a perspective explanatory view in a state where the rear side and the left side of the product sample etc. can be seen. [Figure 10](a) is a perspective view showing the front, side and right side of the product sample used in the rotating vending machine for product samples shown in Figure 1, and (b) is a perspective explanatory diagram showing the rear, side and left side of the product sample. [Figure 11] (a) is a perspective view showing the front and side of the product samples used in the rotating vending machine shown in Figure 1, and (b) is a perspective explanatory diagram showing the rear and side of the product samples. [Figure 12] This is a front view explanatory diagram of a rotating vending machine for product samples, etc., according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a rotary vending machine for product samples, etc. [Figure 14] (a) is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the rotating mechanism of the automatic vending machine for product samples etc. shown in Figure 12, (b) is a plan view thereof and an explanatory diagram of the operation of the rotation control, and (c) is an explanatory diagram of another operation of the rotation control in the case of other product samples etc. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] The embodiments of the rotating vending machine for product samples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The rotating vending machine for product samples of the present invention is a vending machine that automatically sells products such as beverages sealed in cans, PET bottles, glass bottles, etc., food packaged in bags or boxes, cigarettes, toys, or non-food items such as shampoo and clothing, without human intervention.

[0023] Figures 1 to 6 show a first embodiment of the rotating vending machine for product samples of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the rotating vending machine for product samples 10 according to this embodiment includes a vending machine body 12, a display section 14 on which product samples 100 are arranged, product selection buttons 16, a means 18 for rotating the product samples 100, and a control unit 20.

[0024] The vending machine body 12 is the main unit of a vending machine that stores products inside and sells them automatically. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the vending machine body 12 can be a device with substantially the same configuration as conventional vending machines. In this embodiment, the vending machine body 12 will be described in a manner in which it sells beverages such as canned drinks and PET bottle drinks. The vending machine body 12, for example, has the main sales device and product storage section built into the casing, and an opening / closing panel 22 is provided on the front side. The opening / closing panel 22 is provided with a display section 14, a plurality of product selection buttons 16, a coin slot 24, a banknote slot 26, an electronic payment section 27, a return lever 28, a change return slot 30, and a product dispensing opening 32. The vending machine body 12 stores a large number of products in its product storage section. The user inserts money, selects the desired product from the product samples 100 displayed in the display section 14, and presses the product selection button 16 corresponding to the selected product sample. The product is then dispensed into the product dispensing opening 32, from which the user can obtain the product. The electronic payment unit 27 may also be capable of handling one or more types of cashless payments, such as using transportation IC cards, credit cards, electronic money, QR code reading, or smartphone application processing. In the case of electronic payment, after pressing the product selection button 16 corresponding to the desired product sample, the user holds a credit card or IC card over the electronic payment unit 27, or reads a QR code, causing the product to be dispensed into the product dispensing opening 32, from which the user can obtain the product. The vending machine body 12 may also include a communication unit, allowing for product inventory management, fault management, security management, cashless payment, and advertising via a communication network such as the internet.

[0025] The display section 14 is a display means for displaying product samples 100 corresponding to the products sold in the vending machine body 12 so that they can be seen from the outside. In this embodiment, the display section 14 is provided with a display space where product samples 100 are placed, for example, by having a shelf section 23 on the upper side of the opening / closing panel 22, and a transparent window is provided so that the product samples 100 inside the display space can be seen from the outside. The display section 14 is provided with multiple levels (two levels in Figure 1) in which multiple product samples 100 are arranged horizontally. On the shelf section 23, price displays, temperature indications such as "cold" or "hot", or advertising POPs are displayed at arbitrary positions, corresponding to the product samples 100.

[0026] Product samples 100 are intended to convey information about the products being sold to the buyer and are actual product samples or figurines used by the buyer when selecting a product. Product samples 100 may be the actual product being sold, or they may be empty packaging containers, product dummies or samples made of resin or metal, or other items that serve as a guide for selecting a product. Product samples 100 are typically those with multiple display areas on their outer side. For example, product samples 100 may have multiple displays such as the product name, logo, nutritional information, ingredients, and seller, with each display area located at a different position on the side.

