Product discharge device for vending machine

A product carry-out device of an automatic dispenser includes two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members corresponding to half-size products accommodated in two rows, a single driving device for driving the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members, a link mechanism having link members corresponding to the first stopper members and second stopper members, a connection mechanism for connecting the single driving device and the link mechanism, and a switching device selectively connecting the connection mechanism and the link mechanism. The two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members are driven synchronously by connecting the connection mechanism and the link members. The connection mechanism and the one or another of the link members are separated from each other, thereby individually driving one or another of the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based on, and claims priority from Japanese Application No. JP2015-236895 filed Dec. 3, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a product discharge device for a vending machine capable of aligning long-size products into a line and accommodating half-size products into two rows, and capable of individually carry out the long-size products and the half-size product by the product discharge or carry-out device placed in the vicinity of an outlet of a produce accommodation passage.

BACKGROUND ART

An automatic dispenser or vending machine which sells products, such as canned beverages, PET bottle beverages is configured such that the products are divided into cold products and hot products in a product accommodating storage of body cabinet as a heat insulating casing, a plurality of product samples is laterally arranged and displayed in an outer door display chamber, and a product selected based on operation of project-selection buttons provided corresponding to the project samples. This kind of automatic dispenser will be described usingFIG. 15.

As shown inFIG. 15, this automatic dispenser includes a body cabinet100whose front surface is opened, and an outdoor160supported on a front surface of the body cabinet100such that the outdoor160can open and close through a hinge. Heat insulation boards composed of urethane foam is placed on an inner side, i.e., outer wall, left and right walls, and a back wall110of a steel plate of the body cabinet100, so that the body cabinet100is configured as a heat insulation casing. The inside of a produce accommodating storage surrounded by heat insulation of the body cabinet100is laterally divided into a plurality of product accommodating chambers130,140and150by product accommodating storages120. In this example, product accommodating racks180having meandering passages called serpentine are respectively accommodated in the product accommodating chambers130,140and150. An inner door170is placed between the outdoor160which is supported by the front surface of the body cabinet100such that the outdoor160can open and close and a front surface of the project accommodating storage of the body cabinet100. In this example, the inner door170is divided into upper and lower portions. The lower inner door170is provided with a product carry-out port having a carrying-out door170aopposed to a shooter190which sends out a product carried out from the product accommodating rack180of the product accommodating chambers130,140and150. An upper inlet of the carrying-out door170ais pivotally supported and suspended, closes the product carry-out outlet by its own weight, and thereby preventing cold air or warm air from flowing out. The carrying-out door170ais pushed and opened by a product which is carried out through the shoot190, and the project is sent out to a product carry-out outlet160aof the outdoor160. An upper region of the front surface of the outdoor160is formed as a display chamber covered with a transparent plate for displaying the project samples, a product selection button unit is provide on a front surface of the transparent plate, and the product selection button unit includes product-selection buttons provided in correspondence to the displayed product samples. The front surface of the outdoor160is provided with a bill-insertion slot, a coin-insertion slot, a return lever, a product take-out opening, a handle lock and the like.

As shown inFIG. 16, each of the product accommodating racks180includes a pair of left and right rack side plates181,181made of flat thin steel plate, a plurality of (five in the drawing) front and rear rows of meandering product accommodating passages (product columns)183placed between a pair of front and rear curved rail segment rows182which is opposed to the left and right rack side plates181,181such that the rail segment rows182are deviated from the left and right rack side plates181,181in the vertical direction by half pitch, a top tray184which connects, to each other, a product insertion port SL (seeFIG. 15) formed at a front surface opening of the body cabinet100and an upper inlet of product accommodating passages183after second raw, product carry-out devices200placed at the lower end outlets of the respective product accommodating passages183, and outlet-adjusting plates290opposed to the product carry-out devices200while sandwiching the product accommodating passages. In this example, each of the product accommodating racks180includes a front side product accommodating rack180ahaving two rows of product accommodating passages183, and a rear side product accommodating rack180bhaving three rows of product accommodating passages183. Rack-side hook clamps811,811provided in upper ends of the pair of left and right left and right rack side plates181,181of the product accommodating racks180a,180bare locked to and fixed to the body-side hook clamp (not shown).

Each of the product carry-out devices200includes a first stopper member220which moves toward a projecting position which projects to the product accommodating passage183in a state where a number one-sales product (sales product) is held, and the first stopper member220can move to a retreating position retreating from the product accommodating passage183in a state where the holding state of the sales product is released. The product carry-out device200also includes a second stopper member230which moves toward a projecting position projecting into the product accommodating passage183in a state where the second stopper member230holds a number two-sales product (sales product) which follows after the number one-sales product, and which moves to a retreating position retreating from the product accommodating passage183in a state where the holding state of the sales product is released. The first stopper member220and the second stopper member230are made to come into and out from the product accommodating passage183by alternately exciting and demagnetizing solenoid as driving means, thereby carrying out the sales product while holding the next sales product by the second stopper member230.

In this automatic dispenser, to handle products having different sizes (e.g., canned beverages of 170 ml, PET bottle beverages of 500 ml), different kinds of product accommodating racks180are prepared in accordance with lateral width corresponding to length of products (lateral width in direction of product accommodating passages) (usually two kinds of product accommodating racks having relatively short products and relatively long products). In this case, to arrange the short products on the side of the pair of left and right rack side plates181,181, a passage width adjusting plate (not shown) which brings one of the rack side plate181toward and away from the other rack side plate181is placed, the passage width adjusting plate is moved and adjusted in accordance with a length of a product, thereby determining the product accommodating passages width. Further, due to diversification of products, short products (half-size product, hereinafter) less than half of long products (long-size produce) hereinafter appear. When the long-size products are replaced by the half-size products for sale, if the a passage width of the product accommodating passage183in which the long-size products are arranged in one row is determined to a width of the half-size products by moving and adjusting the passage width adjusting plate, two rows of product accommodating passages capable of accommodating half-size products are formed on left and right sides based on the passage width adjusting plate as a border. Therefore, it is known that the product accommodating rack180which can accommodate the long-size products by arranging and accommodating the half-size products in two rows can also be used as product accommodating rack180for the half-size products. In this case, corresponding to the half-size products accommodated in two row, two product carry-out devices200are placed in the vicinity of the outlet of the product accommodating passage183, and when the long-size products are to be sold, two product carry-out devices200are controlled in synchronization to carry out the long-size products, and when the half-size products are to be sold, two product carry-out devices200are individually controlled, and the half-size products are individually carried out (e.g., see Patent Literature 1).

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

The invention described in Patent Literature 1 is excellent in that a product accommodating rack of a long-size produce can also be used as a product accommodating rack of a half-size products. The invention described in Patent Literature 1 is configured such that two product carry-out devices200are arranged side by side in correspondence to half-size products which are arranged and accommodated in two rows, and when the long-size products are to be sold, the two product carry-out devices200are controlled in synchronization to carry out the long-size products, and when a half-size products are to be sold, the two product carry-out devices200are individually controlled to carry out the product. As described above, since the long-size products are to be sold, the two product carry-out devices200are controlled in synchronization, when solenoid as driving means of any one of the product carry-out devices has failure, the long-size products cannot be sold. That is, a malfunction ratio increases for the number of the driving means increased, and there is a problem that even if the products are accommodated in the product accommodating rack, a selling chance may be missed.

