Product sales device

Abstract

To enable a use pattern to be changed in accordance with various store environments.SOLUTION: A merchandise sales device of an embodiment includes a main body device and a support member. The main body device performs information processing for merchandise sales while accepting an operation from an operator. The support member can selectively form a first state where the main body device is placed at a horizontal surface while a predetermined attitude is maintained, and a second state where the main body device can be fixed to a vertical surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a merchandise sales device and a support member.

Background Art

[0002] There are a plurality of types of various merchandise sales devices that perform information processing related to merchandise sales, such as POS (point-of-sale) terminal devices, which are configured to adapt to different usage forms respectively. When introducing a merchandise sales device into a store, one configured to adapt to the store environment was selected from among these multiple types. Under such circumstances, it has been desired to be able to change the usage form to adapt to various store environments.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A perspective view showing the configuration of a POS terminal device according to the first embodiment in a first usage configuration. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a POS terminal device. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing the configuration of the POS terminal device according to the first embodiment in a second usage configuration. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example of how three POS terminals are mounted on the wall of a store. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example of how a POS terminal device mounted on a wall is used. [Figure 6] A perspective view showing the configuration of the POS terminal device in a first usage configuration according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] A perspective view showing the configuration of a POS terminal device in a first usage configuration according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing the usage status in the first usage mode of the POS terminal device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing the usage in the second usage configuration in the first modified example. [Figure 10] An exploded perspective view showing the mounting of a POS terminal device to a slide rail. [Figure 11] An exploded perspective view showing the mounting of the POS terminal device to the height adjustment plate. [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating an example of a structure for attaching the first component to the height adjustment plate. [Figure 13] A diagram illustrating a modified example of usage in a second usage scenario for a POS terminal device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Several embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the POS terminal device 1 in a first usage mode according to the first embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the POS terminal device 1 shown in FIG. 1. The POS terminal device 1 performs information processing for registering products to be sold (hereinafter referred to as registration processing) according to operations by an operator. The POS terminal device 1 performs information processing for settling the price of products registered as sales targets (hereinafter referred to as settlement processing) according to operations by an operator. That is, the POS terminal device 1 is an example of a product sales device that performs information processing such as registration processing and settlement processing related to product sales. Note that the settlement processing includes accounting processing for accounting for the price and settlement processing for settling the price.

[0009] The POS terminal device 1 includes a main body device 10 and a support member 20. The main body device 10 includes various devices for performing information processing related to product sales. In FIGS. 1 and 2, a touch panel 11, a scanner 12, a receipt printer 13, and a settlement unit 14, which are devices exposed outside the housing, are shown. These touch panel 11, scanner 12, receipt printer 13, and settlement unit 14 are provided facing the same surface of the housing (hereinafter referred to as the operation surface). The main body device 10 houses other devices such as a computer and a communication unit inside the housing.

[0010] The touch panel 11 displays various screens for presenting various information to the operator. The touch panel 11 inputs an instruction from the operator through a touch operation on the screen by the operator. The scanner 12 optically scans barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. obscured in front of it. After the settlement is completed, the receipt printer 13 prints and outputs a receipt showing the details of the transaction including a list of products targeted for sale and the result of the settlement, etc.

[0011] The payment unit 14 reads data recorded on a payment card such as a credit card, prepaid card, or electronic money card. The payment unit 14 also writes data to the payment card. The payment unit 14 includes reading devices respectively corresponding to IC reading, magnetic reading, and proximity communication reading of a credit card. The reading device for IC reading reads data stored in an IC (integrated circuit) provided on the credit card through communication via electrical contacts. The reading device for magnetic reading reads data magnetically recorded on a magnetic stripe formed on the surface of the credit card using a magnetic head. The reading device for proximity communication reading reads data stored in an IC provided on the credit card through wireless communication such as NFC (near field communication). However, the payment unit 14 does not necessarily need to have all of these functions. The payment unit 14 includes a keyboard and may input an operator's instruction by operating this keyboard.

[0012] The shape shown in FIG. 1 of the housing of the main body device 10 is an example, and it may have an appropriate shape. However, it is preferable that the width in the depth direction when using the operation surface as the front surface is small so as to be suitable for use in the wall-mounted state described later. For such reasons, the width of the housing of the main body device 10 shown in FIG. 1 in the first direction that is the depth direction is smaller than the width in the second direction orthogonal to this first direction. Therefore, the main body device 10 tends to be easily tilted in the depth direction by the operations on the touch panel 11 and the payment unit 14.