[0027] In this embodiment, the product sample 100 is described as, for example, a cylindrical can-shaped or bottle-shaped (PET bottle-shaped) beverage product container or product sample made of metal, resin, etc., without any contents (beverage, etc.), as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The bottle-shaped product sample 100, for example, has a rectangular tubular body. However, as shown in Figure 10, it may also be a box-shaped product sample such as a rectangular parallelepiped, cube-shaped or other polygonal prism-shaped container, or as shown in Figure 11, a flattened or bulging bag-shaped product sample, or any other arbitrary shape.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, the canned product sample 100 has a first display section 102 on the front side displaying the product name and logo, and a rear side displaying nutritional information and ingredients. As shown in Figure 9, the product sample 100 is, for example, formed in the shape of a rectangular cylinder, with a first display section 102 on the front side displaying the product name and logo, a second display section 104 on the right side displaying ingredients, manufacturer, seller, etc., a third display section 106 on the rear side displaying nutritional information, etc., and a fourth display section 108 on the left side displaying advertisements, appeals, and other explanations. As shown in Figure 1, the canned product samples 100 are arranged on the upper shelf section 23 of the display section 14, and the bottled product samples 100 are arranged on the lower shelf section 23. Normally, the product samples 100 are placed in the display section 14 with the first display section 102 facing forward so that the product name, etc., is visible.

[0029] The product selection button 16 is a means of selecting and purchasing products, provided in correspondence with product samples, etc., in the display section of the vending machine body. In this embodiment, the product selection button 16 is, for example, a mechanical push-button switch, similar to conventionally known buttons, and is installed in correspondence with the lower position of each product sample, etc. 100 in the display section 14. The product selection button 16 may also use an electrically contact type, such as a touch panel type. In other words, the product selection button 16 may have a mechanical button structure, a button displayed as an image on a touch panel, or any other arbitrary structure.

[0030] The rotating means 18 is a rotating means that rotates the product samples 100 so as to change the multiple display sections 102 to 108 of the product samples 100 that are visible when the display section 14 is viewed from the outside. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the rotating means 18 has multiple rotating devices that individually rotate each product sample 100 around its vertical axis. Specifically, the rotating means 18 has a rotating platform device 34 that supports the product samples 100 from below in a mounted manner and can rotate them around their vertical axis.

[0031] The rotating platform device 34 includes, for example, a base 36 on which a product sample 100 is placed, and a rotary drive device 38 such as a motor that rotates the base 36 in both forward and reverse directions around a vertical axis passing through the center of the base 36. The base 36 is formed, for example, in the shape of a disc and fixedly supports the product sample 100 on its upper surface. The base 36 may have a structure for fixing the product sample 100 with auxiliary devices such as pins or screws to prevent it from shifting position or falling over due to rotation, or a structure for fixing the product sample 100 in a fitted manner, or other fixing means. It is also preferable to provide a base 36 that allows the product sample 100 on the base 36 to be replaced or swapped. Furthermore, the base 36 is not limited to a disc shape, but may be a frame shape or any other configuration that supports the product sample 100 in a way that does not obscure the display of the display unit as much as possible.

[0032] The rotary drive device 38 is electrically connected to the control unit 20, for example, and power is supplied to it, and its rotation is controlled by the control unit 20. The rotary drive device 38 uses, for example, a stepping motor that can be rotated by a predetermined angle by electrical control. The rotary drive device 38 is supported on the shelf of the display unit 14. As described later, the rotary drive device 38 is controlled to rotate and stop by the control unit 20, and after changing the multiple display units 102 to 108 displayed on different sides of the product sample 100, it is controlled to rotate back to the position where the initial display unit is visible.

[0033] The control unit 20 is a control means capable of controlling the rotation of the rotating means 18, that is, controlling its rotation to a predetermined angle and stopping. Furthermore, the control unit 20 is a control means that controls the sale of the product corresponding to the product selection button 16 when the button is pressed. In this embodiment, if the product selection button 16 is pressed within a predetermined time, the control unit 20 controls the sale of the selected product, and if the product selection button 16 is pressed for a longer time than the predetermined time, it controls the rotation of the product sample, etc. 100 by the rotating means 18. The sales control of the control unit 20 is similar to the sales control of a normal vending machine, for example, in that when the product selection button is pressed, the product is sold and dispensed when enough money to cover the sales price of the corresponding product has been inserted. If the product selection button is pressed before money is inserted, or if the inserted money is insufficient to cover the sales price of the product when the product selection button is pressed, the product will not be sold. In other words, the sales control by the control unit 20 performs sales and discharge of goods, etc., if the money inserted is sufficient to cover the sales price of the goods, and refrains from selling the goods, etc., if the money inserted is insufficient to cover the sales price of the goods.