The present invention has been accomplished in view of the above point, and it is an object of the invention to solve the above problem, and to provide a product carry-out device of an automatic dispenser capable of reducing, as small as possible, the missing of selling chance caused by failure of driving means.

Solution to Problem

To achieve the object, in the invention, a product carry-out device of an automatic dispenser is placed near an outlet of a product accommodating passage which arranges and accommodates long-size products in one row in a sideways attitude, and which arranges and accommodates half-size products in two rows in a longitudinal direction in a sideways attitude. The product carry-out device includes two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members which are provided in correspondence with half-size products arranged and accommodated in two rows. The first stopper members and the second stopper members appear in a product accommodating passage, and hold and open the products. When the long-size products are to be sold, the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members are driven synchronously to carry out the long-size products accommodated in the product accommodating passage, and when the half-size products are to be sold, the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members are individually driven to carry out the half-size products accommodated in the product accommodating passage. The product carry-out device includes a single driving means for driving the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members, a link mechanism having two sets of link members provided in correspondence with the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members and supporting lower link pins and upper link pins for moving the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members to a projecting positions and a retreating position, a connection mechanism for connecting the single driving means and the link mechanisms to each other, and switching means for selectively connecting and disconnecting the connection mechanism and the link mechanism to and from each other. The two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members are driven synchronously by connecting the connection mechanism and the two sets of link members of the link mechanisms to each other by the switching means, the connection mechanism and one or the other of the two sets of link members of the link mechanisms are connected to each other by the switching means, the connection mechanism and the one or the other of the two sets of link members of the link mechanisms are separated from each other, thereby individually driving one or the other of the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members.

In the product carry-out device of the automatic dispenser according to the first aspect, in the invention of the second aspect, the switching means includes two sets of solenoids.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The product carry-out device of an automatic dispenser according to the first aspect is placed near an outlet of a product accommodating passage which arranges and accommodates long-size products in one row in a sideways attitude, and arranges and accommodates half-size products in two rows in a longitudinal direction sideways, in which the product carry-out device includes two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members which are provided in correspondence with half-size products arranged and accommodated in two rows. The first stopper members and the second stopper members appear in a product accommodating passage and hold and open the products, and when the long-size products are to be sold, the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members are driven synchronously to carry out the long-size products accommodated in the product accommodating passage, and when the half-size products are to be sold, the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members are individually driven to carry out the half-size products accommodated in the product accommodating passage. The product carry-out device includes a single driving means for driving the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members, a link mechanism having two sets of link members provided in correspondence with the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members and supporting lower link pins and upper link pins for moving the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members to a projecting positions and a retreating position, a connection mechanism for connecting the single driving means and the link mechanisms to each other, and switching means for selectively connecting and disconnecting the connection mechanism and the link mechanism to and from each other. The two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members are driven synchronously by connecting the connection mechanism and the two sets of link members of the link mechanisms to each other by the switching means, the connection mechanism and one or the other of the two sets of link members of the link mechanisms are connected to each other by the switching means, the connection mechanism and the one or the other one of the two sets of link members of the link mechanisms are separated from each other, thereby individually driving one of or the other of the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members. According to this, two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members which are provided in correspondence with half-size products arranged and accommodated in two rows and which appears in the product accommodating passage to hold and open the products can be driven by the single driving means. When driving means which individually drives the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members are provided as in the conventional device, a failure rate becomes high, and if the driving means fails to operate properly, products, especially long-size products cannot be sold, but the present invention has an effect that it is possible to reduce the failure rate of the driving means, and to miss the product sales chance.

According to the product carry-out device of an automatic dispenser according to the second aspect, in the product carry-out device of an automatic dispenser according to the first aspect, the switching means includes two sets of solenoids. By selecting the two sets of solenoids, it is possible to individually drive one or the other of the two sets of first and second stopper members.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A product carry-out device of an automatic dispenser of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the attached drawings.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the product carry-out device10includes a substrate1. The substrate1is formed into a rectangular flat plate made of thin steel plate. The substrate1has a width corresponding to lengths of long-size products which are arranged and accommodated in one row in product accommodating passages183(seeFIG. 16) in its side manner. Placed on a back surface of the substrate1are two sets of link mechanisms6,6A which support two sets of first stopper members2,2A, two sets of second stopper members3,3A, two sets of lower link pins4,4A, and upper link pins5,5A; a single motor driving unit7, a connection mechanism8for connecting the two sets of link mechanisms6,6A and the single motor driving unit7to each other; and switching means9. The link mechanisms6,6A support the two sets of first stopper members2,2A, the second stopper members3,3A, the lower link pins4,4A and the upper link pins5,5A. Among them, a set of the link mechanism6supporting the first stopper member2, the second stopper member3, the lower link pin4and the upper link pin5forms a product carry-out mechanism (this set is called first carry-out mechanism hereinafter) of one of rows of half-size products which are arranged and accommodated laterally in two rows in a longitudinal direction in the product accommodating passages183(seeFIG. 16). A set of the link mechanism6A supporting the first stopper member2A, the second stopper member3A, the lower link pin4A and the upper link pin5A forms a product carry-out mechanism (this set is called second carry-out mechanism hereinafter) of the other row of half-size products. The link mechanism6which supports the first stopper member2, the second stopper member3, the lower link pin4and the upper link pin5of the first product carry-out mechanism, and the link mechanism6A which supports the first stopper member2A, the second stopper member3, the lower link pin4A and the upper link pin5A of the second product carry-out mechanism are made by the same members. In the following description, for corresponding to the second carry-out mechanism, “A” is added to reference signs of the first carry-out mechanism, and explanation thereof will be omitted.

Engaging portions1aa,1bbwhich engage with pin members P, P (seeFIG. 10) provided on rack side plates181,181(seeFIG. 16) are provided on upper portions of left and right flanges1a,1b(seeFIG. 4) of the substrate1. An engaging portion1ccwhich engages the pin member P of the upper portion is provided on an upper flange1cof the substrate1. A holder9which engages a lower flange1dof the substrate1is provided on the upper flange1cof the substrate1. The holder9is engaged with and disengaged from the lower pin member p. These configurations are the same as those of the conventional device. Here, “left and right” means “left and right” when a surface opposite from the back surface on which the flanges1ato1dof the substrate1are provided is defined as a front surface.

As shown inFIG. 4also, openings11(11A) are formed in left and right portions of a lower half region of the substrate1. An upper half region of the substrate1is formed as a placement position of the motor driving unit7. Bearing portions12(12A) face the left and right openings11(11A) formed in the substrate1. The bearing portions12(12A) are located substantially central portion of the openings11(11A) in the lateral direction.

The bearing portions12(12A) support ends of the lower link pins4,4A and the upper link pins5,5A supported by the link mechanisms6,6A. The bearing portions12(12A) also support a central region of a common turning shaft20(later described) related to the first stopper members2,2A and the second stopper member3. The other ends of the lower link pins4,4A and the upper link pins5,5A project toward left and right edges of the openings11(11A) of the substrate1on the side of the back surface of the substrate1, and the other ends are supported by flanges14(14A). Both ends of the turning shaft20are supported by flanges13(13A) formed such that they project from the left edge of the openings11on the side of the back surface of the substrate1, and are also supported by the flange14A formed such that it projects from a right edge of the opening11A on the side of the back surface of the substrate1. Configurations which support the lower link pins4,4A and the upper link pins5,5A in the bearing portions12(12A) and the flanges13,14are substantially symmetric. Therefore, in the following description, after the bearing portions12(12A) are described, configurations concerning the flanges13,14will be described.