[0013] The support member 20 is composed of a first member 21 and a second member 22. The first member 21 is formed in a thin plate shape using a material such as metal having rigidity such that it does not easily deform. The first member 21 is fixed to the surface of the housing of the main body device 10 opposite to the operation surface by a plurality of bolts 23. A part of the first member 21 protrudes below the bottom surface of the housing of the main body device 10.

[0014] The second member 22 has a base portion 221 and a mounting portion 222. The mounting portion 222 of the second member 22 is formed by cutting out a part of a single rectangular thin plate and bending it. The second member 22 is made of a material such as metal that has sufficient rigidity to not easily deform from its current state. The base portion 221 extends on both sides of the base of the mounting portion 222 by bending the mounting portion 222 at a position where the base of the mounting portion 222 is near the center of the thin plate. The width of the base portion 221 in this direction is preferably greater than the width of the bottom surface of the main body device 10. The angle between the base portion 221 and the tip of the mounting portion 222 is preferably about 90 degrees, but it may be any angle.

[0015] The first member 21 and the second member 22 are connected by fixing the portion of the first member 21 that protrudes below the bottom surface of the housing of the main device 10 to the mounting portion 222 with multiple sets of bolts 23 and nuts 24. Thus, the support member 20 has a base portion 221 which serves as a base when the POS terminal device 1 is placed on a table, and the mounting portion 222 and the first member 21 maintain the main device 10 in the position shown in Figure 1. The top surface of the table is usually a horizontal plane. Therefore, the state of the support member 20 in this first usage form is just one example of the first state. However, the POS terminal device 1 may also be placed on a table surface that is not horizontal.

[0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of POS terminal device 1 in a second usage configuration. Elements shown in Figure 3 that are also shown in Figures 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed explanations are omitted. In the second usage configuration, the POS terminal device 1's support member 20 consists of a first member 21 and a third member 25. In other words, it differs from the first usage configuration in that it includes a third member 25 instead of a second member 22.

[0017] The third member 25 is formed by bending a single rectangular thin plate so that the directions its longitudinal ends face are different, thereby creating a table portion 251 and a mounting portion 252 on either side of the bent portion. The third member 25 is made of a material such as metal that has sufficient rigidity to prevent it from easily deforming from its current state. The angle between the directions that the longitudinal ends of the third member 25 face is preferably about 90 degrees, but it can be any angle. A pair of hooks 253, 253 are formed on both ends of the table portion 251 by bending a portion of the thin plate. The first member 21 and the third member 25 are connected by fixing the portion of the first member 21 that protrudes below the bottom surface of the housing of the main device 10 to the mounting portion 252 with multiple sets of bolts 23 and nuts 24.

[0018] Figure 4 shows an example of how three POS terminal devices 1 are mounted on the wall of a store. Figure 5 shows an example of how the POS terminal device 1 is used when mounted on a wall. Note that in Figures 4 and 5, the connection between the first member 21 and the third member 25 is not shown.

[0019] In the second usage configuration, the POS terminal device 1 is suitable for mounting on a vertical wall surface, as shown in Figure 4. In this usage configuration, the table portion 251 is a protruding portion that extends from the vertical surface, and its upper surface is a nearly horizontal surface, making it suitable for temporarily placing goods, as shown in Figure 5. The hooks 253, 253 are also suitable for hanging shopping bags or other carrying bags, as shown in Figure 5. Although the wall surface is generally a vertical surface, the POS terminal device 1 can, of course, be mounted on a wall surface that is not vertical. The state of the support member 20 in this second usage configuration is an example of the second configuration.

[0020] Thus, the POS terminal device 1 can adapt to various store environments and change its usage configuration, such as being placed on a counter or mounted on a wall. When placed on a counter, even if force is applied for operating the touch panel 11 and payment unit 14, the base portion 221 prevents the main unit 10 from changing its orientation. When mounted on a wall, the space occupied by the POS terminal device 1 can be reduced, enabling more efficient use of store space. Furthermore, as described above, the third component 25 can be used as a table and even for hanging bags.

[0021] [Second Embodiment] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the POS terminal device 2 in the first usage mode according to the second embodiment. Note that elements shown in Figure 6 that are also shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The POS terminal device 2 includes a main unit 10 and a support member 30. The support member 30 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment in the second usage form.