[0034] The control unit 20 consists of a computer such as a microcontroller or circuit board that controls various functions according to a pre-stored program, and is installed on the opening / closing panel 22. The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the main part of the vending machine body 1 that controls sales, the product selection button 16, the rotating means 18, the lighting device 40 (described later), the speaker device 44, etc. For example, it has a memory unit that stores control conditions and control programs such as the switching setting time t which is the threshold for switching between sales control and rotation control, the rotation angle of the rotating platform device 34, and the stop time, and controls various functions according to the program. In this embodiment, the control unit 20 sets the switching setting time t, which is the threshold for switching between sales control and rotation control of the rotating means 18 based on the pressing time of the product selection button 16, to, for example, 3 seconds. If the switching setting time is too short, there is a risk that the product sample 100 will rotate unintentionally by the rotating means when a purchaser presses the product selection button 16 to make a purchase. Furthermore, if the switching time t is too long, the waiting time for the product sample 100 to rotate by the rotating means 18 may be long, potentially causing stress to the buyer, and there is a risk of accidental operation where the buyer releases the button and the product is purchased under sales control. It is thought that setting the switching time t to, for example, 2 to 6 seconds, or more preferably 3 to 5 seconds, would result in relatively few accidental operations by the buyer.

[0035] For example, if the product selection button 16 is pressed for a short time of 3 seconds or less, the control unit 20 controls the vending machine body 12 to dispense the target product to the dispensing opening 32. On the other hand, if the control unit 20 detects that the product selection button 16 has been pressed for a relatively long time, exceeding 3 seconds, it controls the rotation of the rotating means 18 according to a predetermined program, performing intermittent rotation control that rotates at a predetermined angle and stops for a certain period of time. Furthermore, even while the rotation control of the rotating means 18 is in progress, if the product selection button 16 is pressed again for a short time of 3 seconds or less, the control unit 20 controls the vending machine body 12 to dispense the target product to the dispensing opening 32.

[0036] In this embodiment, since the display sections 102 to 108 on the outer periphery of the product sample 100 are displayed on four sides, the rotation control by the control unit 20 stops for a few seconds at a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise in a plan view so that the display sections on each side of the product sample 100 can be seen, then rotates another 90 degrees clockwise to a position rotated 180 degrees from the initial position and stops for a few seconds (for example, 2 seconds), then rotates another 90 degrees clockwise to a position rotated 270 degrees from the initial position and stops for a few seconds (for example, 2 seconds), and finally rotates another 90 degrees clockwise to a position that returns to the initial position, i.e., 360 degrees, and stops to end the rotation control. In this way, the control unit 20 performs intermittent rotation control, which involves controlling rotation by a predetermined angle and pausing for a certain period of time while the product sample 100 is rotated to the initial display position by the rotation means 18, and when the first display section 102 of the product sample 100 returns to the initial display position by the rotation means 18, it stops the stop control, i.e., terminates the rotation control. Furthermore, if the product selection button 16 is pressed again within the time frame described above, it will be controlled similarly by the control unit 20. This allows the purchaser to rotate the product sample 100 they intend to select, changing the multiple display units 102-108 visible from the display unit 14, and to check not only the product name but also nutritional information, ingredients, etc. As a result, they can safely and appropriately select and purchase products.

[0037] Furthermore, the intermittent rotation control of the rotating means 18 by the control unit 20 may be set to any rotation angle depending on the shape of the product or product sample 100 and the configuration of the display part. For example, as shown in Figure 8, in the case of a bag-shaped packaging container, there is a first display part 102 on the front side and a second display part 104 on the back side, so the rotation angle controlled by the rotation control should be set to 180 degrees. The rotation control of the rotating means 18 by the control unit 20 is not limited to rotation in one direction (forward rotation), but may also be controlled to rotate in the reverse direction as needed. That is, the rotation control of the rotating means 18 by the control unit 20 may be set to rotate the product sample 100 180 degrees clockwise from its initial position in a plan view, stop for a few seconds (for example, 2 seconds), and then rotate 180 degrees clockwise in the same direction or counterclockwise in the opposite direction to return to the initial position and terminate the rotation control. Also, for example, in the case of a rectangular or cubic box-shaped product sample 100 as shown in the figure, the predetermined rotation angles should be set at 90-degree intervals. Furthermore, in the case of product samples such as cylindrical cans or PET bottles with cylindrical bodies, the rotation angle may be set to 90 degrees or 180 degrees. Also, the intermittent rotation control of the rotating means 18 by the control unit 20 may be set to all rotation angles at equal intervals, or to different rotation angles. For example, the intermittent rotation control of the rotating means by the control unit 20 may be set to rotate 90 degrees and stop for a few seconds, then rotate 90 degrees and stop for a few seconds, then rotate 180 degrees and return to the initial position to end the rotation control. Alternatively, the rotation control of the rotating means by the control unit 20 may be set to rotate 360 ​​degrees, that is, to complete a full rotation without stopping midway, and then stop at the initial position to end the rotation control.