The bearing portions12(12A) are integrally connected to upper edges and lower edges of the openings11(11A) formed in the substrate1, and float up from the back surface side by the flat plate surface of the substrate1. The bearing portions12(12A) laterally bisect the openings11(11A). When the openings11(11A) in the substrate1are formed, the bearing portions12(12A) are integrally formed on the substrate1while leaving a portion of the plate surface of the substrate1to divide the openings11(11A) laterally. A bent portion toward the back surface is superposed to enhance the mechanical strength. The bearing portions12(12A) are provided with a pair of vertically extending upper and lower long holes121,122(121A,122A). Arc recesses (reference sign is omitted) are formed in a front surface and a back surface of the pair of upper and lower long holes121,122(121A,122A) of the bearing portions12(12A) at substantially central positions. In the recesses, the front surface side recess is for avoiding interference with the turning shaft20. The back surface side recess is for avoiding interference between the turning shaft20and the (later-described) other product carry-out device (seeFIG. 13) which is bundled back to back. Hole peripheries of the pair of upper and lower long holes121,122(121A,122A) are subjected to Hemming process or Burring process to reduce friction with the turning shaft.

The flanges14(14A) formed on right edges of the openings11(11A) are provided with long holes141,142(141A,142A) corresponding to the pair of upper and lower long holes121,122(121A,122A) of the bearing portions12(12A). Spindle holes16(16A) are provided in substantially intermediate positions of the pair of upper and lower long holes141,142(141A,142A) in the flanges14(14A). The flanges13(13A) formed on the left edges off the openings11(11A) are provided with spindle hole15(15A) on the same line as the spindle holes16(16A) provided in the flanges14(14A).

The spindle hole15(15A) provided in the flanges13(13A) and the spindle holes16(16A) provided in the flanges14(14A) support the turning shaft20which is common to the first stopper members2,2A and the second stopper members3,3A. The long holes122(122A) provided in the bearing portions12(12A) and the long holes142provided in the flanges14(14A) formed on the right edges of the openings11(11A) support the lower link pins4,4A supported by the link mechanism.6such that the lower link pins4,4A can slide in the vertical direction. The long holes121(121A) provided in the bearing portions12(12A) and the long holes141(141A) provided in the flanges14(14A) support the upper link pins5,5A supported by the link mechanism6such that the upper link pins5,5A can slide in the vertical direction. Hole peripheries of the spindle holes16(16A) and the long holes141,142(141A,142A) are subjected to Hemming process or Burring process to reduce friction with the lower link pins4,4A and the upper link pins5,5A.

Four guide portions17are formed, in the lateral direction, in intermediate positions of the substrate1in the vertical direction. The guide portions17are formed by cutting the substrate1and raising the same, and vertically extending guide grooves171are provided. The guide portions17guide slide pins83of a later-described connection mechanism8.

As shown inFIG. 2, the first stopper members2,2A are interposed between the flanges13,14(13A,14A) formed on left and right both edges of the openings11(11A) of the substrate1. The first stopper members2,2A are turnably supported by the turning shaft20. The first stopper members2,2A turn around the turning shaft20. The first stopper members2,2A can move between projecting positions respectively projecting from the openings11(11A) of the substrate1to the product accommodating passage183(seeFIG. 16) and retreating positions retreating from the product accommodating passage183to close the openings11(11A). A torsion coil springs30(30A) shown inFIG. 3are wound around the turning shaft20. The first stopper members2,2A are always biased toward the projecting positions by resilient biasing forces of the torsion coil springs30(30A), and surfaces (upper surfaces) of the first stopper members2,2A are formed as holding portions which hold a product G (seeFIG. 11) at the projecting positions.

As shown inFIG. 5, the first stopper members2,2A are made of synthetic resin (e.g., polyacetal) formed by integrally forming two bearing portions22(22A) on back surfaces of flat plate-shaped holding portions21(21A). A pair of left and right spindle portions25(25A) having shaft-insertion holes250(250A) projects from left and right both ends of the holding portions21(21A) on the side of the base end. Sold-out detecting pieces26(26A) are formed close to outer sides of the pair of left and right spindle portions25(25A). The turning shaft20is inserted into the shaft-insertion holes250(250A) of the spindle portions25(25A). The spindle portions25(25A) are formed such that they are inserted into the long holes101,102(101A,102A) formed on left and right both sides of the openings11(11A) of the substrate1and then the turning shaft20is inserted into the shaft-insertion holes250(250A).

The two bearing portions22(22A) are deviated to one side in two sides in the lateral direction of the flat plate-shaped holding portions21(21A). Widths of the two bearing portions22(22A) in the lateral direction are smaller than widths of openings (spaces) bisected by the bearing portions12(12A) in the openings11(11A) of the substrate1, and the widths are determined such that the bearing portions22(22A) can pass through the spaces. The bearing portions22(22A) are deviated from the centers of the holding portion21(21A) toward one of lateral sides (inFIG. 4, opening (space) between the bearing portions12(12A) in the openings11(11A) and the flanges14(14A) of the openings11(11A). This is because, when the two product carry-out devices are bundled with each other back to back, the first stopper members2,2A of one of the product carry-out devices and the first stopper members2,2A of the other product carry-out device do not interfere with each other. Base ends of the two bearing portions22(22A) are provided with shaft-insertion holes220(220A). The turning shaft20is inserted into the shaft-insertion holes220(220A). The shaft-insertion holes220(220A) are located on the same axis as the shaft-insertion holes250(250A) of the spindle portions25(25A) formed on left and right both ends of the holding portions21(21A). Arc locking projections23(23A) respectively project from base ends of the two bearing portions22(22A). Arc guide projections24(24A) are formed from the base ends of the two bearing portions22(22A). The arc guide projections24(24A) are formed such that curved grooves240(240A) which guide the lower link pins4,4A are formed between thee arc guide projections24(24A) and the locking projections23(23A).

Tip ends of the locking projections23(23A) in the bearing portions22(22A) of the first stopper members2,2A abut against the lower link pins4,4A which move down, and lock the first stopper members2,2A at the projecting position of the product accommodating passages183(183A). If the lower link pins4,4A rise, the locked state is released, and permit the turning motion toward the retreating position of the first stopper members2,2A. When the first stopper member2,2A moves to the retreating position, the lower link pins4,4A slide along the grooves240(240A).

As shown inFIG. 2, the second stopper members3,3A are interposed between the flanges13,14(13A,14A) formed on left and right edges of the openings11(1A) of the substrate1, and the second stopper members3,3A turnably support the turning shaft20. The second stopper members3,3A turn around the turning shaft20. The second stopper members3,3A can move between projecting positions which come out or come into the product accommodating passage183from the openings11(11A) of the substrate1selectively or in synchronization, and project toward the inside of the product accommodating passage183, and a retreating position retreating from the product accommodating passage183to close the openings11(11A).

As shown inFIG. 6, the second stopper members3,3A are made of synthetic resin (e.g., polyacetal). The second stopper members3,3A are integrally provided with holding portions33(33A) of products. The holding portions33(33A) include three spindle portions31(31A) having shaft-insertion holes310(310A) formed on the side of the base end, two stopper walls32(32A) deviated toward any one of lateral sides (left side inFIG. 6) and projecting toward the back surface, and two tongues330(330A) formed on the tip end side and projecting toward the back surface.