[0022] In the first usage configuration, the support member 30 consists of a first member 21, a third member 25, and a fourth member 31. In other words, in the first usage configuration, the support member 30 is equipped with a fourth member 31 in addition to that in the second usage configuration. The fourth member 31 is formed by bending a single rectangular thin plate so that the directions of its longitudinal ends are different, thereby creating a base portion 311 and a mounting portion 312 on either side of the bent portion. The fourth member 31 is made of a material such as metal that has sufficient rigidity to prevent it from easily deforming from its current state. The angle between the base portion 311 and the tip of the mounting portion 312 is preferably approximately 90 degrees, but can be any angle.

[0023] The first member 21, the third member 25, and the fourth member 31 are connected by fixing the portion of the first member 21 that protrudes below the bottom surface of the housing of the main device 10 to the mounting portion 252 and the mounting portion 312 with multiple sets of bolts 23 and nuts 24. The third member 25 and the fourth member 31 are arranged so that the lower surface of the table portion 251 and the lower surface of the base portion 311 are on the same plane, and the table portion 251 and the base portion 311 extend in opposite directions with the first member 21 in between. The support member 30 consists of a table portion 251 and a base portion 311 which serve as a base when the POS terminal device 2 is placed on the table, and the mounting portions 252, 312 and the first member 21 maintain the main body device 10 in the position shown in Figure 6.

[0024] Thus, the POS terminal device 2 can adapt to various store environments and change its usage configuration, such as being placed on a counter or mounted on a wall. When placed on a counter, even if force is applied for operating the touch panel 11 and payment unit 14, the functions of the table section 251 and base section 311 prevent the posture of the main unit 10 from changing. When mounted on a wall, the space occupied by the POS terminal device 2 can be reduced, making effective use of store space possible. Furthermore, as described above, the third component 25 can be used as a table and also for hanging bags. The POS terminal device 2 can be switched between the first and second usage modes simply by attaching or detaching the fourth component 31.

[0025] [Third Embodiment] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the POS terminal device 3 in a first usage mode according to the third embodiment. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the usage status of the POS terminal device 3 in the first usage configuration according to the third embodiment. Furthermore, for elements shown in Figures 7 and 8 that are also shown in Figures 1 and 2, the same reference numerals are used, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0026] The POS terminal device 3 includes a main unit 10 and a support member 40. The support member 40 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment in the second usage form. In the first usage configuration, the support member 40 consists of the first member 21. In other words, in the first usage configuration, the support member 40 omits the third member 25 compared to the second usage configuration. In the first usage configuration, as shown in Figure 7, the portion of the first component 21 that protrudes below the bottom surface of the housing of the main unit 10 is inserted into the slit 412 formed in the top plate 411 of the mounting base 4, so that the bottom surface of the main unit 10 is in contact with the top surface of the top plate 411, as shown in Figure 8.

[0027] Thus, the POS terminal device 3 can adapt to various store environments and change its usage configuration, such as being placed on a counter or mounted on a wall. When placed on a counter, even if force is applied for operating the touch panel 11 and payment unit 14, the function of the first component 21 prevents the posture of the main unit 10 from changing. When mounted on a wall, the space occupied by the POS terminal device 3 can be reduced, making effective use of store space possible. Furthermore, as described above, the third component 25 can be used as a table and even for hanging bags. The POS terminal device 3 can be switched between the first and second usage modes simply by attaching or detaching the third component 25.

[0028] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows: (First variation) In the first, second, and third embodiments described above, in the second usage configuration, the POS terminal devices 1, 2, and 3 may be mounted on a wall surface via slide rails. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the usage situation in the second usage form in the first modified example. Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting of POS terminal devices 1, 2, and 3 to the slide rail. Furthermore, for elements shown in Figures 9 and 10 that are also shown in Figures 1 and 2, the same reference numerals are used, and their detailed explanations are omitted. Also, in Figure 9, the connection portion between the first member 21 and the third member 25 is omitted from the illustration.

[0029] A pair of slide rails 5 are mounted to the wall surface, arranged horizontally with the vertical direction as the sliding direction. A slide plate 6 is attached to each of the slide rails 5, spanning across them. The first member 21 is then fixed to the slide plate 6 by bolts or the like, through holes 211 formed in the first member 21 and holes 61 formed in the slide plate 6. A free-stop type is preferred for the slide rail 5. However, a well-known fixing mechanism may be provided separately to fix the position of the slide plate 6 relative to the slide rail 5 to one of several fixed positions or to any arbitrary position.