[0038] In the above example, the control unit 20 of the rotating platform device 34 performed rotation control using a program or the like, but this is not the only way. The control unit 20 may, for example, use sensors to control rotation. For example, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the rotating platform device 34 may be configured to have a base 36 on which detectable parts 37, such as markers, are provided at predetermined angle intervals, and a sensor 39 that detects the detectable parts 37 when the base 36 is rotated. In this case, when the base 36 rotates, the rotation may be stopped at the rotation angle detected by the sensor 39, rotate again after a certain period of time of several seconds, and stop when the next detectable part is detected. An initial position detection unit 41 may be provided at a predetermined position, and the control unit 20 may be controlled to terminate rotation control when the initial position detection unit 41 is detected by another detection unit. As shown in Figure 5(b), if the detection units 37 are provided on the base 36 at 90-degree intervals, the intermittent rotation control by the rotating means 18 can be set at 90-degree intervals. Also, as shown in Figure 5(c), if the detection units 37 are provided on the base 36 at 180-degree intervals, the intermittent rotation control by the rotating means 18 can be set at 180-degree intervals.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the display space inside the display section 14 is provided with a lighting device 40 that illuminates the product samples 100 inside with light. In this embodiment, the lighting device 40 consists of, for example, multiple light-emitting diodes, and is installed diagonally above the product samples 100 in the display section 14, with the direction of light irradiation set so that the product samples 100 are illuminated from the diagonally above and diagonally below the front side. Multiple lighting devices 40 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction on the front side of the shelf section 23 and the erection frame 25 above the product samples 100. The lighting device 40 is electrically connected to the control unit 20, is turned off when the vending machine is in standby mode, and lights up to illuminate the product samples 100 when a purchaser presses the product selection button 16. Alternatively, the lighting device 40 may be automatically illuminated when a person approaches, in conjunction with, for example, a motion sensor or a light sensor installed in the vending machine.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the upper end of the vending machine body 12 is provided with a protruding portion 42 that extends forward. A speaker is installed facing downwards on the protruding portion 42 of the vending machine body 12. As shown in Figure 9, the speaker device 44 has a speaker body 46 and a directional portion 48 attached to the sound output side of the speaker body 46. The speaker body 46 is electrically connected to the control unit 20 and outputs sound data such as commercials and music stored in the control unit, as well as controlling the on / off status of sound. The directional portion 48 is, for example, hollow cylindrical, with its tip closed by an end wall 50, and the end wall 50 is provided with a plurality of through holes 52 for sound output. For example, the through holes 52 are arranged in a circular pattern with nine holes at equal intervals around the center of the circular end wall 50, for a total of 10 holes. As a result, the sound does not spread and can only be heard by customers who approach the vending machine, thus minimizing the disturbance to people in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the speaker device 44 may be configured to automatically emit sound when a person approaches, for example, by installing a motion sensor or a light sensor on the vending machine and linking it to these sensors.

[0041] Next, with reference to the flowchart in Figure 7, an example of using the rotating vending machine 10 according to this embodiment will be explained. When the vending machine 10 is not being operated, the product samples 100 arranged in the display section 14 are initially set in a position with the first display section 102, which displays the product name, logo, etc., facing forward. When a customer purchases a product from the vending machine 10, they insert coins or banknotes and search for the desired product from the product samples 100. When purchasing the desired product, they press the product selection button 16 corresponding to the desired product sample 100 for a relatively short time, for example, 3 seconds or less. The control unit 20, upon detecting that the product selection button 16 was pressed for a short time less than or equal to the switching setting time t, controls the sale within the vending machine body 12 and dispenses the product to the dispensing opening 32. The customer can then take the product from the dispensing opening and obtain it.