The turning shaft20is inserted into the shaft-insertion holes310(310A) of the spindle portions31(31A). The two spindle portions31(31A) having the shaft-insertion holes310(310A) are provided such that positions of the two bearing portions22(22A) in the first stopper members2,2A are deviated from each other.

The two stopper walls32(32A) of the second stopper members3,3A are deviated toward lateral sides (left side inFIG. 6). Widths of the two stopper walls32(32A) in the lateral direction are smaller than widths of openings (spaces) bisected by the bearing portions12(12A) in the openings11(11A) of the substrate1, and the widths are determined such that the stopper walls32(32A) can pass through the spaces. InFIG. 4, the stopper walls32(32A) are formed such that they pass through the opening (space) between the bearing portions12(12A) in the openings11(11A) of the substrate1and the flanges14(14A) of the openings11(11A). This is because, when the two product carry-out devices are bundled with each other in the back to back manner, the second stopper members3,3A of one of the product carry-out devices and the second stopper members3,3A of the other product carry-out device do not interfere with each other.

The two stopper walls32(32A) include recessed sliding grooves321(321A) and stopper surfaces322(322A) formed along the groove walls of the recessed sliding grooves321(321A). In a state where the upper link pins5,5A can slide and the second stopper members3,3A are retreated to the retreating position, the recessed sliding grooves321(321A) receive the upper link pins5,5A. When the upper link pins5,5A rise and abut against the recessed sliding grooves321(321A), and the second stopper members3,3A project into the product accommodating passage183(when upper link pins5,5A pull out from the sliding grooves321(321A)), the stopper surfaces322(322A) of the stopper walls32(32A) abut against the upper link pins5,5A, and are locked at the projecting positions of the second stopper members3,3A.

The turning shaft20pivotally supports the first stopper members2,2A and the second stopper members3,3A. In the assembling of the turning shaft20into the substrate1, the first stopper members2,2A and the second stopper members3,3A are placed at predetermined positions of the opening11of the substrate1. Next, a tip end of the turning shaft20is inserted into a round hole1b1formed in the right flange1bfrom outside of the right flange1bof the substrate1. Then, the tip end of the turning shaft20is inserted into spindle hole16A formed in the flange14A of the opening11A, the spindle hole15A formed in the flange13of the opening11, the spindle hole16formed in the flange14of the opening11, and the spindle hole15formed in the flange13A of the opening11A in the named order. In this case, the shaft-insertion holes250(250A) of the pair of left and right spindle portions25(25A) provided on the holding portions21(21A) of the first stopper members2,2A; the shaft-insertion holes220(220A) provided in the bearing portions22(22A) of the first stopper members2,2A; and the shaft-insertion holes310(310A) of the second stopper members3,3A are placed at predetermined positions such that they are located on one straight line together with the spindle hole15,16, (15A), (16A) formed in the flanges13,14, (13A), (14A). Therefore, the first stopper members2,2A and the second stopper members3,3A are pivotally supported by the turning shaft20. A head of the turning shaft20is provided with a stopper, which projects radially outward, and the turning shaft20is inserted until the stopper abuts against the flange14A. A wiring cover WC (seeFIG. 2) provided between the right flange1band the flange14A of the substrate1abuts against the head of the turning shaft20, and this prevents the turning shaft20from being pulled out.

The link mechanisms6,6A are driven by the motor driving unit7through the connection mechanism8. The lower link pins4,4A of the first carry-out mechanism and the second carry-out mechanism are provided in correspondence with the first stopper members2,2A of the first carry-out mechanism and the second carry-out mechanism. The first carry-out mechanism and the second carry-out mechanism move the first stopper members2,2A to the projecting position projecting to the product accommodating passage183and the retreating position retreating from the product accommodating passage183. The upper link pins5,5A of the first carry-out mechanism and the second carry-out mechanism are provided in correspondence with the second stopper members3,3A and move the second stopper members3,3A to the projecting position projecting to the product accommodating passage183and to the retreating position retreating from the product accommodating passage183. The link mechanisms6,6A are assembled into the substrate1such that the link mechanisms6,6A support the lower link pins4,4A and the upper link pins5,5A.

As shown inFIG. 7, the link mechanisms6,6A include link members60(60A) made of steel plate. The link members60(60A) are formed by bending reed-shaped steel plate into U-shape. Locking portions61(61A) having insertion holes610(610A) are formed in upper ends of both legs of U-shape of the link members60(60A). Slide pins83(83A) of a later-described connection mechanism8penetrate insertion holes610(610A) possessed by the locking portions61(61A). Support portions62(62A) having engaging holes620(620A) through which the lower link pins4,4A penetrate are formed on the lower end of both legs of the U-shape of the link members60(60A). Support portions63(63A) having engaging holes630(630A) through which the upper link pins5,5A penetrate are formed above the support portions62(62A) in both legs of the U-shape of the link members60(60A). The support portions62(62A) support the lower link pins4,4A and move the lower link pins4,4A in the vertical direction in association with vertical motion of the link members60(60A). The support portions63(63A) support the upper link pins5,5A and moves the upper link pins5,5A in the vertical direction in association with vertical motion of the link members60(60A). Ends (upper ends) of return springs64(64A) composed of torsion springs shown inFIG. 2are locked below the link members60(60A). The other ends (lower ends) of the return springs64(64A) are locked to the lower flange1dof the substrate1.

The upper link pins5,5A and the lower link pins4,4A are assembled into the substrate1in such a manner that the link members60(60A) are placed at predetermined positions of the openings11(11A), i.e., at opening (space) positions of the bearing portions12(12A) of the openings11(11A) of the substrate1and the flanges14(14A) of the openings11(11A) shown inFIG. 3, and the upper link pins5,5A and the lower link pins4,4A are mounted on the substrate1. In this case, the upper link pin5and the lower link pin4are inserted into long holes121,122, in this order, formed in the bearing portion12through long holes141,142formed in the flange14from outside (left side of flange14inFIG. 4) of the right flange14of the openings11of the substrate1. Then, by inserting the upper link pin5and the lower link pin4until stoppers51,41of the head provided on the upper link pin5and the lower link pin4abut against the flange14of the substrate1, the upper link pin5and the lower link pin4are assembled into the substrate1in a state where the upper link pin5and the lower link pin4are supported by the support portions63,62from the link member60. On the other hand, ends of the upper link pin5A and the lower link pin4A are inserted into the round holes1b2,1b3formed in the right flange1bfrom outside of the right flange1bof the substrate1. Next, the upper link pin5A and the lower link pin4A are inserted, in the named order, into the long holes121A,122A formed in the bearing portion12A through the long holes141A,142A formed in the right flange14A of the opening11A of the substrate1. By inserting the upper link pin5A and the lower link pin4A until the stoppers51A,41A of the heads provided on the upper link pin5A and the lower link pin4A abut against the flange14A of the substrate1, they are assembled into the substrate1in a state where the upper link pin5A and the lower link pin4A are supported by the support portions63A,62A formed on the link member60A. The upper link pins5,5A and the lower link pins4,4A are prevented from being pulled out by the wiring cover WC (seeFIG. 2) mounted on the substrate1.

The connection mechanism8connects the link mechanisms6,6A and the motor driving unit7to each other. The link mechanism6A and the motor driving unit7are selectively connected to and disconnected from each other by the switching means9such that the link mechanisms6,6A are driven in synchronization or one or the other of the link mechanisms6,6A is individually driven.