[0030] (Second variation) In the first, second, and third embodiments described above, in the second usage configuration, the POS terminal devices 1, 2, and 3 may be mounted on the wall surface via height adjustment plates. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting of POS terminal devices 1, 2, and 3 to the height adjustment plate 7. Furthermore, for elements shown in Figure 11 that are also shown in Figures 1 and 2, the same reference numerals are used, and their detailed explanations are omitted. Also, in Figure 11, the connection portion between the first member 21 and the third member 25 is not shown.

[0031] The height adjustment plate 7 is elongated and fixed to the wall at both ends in the longitudinal direction. When the height adjustment plate 7 is fixed to the wall, a large portion of it, other than the ends in the longitudinal direction, is separated from the wall. Multiple holes 71 are formed in the portion of the height adjustment plate 7 that is separated from the wall. In the example in Figure 11, six pairs of holes 71, arranged horizontally, are formed along the vertical direction. However, the number and position of the holes 71 may be changed as appropriate.

[0032] Figure 12 shows an example of a structure for attaching the first member 21 to the height adjustment plate 7. Note that elements shown in Figure 11 that are also shown in Figures 1, 2, and 11 are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The hole 71 has a circular portion 711 and a slit portion 712 that is below the circular portion 711, is in contact with the circular portion 711, and extends vertically. The horizontal width of the slit portion 712 is smaller than the diameter of the circular portion 711.

[0033] Now, in the first member 21 relating to the second modification, the hook members 212 shown in Figure 12 are formed in place of each of the holes 211 shown in Figure 10 relating to the first modification. The hooking member 212 has a shaft 2121 that protrudes from the slide plate 6 and a disc-shaped projection 2122 formed at the tip of the shaft 2121. The radial width of the shaft 2121 is smaller than the radial width of the projection 2122 and smaller than the horizontal width of the slit portion 712. The amount that the shaft 2121 protrudes from the slide plate 6 is greater than the thickness of the region of the height adjustment plate 7 that is separated from the wall surface. The thickness of the projection 2122 is smaller than the distance between the region of the height adjustment plate 7 that is separated from the wall surface and the wall surface.

[0034] The radial width of the projection 2122 is smaller than the diameter of the circular portion 711. In other words, the projection 2122 can pass through the circular portion 711. When the projection 2122 has completely passed through the circular portion 711, if the first member 21 is moved relatively downward relative to the height adjustment plate 7, the shaft 2121 enters the slit portion 712, and the projection 2122 cannot pass through the slit portion 712, thereby preventing the first member 21 from detaching from the height adjustment plate 7. As a result, the first member 21 is fixed to the height adjustment plate 7, and the POS terminal devices 1, 2, and 3 are also fixed to the height adjustment plate 7.

[0035] The four hook members 212 provided on the first member 21 are positioned on the first member 21 such that they align with four of the holes 71 formed in the height adjustment plate 7. Thus, by simultaneously inserting the projections 2122 of the four hook members 212 provided on the first member 21 into the circular portions 711 of the four holes 71, and after each projection 2122 has passed through each circular portion 711, the first member 21 is shifted downward, thereby fixing the first member 21 and the POS terminal devices 1, 2, and 3 to which the first member 21 is attached to the height adjustment plate 7. Furthermore, by changing the holes 71 into which the projections 2122 of the four hook members 212 are inserted, it is possible to change the height at which the POS terminal devices 1, 2, and 3 are held by the height adjustment plate 7.

[0036] Furthermore, the hook structure consisting of the hole 71 and hook member 212 shown in Figure 12 can also be used to fix the first member 21 to the slide plate 6 in the first modified example. In this case, for example, the hook member 212 is formed in place of the hole 211 shown in Figure 10, and the hole 71 shown in Figure 12 is formed in place of the hole 61 shown in Figure 10.

[0037] (Third variation) Figure 13 shows a modified example of the usage status in the second usage scenario of POS terminal devices 1, 2, and 3. Furthermore, for elements shown in Figure 13 that are also shown in Figures 1 and 2, the same reference numerals are used, and their detailed explanations are omitted. Also, in Figure 13, the connection portion between the first member 21 and the third member 25 is not shown. In the usage scenario shown in Figure 13, POS terminal devices 1, 2, and 3 are mounted on the mounting surface, which is a vertical plane, of the self-supporting stand 8. Note that the mounting surface of the self-supporting stand 8 does not necessarily have to be a vertical surface.