[0042] On the other hand, if a customer wants to check the nutritional information or ingredients of a product before purchasing it, they press the product selection button 16 corresponding to the product sample 100 for a relatively long time, for example, longer than 3 seconds. The control unit 20 detects that the product selection button 16 has been pressed for longer than the switching setting time t and performs intermittent rotation control of the product sample 100 using the rotation means 18. The control unit 20 rotates the product sample 100 from its initial position by a predetermined angle (90 degrees or 180 degrees) via the rotation means 18 and stops it. If it is not in the initial position, it stops for a few seconds and then rotates it again by the predetermined angle and stops it. The control unit 20 repeats these rotations by a predetermined angle and stops for a few seconds until the product sample 100 returns to its initial position, at which point the rotation control (intermittent rotation control) ends.

[0043] More specifically, for example, in the case of a bottle-shaped product sample 100 with a rectangular cylindrical body, the intermittent rotation control by the control unit 20 first rotates the product sample 100 90 degrees clockwise in a plan view so that the second display unit 104 displayed on the right side of the product sample 100 faces the front. The product sample 100 is then stopped for a predetermined time, for example, about 2 seconds, with the second display unit 104 facing the front. After 2 seconds, the control unit 20 rotates the product sample 100 again by a predetermined angle, for example, 90 degrees clockwise, so that the third display unit 106 on the rear side faces the front. The product sample 100 is then stopped for a predetermined time, for example, about 2 seconds, with the third display unit 106 facing the front. After 2 seconds, the control unit 20 rotates the product sample 100 again by a predetermined angle, for example, 90 degrees clockwise, so that the first display unit 102 on the front side faces the front again, and the rotation control is terminated.

[0044] Furthermore, in the case of a cylindrical can-shaped product sample 100, for example, the intermittent rotation control by the control unit 20 first rotates the product sample 100 180 degrees clockwise in a plan view so that the second display unit 104 displayed on the rear side faces the front. The product sample 100 is then stopped for a predetermined time, for example, about 2 seconds, with the second display unit 104 facing the front. After 2 seconds, the control unit 20 rotates the product sample 100 again by a predetermined angle, for example, 180 degrees clockwise, so that the first display unit 102 on the front side faces the front again, returning to its initial position, and then terminates the rotation control. In this way, different display units on different sides of the product sample 100 can be viewed, allowing purchasers to check not only the product name but also information such as nutritional components and raw materials before selecting and purchasing a product. As a result, it is possible to check the displays stipulated by legal regulations such as the Product Labeling Act and display standards and guidelines such as those issued by the Consumer Affairs Agency before purchasing.

[0045] Furthermore, even when the rotation means 18 is performing intermittent rotation control, the control unit 20 controls the vending machine body 12 for sales as described above and dispenses the corresponding product from the dispensing opening 32 when the product selection button 16 is pressed for a time less than or equal to the switching setting time t. In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the rotation means 18 is controlled when the product selection button 16 is pressed for longer than the switching setting time t after money has been inserted, but this is not the only example. For example, before money is inserted, the control unit 20 may not dispense a product by controlling the vending machine body 12 for sales even if the product selection button 16 is pressed for a predetermined time or less, but if the product selection button 16 is pressed for longer than the predetermined time, it may control the rotation of the product sample, etc. 100 by the rotation means 18 (intermittent rotation control). The control unit 20 may also switch the control based on the time the product selection button is pressed, not only for purchases with money but also for electronic payments, etc.

[0046] Next, a second embodiment of the rotating vending machine for product samples of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12, 13, and 14. The same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the previous embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted. The rotating vending machine for product samples 10-2 according to this embodiment includes, similar to the above embodiment, a vending machine body 12, a display section 14, product selection buttons 16, a rotating means 18, and a control unit 20.

[0047] In this embodiment, the configuration of the rotating means 18 differs from that of the first embodiment. The rotating means 18 has a rotating suspension device 54 that can support the product sample, etc. 100 in a suspended manner and rotate it around a vertical axis. The rotating suspension device 54 has a suspension part 56 that suspends the product sample, etc. 100, and a rotational drive device 58 such as a motor that rotates the suspension part 56. The suspension part 56 includes, for example, a pair of locking members 60 installed spaced apart from each other, and a connecting body 62 that connects the two locking members 60. The rotation axis of the rotational drive device 58 is fixed at an intermediate position of the connecting body 62 of the suspension part 56, and the rotational drive device 58 rotates the connecting body 62 in forward and reverse directions around the vertical axis. The locking members 60 may be, for example, a substantially L-shaped hook, a clip that grips the upper end of the product sample, etc. 100, or any other arbitrary suspension means. The connecting body 62 is, for example, a rod-shaped body made of metal or hard synthetic resin. The suspension support 56 may be any configuration, such as one that fits and fixes the upper part of ropes, chains, or product samples, or one that attaches screws to product samples 100 and supports them in a suspension manner by screw connection. The rotary drive device 58 is supported, for example, by a frame 25 that is installed horizontally within the display section 14.