As shown inFIG. 7, the connection mechanism8is composed of the connection member80and the slide pins83(83A). A connection member80is made of steel plate, and an engaging piece81which is engaged with a link levers75(75A) of the motor driving unit7shown inFIG. 2is formed on an upper end of the connection member80. A lower end of the connection member80is provided with a grip82for gripping the switching means9. The grip82includes hook-shaped locking claws821,822(seeFIGS. 8(a) and 8(b)also) which lock a frame91of the switching means9to sandwich the frame91. The connection member80is mounted on the substrate1such that the connection member80can slide in the vertical direction. Ends (upper ends) of return springs84(84A) which are torsion coil springs are locked to the grip82. The other ends (lower ends) of the return springs84(84A) are locked to a locking piece1eformed by cutting up the substrate1.

The slide pins83(83A) are rod bodies made of magnetic body, and form movable iron cores of later-described solenoids90(90A). The slide pins83, (83A) are formed with ring-shaped positioning projections830(830A) which are slightly larger than the pin diameters. The slide pins83, (83A) penetrate an insertion hole610formed in the locking portion61of the upper end of the link member60, and the slide pins83, (83A) are connected to the link member60. The slide pins83, (83A) are guided by left and right two guide grooves171of four guide portions17formed on the substrate1, and can slide in the lateral direction.

The slide pins83(83A) are assembled into the substrate1such that the link members60(60A) are placed at predetermined positions of the openings11(11A) of the substrate1, and the slide pins83(83A) are mounted on the substrate1. That is, a barrel of the slide pin83is fitted into a notch1a1formed in the flange1aof the substrate1in a state where a tip end (right end inFIG. 7) of the slide pin83is opposed to the guide grooves171of the guide portion17(right end guide portion17inFIG. 4) formed in the substrate1. In this state, the slide pin83penetrates the guide groove171of the guide portion17and then, the slide pin83is inserted until the tip end of the slide pin83reaches the guide groove171of the guide portion17(second guide portion17from right inFIG. 3) which is adjacent to the guide portion17. In this state, the slide pin83is held by the guide grooves171of the two guide portions17, and the slide pin83penetrates the insertion hole610formed in the locking portion61of the upper end of the link member60and is connected to the link member60(although it is not illustrated in the drawing, slide pin83is prevented from being pulled out in direction opposite from inserting direction of slide pin83). On the other hand, a barrel of the slide pin83is fitted into a notch1b4formed in the flange1bof the substrate1in a state where a tip end (right end inFIG. 7) of the slide pin83A is opposed to the guide groove171of the guide portion17(left end guide portion17inFIG. 3) formed in the substrate1. In this state, the slide pin83penetrates the guide groove171of the guide portion17, and the slide pin83is inserted until a tip end of the slide pin83reaches the guide groove171of the guide portion17(second guide portion17from left inFIG. 4) which is adjacent to the former guide portion17. In this state, the slide pin83is held by the guide grooves171of the two guide portions17, the slide pin83penetrates the insertion hole610A formed in the locking portion61A on the upper end of the link member60A, and the slide pin83is connected to the link member60A (although it is not illustrated in the drawing, slide pin83is prevented from being pulled out in direction opposite from inserting direction of slide pin83A).

The switching means9grasped by the grip82of the connection member80connects and disconnects a connection member81of the connection mechanism8and the pair of slide pins83(83A) to and from each other. The switching means9connects the connection mechanism8and the link mechanisms6,6A to each other by connecting the connection member81of the connection mechanism8and the pair of slide pins83(83A) to each other, and the switching means9connects the connection mechanism8and one of or the other one of the link mechanisms6,6A by selectively connecting and disconnecting the connection member81and the pair of slide pins83(83A).

As shown inFIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the switching means9is composed of the solenoids90(90A). The solenoids90(90A) are formed by winding coils around bottomed cylindrical fixed iron cores, and the solenoids90(90A) are mounted on a non-magnetic frame91. A central partition wall911of the frame91forms accommodating spaces of the solenoids90(90A) on the left and right sides, and a cross section of a periphery of each of the accommodating spaces is formed into U-shape. The solenoids90(90A) are mounted in the accommodating spaces of the frame91in a state where bottoms of the fixed iron cores abut against a partition wall911of the frame91and openings of the fixed iron cores are directed to opposite directions and exposed from the frame91. Diameters of the cylindrical portions of the fixed iron cores of the solenoids90(90A) are slightly larger than those of the slide pins83(83A) of the connection mechanism8, and sizes of the solenoids90(90A) are set such that the slide pins83(83A) can be received. Return springs92(92A) which are torsion coil springs are provided on the bottoms of the fixed iron cores of the solenoids90(90A).

The switching means9is assembled and fitted into the grip82of the connection member80in a state where a U-shaped bottom surface of the frame91abuts against a plate surface of the grip82. When the switching means9is fitted into the grip82, left and right edges of the U-shaped bottom surface of the frame91abut against the hook-shaped locking claws821,822, but the frame91is further fitted, the hook-shaped locking claws821,822bend outward to permit the U-shaped bottom surface of the frame91to enter, and if the left and right edges of the U-shaped bottom surface of the frame91pass through the hooks of the locking claws821,822, the locking claws821,822restore and the left and right edges of the U-shaped bottom surface of the frame91are locked to each other by the hooks. According to this, the switching means9is integrally assembled into the grip82of the connection member80.

In a state where the connection member80and the slide pins83(83A) into which the switching means9is integrally assembled at the predetermined position of the substrate1(standby state), axes of the slide pins83(83A) and center lines of the movable iron cores of the solenoids90(90A) match with each other. The slide pins83(83A) are separated from the movable iron cores of the solenoids90(90A). The slide pins83(83A) of the connection mechanism8form the movable iron cores of the solenoids90(90A), and are made of magnetic body. Therefore, if the coils of the solenoids90(90A) are energized and excited, the slide pins83(83A) as movable iron cores are attracted by the fixed iron cores of the solenoids90(90A), and enter the cylindrical portions (accommodating spaces), and the solenoids90(90A) and the slide pins83(83A) are integrally coupled to each other. In this case, the return springs92(92A) are pressed by the slide pins83(83A) and restoring forces are stored. If energizing of the coils of the solenoids90(90A) is cut and the coils are brought into non-excited state (release), the slide pins83(83A) are pushed out from the cylindrical portions of the fixed iron cores of the solenoids90(90A) by the restoring forces stored in the return springs92(92A) and are separated from the solenoids90(90A). By attracting the slide pins83(83A) by excitation of the solenoids90(90A) to connect the connection mechanism8and the link members60(60A) to each other, a driving force from the motor driving unit7is simultaneously transmitted into the link members60(60A), it becomes possible to drive the two sets of first stopper members2,2A and second stopper members3,3A in synchronization, one or the other one of the slide pins83(83A) is attracted by the solenoids90(90A) to connect one or the other one of the slide pins83(83A), one of or the other one of the slide pins83(83A) is separated by releasing the solenoids90(90A) and by releasing the connection of the other one of or one of the slide pins83(83A), the driving force from the motor driving unit7is separately transmitted to one or the other one of the link members60(60A), and it is possible to separately drive one or the other one of the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members.