[0038] (Other variations) In the first embodiment, the first and second forms of use can be changed by appropriately swapping a member having a shape in which the first member 21 and the second member 22 are integrated with a member having a shape in which the first member 21 and the third member 25 are integrated.

[0039] In the second and third embodiments, the first member 21 and the third member 25 may be replaced with a member that has an integrated shape.

[0040] In each embodiment and each modified example, the devices provided by the main unit 10 can be changed as appropriate.

[0041] In each embodiment and each modified example, the shape of each member included in the support members 20, 30, and 40 is an example, and the shape of the details can be changed as appropriate.

[0042] It can also be implemented as a product sales device that performs one of the following: registration processing, accounting processing, or payment processing.

[0043] In each embodiment, the POS terminal devices 1, 2, and 3 may be configured such that the main unit 10 and the support members 20, 30, and 40 are individually transferred, and the support members 20, 20, and 30 are then attached to the main unit 10 by the user or other party.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the first member 21, the second member 22, and the third member 25 may be transferred individually, or the first member 21 and the second member 22 may be transferred as a set, or the first member 21 and the third member 25 may be transferred as a set. Alternatively, the main unit 10 and the first member 21 may be transferred as a set, and the second member 22 and the third member 25 may be transferred individually.

[0045] In the second embodiment, the first member 21, the third member 25, and the fourth member 31 may be transferred individually, or the first member 21 and the third member 25 may be transferred as a set. Alternatively, the main unit 10, the first member 21, and the third member 25 may be transferred as a set, and the fourth member 31 may be transferred separately.

[0046] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] The main unit processes information related to product sales while receiving operations from the operator, A support member capable of selectively forming a first state in which the main body device can be placed on a horizontal plane while maintaining a predetermined orientation, and a second state in which the main body device can be fixed to a vertical plane, A product sales device equipped with the following features. [Note 2] The support member includes a first member and a second member that can be selectively attached to the main body device. The first member forms the first state when it is attached to the main body device. The second member forms the second state when it is attached to the main body device. Product sales equipment as described in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The main body device has a width in the first direction that is pressed when operated by the operator that is smaller than the width in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first member maintains a predetermined posture by preventing the main body device from tilting in the first direction. Product sales equipment as described in Appendix 2. [Note 4] The second member has a projection that protrudes from the vertical plane on which it is fixed, and the upper surface of the projection functions as a table on which the product is placed. Product sales equipment as described in Appendix 2. [Note 5] The aforementioned protrusion is equipped with a hook for hanging a shopping bag. Product sales equipment as described in Appendix 4. [Note 6] A support member that constitutes a product sales device together with the main unit device which processes information related to product sales while receiving operations from the operator, A first state in which the main unit can be placed on a horizontal surface while maintaining a predetermined posture, A second state in which the main body device can be fixed to a vertical plane, A support member capable of selectively forming [a certain characteristic]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1,2,3...POS terminal device, 4...mounting stand, 5...slide rail, 6...slide plate, 7...height adjustment plate, 8...self-standing stand, 10...main unit, 11...touch panel, 12...scanner, 13...receipt printer, 14...payment unit, 20,30,40...support members, 21...first member, 22...second member, 23...bolt, 24...nut, 25...third member, 31...fourth member, 61,71,211...hole, 212...hanging member, 221,311...base part, 222,312...mounting part, 251...table part, 252...mounting part, 253...hook, 411...top plate, 412...slit, 711...circular part, 712...slit part, 2121...shaft, 2122...projection.

Claims

1. A main unit that processes information related to product sales while receiving input from an operator, A first member is attached to the side of the main unit opposite to the operating surface and is used to fix it to the vertical plane when forming a second state, A second member having a base portion that serves as a base when placed on a table, and a first mounting portion that connects to the base portion with a bent base portion in between, wherein the first mounting portion is attached to the first member when forming the first state, A third member having a table portion on which a product is placed, with a pair of hooks provided at both ends, and a second mounting portion connected to the table portion with a bent portion in between, wherein the second mounting portion is attached to the first member when forming the second state, A product sales device equipped with the following features.

2. The main body device has a width in the first direction that is pressed when operated by an operator that is smaller than the width in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The base portion prevents the main body device from tilting in the first direction, thereby maintaining the main body device in a predetermined position. The product sales device according to claim 1.

3. The base portion extends in two opposing directions along the first direction, sandwiching the base portion. The product sales device according to claim 2.

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