[0048] In this embodiment, the product sample 100 is, for example, in the form of a bag as shown in Figure 11, with a first display section 102 on the front side displaying the product name, etc., and a second display section 104 on the back side displaying nutritional information, raw materials, etc.

[0049] Similar to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, when the product sample vending machine 10-2 is not being operated, the product samples 100 arranged in the display section 14 are initially set in a position with the first display section 102, which displays the product name, logo, etc., facing forward. If a purchaser presses the product selection button 16 corresponding to the product sample 100 on the vending machine for a short time less than or equal to the switching setting time t, the vending machine body 12 controls the sale and dispenses the product. If the product selection button 16 is pressed for a longer time than the switching setting time t, the control unit 20 intermittently rotates the product sample 100 using the rotating means 18. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 14(b), the control unit 20 rotates 180 degrees, stops for about 2 seconds, and then rotates another 180 degrees back to the initial position, after which the rotation control ends. Furthermore, for example, if the product sample 100 is a rectangular box shape, as shown in Figure 14(c), the control unit 20 repeats intermittent rotation control, which rotates 90 degrees and stops for about 2 seconds, four times, and terminates the rotation control when it returns to the initial position. In this embodiment, the rotating means 18 supports the product sample 100 by the rotating suspension device 54, so even if the product sample 100 is in a shape that is difficult to place stably, such as a bag shape, the rotating means 18 can be specifically realized to rotate smoothly, and product samples of various shapes can be used.

[0050] The rotating vending machine for product samples of the present invention described above is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and any modifications may be made as long as they do not depart from the essence of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 10. Rotating vending machines for product samples, etc. 12. Vending machine unit 14 Display section 16 Product Selection Buttons 18 Rotating means 20 Control Unit 34. Rotating platform device 36 base 38 Rotary drive device 44 Speaker equipment 54 Rotary suspension support device 100 items are listed in this document. 102 First Representation Section 104 Part 2 106 Part 3 108. Section 4

Claims

1. The vending machine itself stores products inside and dispenses them automatically, A display area for product samples, etc., located on the front side of the vending machine body, which displays product samples, etc., with different display sections at different positions on the outer perimeter side, Product selection buttons are provided on the vending machine body to correspond to product samples, etc. A rotating means for rotating product samples, etc., to change the display area of ​​product samples, etc., visible from the display area, It comprises a control unit capable of controlling the rotation of a rotating means, The aforementioned product samples, etc., are product samples or actual products used by the purchaser when selecting a product. The control unit controls the sale of the selected product when the product selection button is pressed within a predetermined time or less. A rotating vending machine for product samples, characterized in that when the aforementioned product selection button is pressed for a longer period of time than a predetermined time, the rotating mechanism rotates the product sample, etc., to switch the display section visible from the display area.

2. The automatic vending machine for rotating product samples, etc., according to claim 1, is characterized in that the rotating means has a rotating platform device that can support product samples, etc., from below and rotate them around a vertical axis.

3. The automatic vending machine for rotating product samples, etc., according to claim 1, is characterized in that the rotating means has a rotating suspension device capable of supporting product samples, etc., in a suspended manner and rotating them around a vertical axis.

4. The automatic vending machine for rotating product samples, according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit terminates the rotation control when the display unit for product samples, etc. returns to its initial display position by the rotation means.

5. The automatic vending machine for rotating product samples, etc., according to claim 4, is characterized in that the control unit performs intermittent rotation control, which involves controlling the rotation by a predetermined angle and pausing for a certain period of time while the product sample, etc., is rotated by the rotating means to the initial display position.

6. The control unit controls the sale of the selected product from the vending machine body when the product selection button is pressed within a predetermined time or less while the rotation is being controlled by the rotating means, as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A speaker device is installed facing downwards at the upper front of the vending machine body. The control unit is characterized by playing sound from a speaker device when a product selection button is pressed, as described in claim 1 for the rotating vending machine for product samples.

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