The motor driving unit7includes a motor71(seeFIGS. 9(a) and 9(b)) incorporated in a unit case70(seeFIG. 3). The motor driving unit7normally or reversely driven by a sales command based on operation of the product-selection button, and the link members60(60A) selectively rises through the link levers75(75A) by the rotation of the motor71. The unit case70includes a base member and a cover member. The motor71, a gear transmission mechanism72, an output gear73, a carrier switch74, the link levers75(75A) and the like as shown inFIGS. 9(a) and 9(b)are incorporated in the unit case70. The motor driving unit7is assembled into the substrate1by fitting a plurality of bosses (not shown) projecting from and formed on a back surface of the base member in the unit case70into holes if formed in a flat plate surface of the substrate1, and a projection (not shown) provided on a side surface of the base member is locked to locking hooks1gand1hwhich are formed by cutting up the flat plate surface of the substrate1.

The motor71incorporated in the unit case70of the motor driving unit7is a normally and reversely rotatable DC motor which can normally and reversely rotate in accordance with a sales command. The motor71is held in a base member of the unit case70.

The gear transmission mechanism72includes an intermediate gear722and a worm gear721which is composed of a worm721aand a worm wheel721b. The worm721aof the worm gear721is mounted on an output shaft of the motor71. The worm wheel721bis composed of a first wheel meshing with the worm721aand second wheel meshing with the intermediate gear722. These first and second wheels are different from each other in level in the vertical direction. The intermediate gear722is provided with a first intermediate gear meshing with the second wheel of the worm wheel721b, and a second intermediate gear meshing with the output gear73. These first and second intermediate gears are different from each other in level in the vertical direction. The worm gear721and the intermediate gear722are rotatably placed by bearing portions of the base member and the cover member of the unit case70.

The output gear73is formed as a wheel which meshes with the second intermediate gear of the intermediate gear722, a cam and a projection731are formed on one of plate surfaces (upper surface) of the output gear73, and pressing piece (not shown inFIGS. 9(a) and 9(b)) which controls the carrier switch74is formed on the other surface (back surface) of the output gear73. The cam and the projection731are formed into arc shapes, which project in a direction separating from a plate surface of the output gear73. Arc lengths of the cam and the projection731are set to sufficient length so that after the link members60(60A) rise, its state is held for predetermined time. The pressing piece which controls the carrier switch74is formed into a substantially V-shape such that the pressing piece is located on the plate surface on the opposite side of the cam and the projection731, and the pressing piece projects in a direction separating from the plate surface. The pressing piece presses a contact of the carrier switch74in a state ofFIG. 9(a). The output gear73is rotatably placed by the bearing portions of the base member and the cover member of the unit case70.

The carrier switch74is a so-called push-button, and includes a contract (not shown). The carrier switch74is placed slightly higher than the output gear73in a state where the carrier switch74is held by the base member of the unit case70. If the contact of the carrier switch74is pressed by the pressing piece of the output gear73, the carrier switch74is turned ON, and if the pressing piece of the output gear73is not pressed, the carrier switch74is turned OFF. The carrier switch74controls the motor71driven by the sales command such that the output gear73makes one rotation.

The link levers75(75A) are resin-molded articles, and are rotatably pivotally supported by lever shafts700(700A) provided in the cover member of the unit case70which penetrates base portions751(751A). Tip ends752(752A) of the link levers75(75A) are formed into hook shapes which curve upward in such a manner that the tip ends752(752A) project outward from openings (not shown) formed by notching the base member and the cover member of the unit case70. Locking pieces753(753A) provided on the base portions751(751A) of the link levers75(75A) are plate-shaped resilient members which can resiliently deform. The locking pieces753(753A) extend rearward from rear sides of the base portions751(751A). Free ends of the locking pieces753(753A) abut against the projecting piece (not shown) provided on the cover member, thereby determining standby attitudes of the link levers75(75A) in the normal state at a position shown inFIG. 9(a)

The product carry-out device having the motor driving unit7of the above-described configuration is filed by the present application as Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-236105 (JP 2015-95235 A).

Sold-out detecting switches18(18A) are composed of microswitches which are locked and fixed to the wiring cover WC (seeFIGS. 2 and 3) mounted on the substrate1. The sold-out detecting switches18(18A) are placed such that contacts of the microswitches abut against the sold-out detecting pieces26(26A) provided on the first stopper members2(2A), and the sold-out detecting switches18(18A) detect a state that the first stopper members2(2A) project toward the product accommodating passage183at the maximum opening degree. That is, the first stopper members2(2A) are always biased toward the projecting position by resilient biasing forces of the torsion coil springs30(30A), the opening degree of the first stopper members2,2A projecting toward the product accommodating passage183in a state it does not hold a product becomes maximum, and if the product drops onto the first stopper members2,2A which project at the maximum opening degree, the first stopper members2,2A slightly turn in a direction retreating from the product accommodating passage183, tip ends of the locking projections23(23A) in the bearing portions22(22A) of the first stopper members2(2A) abut against the lower link pins4,4A which are lowered, the first stopper members2,2A are locked at the projecting positions projecting toward the product accommodating passage183, and the opening degree of the first stopper members2,2A in the locked state becomes smaller than the maximum opening degree. When the first stopper members2,2A project to the maximum opening degree, the sold-out detecting pieces26(26A) provided on the first stopper members2,2A abut against contacts of the microswitches, a product drops onto the first stopper members2,2A which project to the maximum opening degree, and until the first stopper members2,2A are locked after the first stopper members2,2A slightly turn in a direction retreating from the product accommodating passage183, the sold-out detecting pieces26(26A) provided on the first stopper members2,2A separate from the contracts of the microswitches, and the sold-out detecting switches18(18A) are turned OFF. When ON signals from the sold-out detecting switches18(18A) continue for predetermined time, a controller which processes signals from the sold-out detecting switches18(18A) determines that the products are “sold out”.

The wiring cover WC is made of synthetic resin, the wiring cover WC locks the sold-out detecting switches18(18A), the wiring cover WC is deviated toward one of sides in the lateral direction (left side inFIG. 2) of the substrate1, and the wiring cover WC protects wires of the motor71of the motor driving unit7, the carrier switch74, the solenoids90(90A) and the sold-out detecting switches18(18A). A holder19(seeFIG. 2) locked to the lower flange1dof the substrate1is integrally formed on the wiring cover WC. This holder19is known as one having a hook19awhich is engaged with a lower pin member P (seeFIG. 10) provided on the product accommodating rack180.

Operation of the product carry-out device10of an automatic dispenser having the above-described configuration will be described based onFIGS. 10 to 12.FIG. 10illustrates a side sectional view of the product carry-out device before products are loaded,FIG. 11illustrates an explanatory diagram of operation showing a sales standby state of the product carry-out device after products are loaded, andFIG. 12illustrates an explanatory diagram of operation when a product is carried out of the product carry-out device. In the following description, long-size products are to be sold, and shows operation when the solenoids90(90A) of the switching means9excited to attract the slide pins83(83A), the connection mechanism8and the link members60(60A) are connected to each other by excitation, and the two sets of first stopper members2(2A) and second stopper members3(3A) are driven in synchronization. A reference sign290represents the outlet adjusting plates290which are opposed to each other to sandwich product carry-out devices2(2A) and the product accommodating passage183.

As shown inFIG. 10, in the product carry-out device10, before products are loaded, the first stopper members2(2A) project toward the product accommodating passage183, and the second stopper members3(3A) are retreated from the product accommodating passage183. In this case, a cam projection731of the output gear73of the motor driving unit7is located at the highest position (seeFIG. 9(a)). The pressing piece for the carrier switch74provided on a back surface of the output gear73is located at the highest position, and the carrier switch74is in the ON state. According to this, the motor71is in the stopped state, and the tip ends752(752A) of the link levers75(75A) are in positions downwardly separated from the locking portions61(61A) of the link members60(60A). Hence, the link members60(60A) are lowered by biasing forces of the return springs64(64A). The first stopper members2(2A) is in the projecting positions where the first stopper members2(2A) open toward the product accommodating passage183at the maximum opening degree by biasing forces of the torsion coil springs30(30A). The lower link pins4(4A) which are supported by the lowered link members60(60A) are located on turning loci of the tip ends of the locking projections23(23A) of the first stopper members2(2A). In the state where the first stopper members2(2A) open at the maximum opening degree, the sold-out detecting switches18(18A) are ON state. The second stopper members3(3A) receive the lower link pins4(4A) supported by the lowered link members60(60A) in the recessed sliding grooves321(321A) of the second stopper members3(3A), and the second stopper members3(3A) are retreated to the retreating position.

In such a standby state, a first loaded product drops onto the first stopper members2(2A) which open to the maximum opening degree and located at the projecting position. By the drop of the product, the first stopper members2(2A) slightly turn toward the retreating position. If the tip ends of the locking projections23(23A) of the first stopper members2(2A) abut against the lower link pins4(4A) by this turning motion, the first stopper members2(2A) hold the product and are locked in a state projecting toward the product accommodating passage183at an opening degree smaller than the maximum opening degree, and the product held by the first stopper members2,2A becomes a first sales-order product (sales product G1). If the first stopper members2,2A are locked in the state projecting toward the product accommodating passages183(183A) at the opening degree smaller than the maximum opening degree in this manner, the sold-out detecting pieces26(26A) provided on the first stopper members2,2A separate from the contacts of the microswitches of the sold-out detecting switches18(18A), and the sold-out detecting switches18(18A) are brought into the OFF state. A product, which is loaded next, is stacked on the sales product G1held by the first stopper members2,2A, and becomes a next sales product G2. Products (G3) loaded subsequently are stacked on the next sales product G2sequentially (seeFIG. 11).

When a sales command based on operation of the product-selection button is given, the motor71incorporated in the motor driving unit7is normally driven, and the output gear73rotates in a clockwise direction inFIGS. 9(a) and 9(b)through the gear transmission mechanism72. If the output gear73rotates in a counterclockwise direction, the pressing piece provided on the back surface of the output gear73separates from the contact of the carrier switch74, the carrier switch74is brought into the OFF state, and the motor71is normally driven until the carrier switch74is brought into the ON state next (i.e., until the output gear73makes one rotation). If the cam projection731abuts against the base end751of the link lever75by the rotation of the output gear73in the clockwise direction, the link lever75rotates in the counterclockwise direction inFIGS. 9(a), 9(b). By the rotation of the link lever75in the counterclockwise direction, its tip end752abuts against the engaging piece81of the connection member80which forms the connection mechanism8, and the connection member80slides upward. In this case, the slide pins83(83A) of the connection mechanism8are attracted by excitation of the solenoids90(90A) which form the switching means9, and the connection member80and the slide pins83(83A) are integrally coupled to each other. Therefore, the connection member80and the link members60(60A) are connected to each other through the slide pins83(83A). Hence, if the connection member80slides upward, the link members60(60A) rise against the biasing forces of the return springs64(64A). While the cam projection731is in sliding contact with the base end461aof the link lever75, the link members60(60A) are maintained in their rising states.

As the link members60(60A) rise, the lower link pins4,4A coupled to the link members60(60A) also rise, and a locked state of the first stopper members2,2A which are locked at the projecting position toward the product accommodating passage183is released by the lower link pins4,4A. According to this, the first stopper members2,2A receive a load of the product and start moving toward the retreating position from the product accommodating passage183. If the first stopper members2,2A move to the retreating position retreating from the product accommodating passage183, the sales product G1passes through the first stopper members2,2A and is carried out downward. If the sales product G1passes through the first stopper members2,2A, the first stopper members2,2A start moving toward the projecting position by the biasing forces of the torsion coil springs30(30A) and then, the first stopper members2,2A return to the projecting position which projects toward the product accommodating passage183in a state where the first stopper members2,2A open at the maximum opening degree.

As the link members60(60A) rise, the upper link pins5,5A received in the recessed sliding groove321(321A) in the second stopper members3,3A also rise at the same time with the lower link pins4,4A. According to this, the second stopper members3,3A are pushed out toward the projecting position, which projects toward the product accommodating passage183from the standby position. If the upper link pins5,5A rise to a position opposed to the stopper surfaces322(322A) formed on the stopper walls32(32A) of the second stopper members3,3A, the upper link pins5,5A abut against the stopper surfaces322(322A), and the upper link pins5,5A are restrained from moving to the retreating position retreating from the product accommodating passage183of the second stopper members3,3A. The second stopper members3,3A which move to the projecting positions projecting toward the product accommodating passage183abut against a lower portion of the next sales product G2which moves downward by carrying out the sales product G1and hold the next sales product G2, and restrain the next sales product G2from moving downward.

The locked states of the first stopper members2,2A by the lower link pins4,4A are released by rising the link members60(60A), thereby permitting the first stopper members2,2A to move to the retreating position and carrying out the sales product G1, and the second stopper members3,3A are moved to the projecting positions from the retreating position to hold the next sales product G2. This operation is executed during predetermined time during which the cam projection731of the output gear73is in slide contact with the base end751of the link lever75.

If the abutment between the cam projection731and the base end751of the link lever75is released by rotation of the output gear73, the link members60(60A) come down by the biasing forces of the return springs64(64A). As the link members60(60A) come down, the upper link pins5,5A and the lower link pins4,4A supported by the link members60(60A) come down. If the upper link pins5,5A which abut against the stopper surfaces322(322A) in the second stopper members3,3A come down, the second stopper members3,3A are pressed by the next sales product G2and move toward the retreating position retreating from the product accommodating passage183. By the movement of the second stopper members3,3A toward the retreating position, the next sales product G2held by the second stopper members3,3A starts moving downward. The lower link pins4,4A come down to a position intersecting with the turning loci of the tip ends of the locking projections23(23A) of the first stopper members2,2A which return to the projecting positions, and stand by. Thereafter, if the next sales product G2drops onto the first stopper members2,2A which open at the maximum opening degree, the first stopper members2,2A move toward the retreating position, and if the arc locking projections23(23A) of the first stopper members2,2A abut against the lowered lower link pins4,4A, the first stopper members2,2A are locked at the projecting positions in a state where the next sales product G2is held as a sales product. Thereafter, if the cam projection731returns to the position of the standby state by the rotation of the output gear73, the contact of the carrier switch74is pressed by the pressing piece, and the carrier switch74is brought into ON state. According to this, the driving operation of the motor71is stopped, and the motor71returns to the standby state.

After the abutment between the cam projection731and the base end751of the link lever75is released by the clockwise rotation of the output gear73, and before the cam projection731of the output gear73returns to the standby state position, the cam projection731abuts against the base end751A of the link lever75A, but the locking piece753A made of resilient member resiliently deforms to permit the link lever75A to turn, and the cam projection731returns to the returning position such that the movement of the cam projection731is not hindered. The cam projection731passes through, and the link lever75A returns to the standby attitude shown inFIG. 9(a)by the action of the locking piece753A.

The operation of the product carry-out device10when the long-size products are to be sold is described above, but when half-size products are to be sold, the two solenoids90(90A) in the switching means9are selectively excited and demagnetized. When the first carry-out mechanism in the product carry-out device10(carry-out mechanism composed of sets of first stopper member2, second stopper member3, and link mechanism6supporting lower link pin4and upper link pin5) is driven to sell half-size products, the solenoid (solenoid90) corresponding to the first carry-out mechanism of the two solenoids90(90A) in the switching means9is excited, and the other solenoid (solenoid90A) corresponding the second carry-out mechanism (carry-out mechanism composed of sets of first stopper member2A, second stopper member3A, and link mechanism6A supporting lower link pin4A and upper link pin5A) is brought into the demagnetized state. If the solenoid90corresponding to the first carry-out mechanism is excited, the slide pin83is attracted, and the solenoid90and the slide pin83are pulled in and integrally coupled to each other in the accommodating space of the fixed iron cores of the solenoid90while compressing the return spring92. According to this, the connection member80of the connection mechanism8and the slide pin83are connected to each other, the link mechanism6of the first carry-out mechanism and the connection member80are connected to each other, and a driving force of the motor driving unit7is transmitted. On the other hand, since the solenoid9A corresponding to the second carry-out mechanism is in the demagnetized state, the slide pin83A separates from the fixed iron core of the solenoid9A, and is separated from the connection member80. According to this, the link mechanism6A of the second carry-out mechanism is separated from the connection member80, and a driving force from the motor driving unit7is not transmitted. Hence, if the motor driving unit7is driven, the first carry-out mechanism is drive in the similar manner to the above-described sales operation, and half-size products are carried out. Thereafter, if the cam projection731returns to the standby state position by rotation of the output gear73of the motor driving unit7, the contact of the carrier switch74is pressed by the pressing piece, and when the carrier switch74is turned ON, energizing to the switching means9is cut off and the carrier switch74is demagnetized. According to this, the slide pin83A which is pulled into the accommodating space of the fixed iron cores of the switching means9slides such that the slide pin83A is pushed out by the return spring92A, the slide pin83A is separated from the connection member80and returns to the standby state. When the second carry-out mechanism is driven to carryout half-size products, the solenoid9A corresponding to the second carry-out mechanism is excited, and the solenoid9corresponding to the first carry-out mechanism is demagnetized.

FIG. 13illustrates a perspective view showing that the product carry-out device10shown inFIGS. 1 to 9(b) and another product carry-out device bundled with each other in a back to back manner. InFIG. 13, the same reference signs are allocated to the same members as those shown inFIGS. 1 to 9(b), and explanation thereof will be omitted.

InFIG. 13, the reference sign10shows the product carry-out device, and a reference sign10A shows a product carry-out device used such that it is bundled with the former product carry-out device10in the back to back manner. Here, constituent members of the product carry-out device10A are the same as those except that the motor driving unit7is removed from the product carry-out device10, andFIG. 14illustrates a back perspective view of the product carry-out device10A. As will be understood if the back perspective view of the product carry-out device10A shown inFIG. 14and the back perspective view of the product carry-out device10shown inFIG. 2with each other, the constituent members of the product carry-out device10A are the same as those except that the motor driving unit7is removed from the product carry-out device10, two bearing portions22(22A) of the first stopper members2,2A, and the two stopper walls32(32A) of the second stopper members3,3A are deviated to both sides in the lateral direction. According to this, even when the product carry-out device10and the product carry-out device10A are bundled with each other in a back to back manner, the two bearing portions22(22A) of the first stopper members2,2A and the two stopper walls32(32A) of the second stopper members3,3A do not interfere with each other. The arc locking projections23(23A) projecting from the base ends of the two bearing portions22(22A) of the first stopper members2,2A project, and project toward the back surface of the substrate1when products are carried out, but since the locking projections23(23A) project into vacant regions of the openings11(11A) of the mutual substrates1, projection of the locking projections23(23A) is not hindered. A locking piece81of the connection member80forming the connection mechanism8of the product carry-out device10A is engaged with the link lever75A (seeFIG. 9) of the motor driving unit7of the product carry-out device10, and by reversely driving the motor71of the motor driving unit7, the first carry-out mechanism and the second carry-out mechanism are simultaneously or individually driven by action of the first carry-out mechanism of the product carry-out device10A and the switching means9of the second carry-out mechanism.

As described above, the product carry-out device of an automatic dispenser according to the embodiment of the present invention is placed near an outlet of a product accommodating passage183which accommodates long-size products in one row in a sideways attitude, and accommodates half-size products in two rows in a longitudinal direction in sideways, in which the product carry-out device includes two sets of first stopper members2,2A and second stopper members3,3A which are provided in correspondence with half-size products arranged and accommodated in two rows, the first stopper members2,2A and the second stopper members3,3A appear in a product accommodating passage183and hold and open the products, and when the long-size products are to be sold, the two sets of first stopper members2,2A and second stopper members3,3A are driven in synchronization to carry out the long-size products accommodated in the product accommodating passage183, and when the half-size products are to be sold, the two sets of first stopper members2,2A and second stopper members3,3A are individually driven to carry out the half-size products accommodated in the product accommodating passage183, wherein the product carry-out device10includes a single driving means (motor driving unit7) for driving the two sets of first stopper members2,2A and second stopper members3,3A, a link mechanism6,6A having two sets of link members60(60A) provided in correspondence with the two sets of first stopper members2,2A and second stopper members3,3A and supporting lower link pins4,4A and upper link pins5,5A for moving the two sets of first stopper members2,2A and second stopper members3,3A to a projecting position and a retreating position, a connection mechanism8for connecting the single driving means (motor driving unit7) and the link mechanisms6,6A to each other, and switching means9for selectively connecting and disconnecting the connection mechanism8and the link mechanism6,6A to and from each other, the two sets of first stopper members2,2A and second stopper members3,3A are driven in synchronization by connecting the connection mechanism8and the two sets of link members60(60A) of the link mechanisms6,6A to each other by the switching means9, the connection mechanism8and one or the other of the two sets of link members60(60A) of the link mechanisms6,6A are connected to each other by the switching means9, the connection mechanism8and the one or the other one of the two sets of link members60(60A) of the link mechanisms6,6A are separated from each other, thereby individually driving one or the other of the two sets of first stopper members2,2A and second stopper members3,3A. According to this, two sets of first stopper members2,2A and second stopper members3,3A which are provided in correspondence with half-size products arranged and accommodated in two rows and which appear in the product accommodating passage183to hold and open the products can be driven by the single driving means (motor driving unit7). When driving means which individually drives the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members are provided as in the conventional device, a failure rate becomes high, and if the driving means fails to operate properly, products, especially long-size products cannot be sold, but the present invention has an effect that it is possible to reduce the failure rate of the driving means, and to miss the product sales chance.

In the product carry-out device10of the embodiment, the connection member80grasps the switching means9and they are integrally provided on the connection mechanism8, but the switching means9may be placed on the side of the other end (on the side of flanges1a,1bof substrate1) of the slide pins83(83A) of a later-described connection mechanism8. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST