KR102156429B1 - Vending machine for providing straw - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention improves user convenience by providing a straw suitable for the product without increasing the complexity of the vending machine structure by configuring a separate straw supply unit to provide the straw when selling items that require the provision of a straw. It relates to a vending machine that can provide a straw.
The vending machine capable of providing a straw according to the present invention is a vending machine having a main body having an internal space for receiving goods for sale, and a door coupled to the main body, wherein the door has a straw supply unit, and the straw supply unit accommodates the straw. A storage box is provided, and the straw is protruded from the inner space to the outside of the vending machine through an opening formed in the door at a time when it is necessary to provide the straw.

Description

Vending machine for providing straw{Vending machine for providing straw}

The present invention relates to a vending machine capable of providing straws, and in particular, by configuring a separate straw supply unit to provide straws when selling items that require the provision of straws among sale items, it is suitable for products without increasing the complexity of the vending machine structure. The present invention relates to a vending machine capable of providing a straw that improves user convenience by providing a straw.

Vending machines are installed and used in various places due to the advantage of being able to sell products by being driven unattended. In recent years, vending machines, which were limited to the sale of beverages in the past, have been diversified, and installation and use cases are increasing significantly compared to the past.

In line with this trend, in recent years, sales of items that have been difficult to sell in vending machines, such as lunch boxes and beverage pouches, are also being considered.

A product such as a beverage pouch is a product that contains an undiluted beverage or beverage in a synthetic resin pouch, and is used by inserting a straw into the pouch, or by placing a beverage in a separate container.

Therefore, in offline stores, beverage containers are sold and used as beverage pouches and sets to users. In particular, most of these beverage containers are sold filled with ice so that users can enjoy iced beverages without visiting a beverage store.

In addition to beverage pouches and beverage containers, these products require straws to drink them, so they must be provided when purchasing beverages.However, in order to provide straws together with goods, the structure becomes complicated or failures occur frequently during operation of vending machines. There is this.

Republic of Korea Utility Model Registration No. 20-0314484 (registration date 2003.05.14) "Vending machine device providing health supplements and straws"

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a straw suitable for the product without increasing the complexity of the vending machine structure by configuring a separate straw supply unit to provide the straw when selling items that require the provision of a straw. It is to provide a vending machine capable of providing straws with improved ease of use.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine capable of providing a straw to improve user convenience by providing a temporary shelf capable of handling items purchased by the user by protruding the straw supply unit in front of the vending machine. .

In order to achieve the above object, a vending machine capable of providing a straw according to the present invention is a vending machine having a main body having an inner space in which goods for sale are stored and a door coupled to the main body, wherein the door has a straw supply unit, and the straw The supply unit includes a storage box for receiving the straw, and protrudes from the inner space to the outside of the vending machine through an opening formed in the door when the straw is provided.

Therefore, the vending machine capable of providing straws according to the present invention configures a separate straw supply unit to provide straws when selling items that require straws from among the items for sale, so that straws suitable for the product without increasing the complexity of the vending machine structure It becomes possible to improve user convenience by providing.

In addition, in the vending machine capable of providing straws according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the user's convenience by providing a temporary shelf capable of handling the items purchased by the user by making the straw supply part protrude toward the vending machine.

1 is an exemplary view showing the configuration of a vending machine capable of providing a straw according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a straw supply port.
Fig. 3 is an exemplary view schematically showing a storage box of a straw supply unit stored in a vending machine.
4 is an exemplary view showing an example in which only the cover is opened from the outside of the vending machine.
5 is an exemplary view showing a case where the storage box is drawn out.
6 is an exemplary view showing an example of a vending machine usable as a vending machine capable of providing a straw according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily implement them. It should be noted that the reference numbers indicated in the configurations in the accompanying drawings use the same reference numbers as much as possible when indicating the same configuration in other drawings. In addition, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or a known configuration may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, certain features presented in the drawings are enlarged or reduced or simplified for ease of description, and the drawings and their components are not necessarily drawn to scale. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand these details.

1 is an exemplary view showing the configuration of a vending machine capable of providing a straw according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a vending machine 10 capable of providing a straw according to the present invention includes a door 20 and a body 40.

The door 20 is coupled to the main body 10 by means such as a hinge to enable opening and closing. The door 20 includes an operation unit 21 for checking and selecting an article sold by the vending machine 10, a payment unit 25 for payment, an outlet 27 for discharging the article, and a straw for providing a straw. A straw supply unit 50 may be provided.

The straw supply unit 50 provides a straw when a sale product 43 to be supplied with a straw is sold among the sale products 43. To this end, the straw supply unit 50 is provided with a storage box in which the straw is accommodated. The storage box of the straw supply unit 50 is located in a space inside the vending machine 10 in a general state, and protrudes outside the vending machine through the opening 50a of the door 20 when the straw is required to be supplied. Through this, the user can take out and use the straw contained in the storage box of the straw supply unit 50.

In addition, the straw supply unit 50 may be used as a temporary shelf. For example, when a product for sale is supplied in the form of a container separate from the drink pouch, the user needs to open the drink pouch and put it in the container. In this case, the storage box or the cover of the opening 50a that protrudes to supply the straw can be used as a shelf to mount the article and perform this operation. This straw supply unit 50 will be described in more detail below.

The operation unit 21 is provided to allow the purchaser to confirm the sale product 43 and to select the sale product 43 to be purchased. To this end, a transmission window is provided on the operation unit 21 or a means for displaying the items for sale 43 and a means for allowing the user to select the items for sale are provided. Here, a display device or a touch screen capable of outputting a transmission window or an image related to the goods for sale 43 may be provided at the location of the manipulation unit 21, but in the present invention, the manipulation unit 21 is provided for convenience of explanation. The explanation will be proceeded using a vending machine in the form of an example.

To this end, the operation unit 21 may be provided with a product display unit 22 and a selection switch 23. The product display unit 22 displays texts, images, or images through which the user can recognize the goods for sale 43, such as the name and image of the goods for sale 43. In addition, information such as whether the product for sale 43 is being sold or sold out may be displayed on the product display unit 22. The selection switch 23 may be provided in the form of a switch or a touch screen for selection of the article for sale 43.

A discharge door 28 may be provided at the discharge port 27, and may be provided at the lower end of the vending machine 10 as shown. The location of the outlet 27 shown corresponds to a vending machine that discharges goods for sale using a drop method, and if a means such as a lift or robot arm for transporting goods 43 is provided, the outlet 27 Location or size may vary.

In addition, the door 20 may be provided with a payment unit 25 for payment for the goods for sale 43. The payment unit 25 may be provided with means such as cash, card, and NFC (Near Field Communication) devices so that payment by card and cash can be made, but this does not limit the present invention.

The main body 40 is provided with a space therein, and is provided with a display stand for mounting the goods for sale 43, an outlet passage, and an internal device and a control unit for performing functions of a vending machine. This body is formed in a box shape using metal or synthetic resin, and a door 20 for opening and closing may be coupled to one side. This will be described in more detail below with reference to other drawings.

2 is a perspective view showing a straw supply port.

Referring to FIG. 2, the straw supply unit 50 provided in the vending machine 10 of the present invention may include a storage box 51, a drive unit 53, a cover 54, and a bracket 56.

The storage box 51 is configured to accommodate the straw therein, and to allow the user to obtain the stored straw as necessary. To this end, the storage box may be provided with a lid 52 at the top, or a small amount of straw is mounted on the front of the storage box 51 and a groove may be formed so that a user can grip the straw and take it out from the storage box 51. The straw supply structure of the storage box 51 may be realized using a known technique, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

It moves over the cover 54 by the driving part 53 or returns over the bracket 56. The storage box 51 is formed in a box shape having a flat top surface 51a, and a lid 52 capable of opening and closing is provided on one side. The storage box 51 may serve as a shelf for temporarily mounting items while protruding from the vending machine 10. For this purpose, a stepped step 51b may be provided along the edge of the upper surface 51a of the storage box 51. Hereinafter, the upper surface 51a and the stepped jaw 51b will be collectively referred to as a mounting portion 51ab.

When the storage box 51 is located inside the vending machine 10, the storage box 51 is located above the bracket 56.

The driving unit 53 serves to move the storage box 51 into the vending machine 10 or outside the vending machine 10 under the control of the controller. The driving unit 53 may include a motor, a gear and a connecting rod. The connecting rod (not shown) connects the storage box 51 and the gear, and may have a plurality of joints. This connecting rod (not shown) is configured to be unfolded or folded according to the rotation of the motor, so that the connected storage box 51 is reciprocated between the upper portion of the bracket 56 and the cover 54. The gear connects the motor and the connecting rod so that the connecting rod can operate according to the rotation of the motor. The motor is operated by a control signal and power from the control unit. Here, an example in which the driving unit 53 is composed of a gear, a motor, and a connecting rod has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The driving unit 53 is composed of a motor and a threaded stick, and may allow the storage box to move forward or backward according to the rotation of the stick. That is, the driving unit 53 can be modified in various shapes according to the size of the storage box and the structure of the vending machine.

The cover 54 is provided in the opening 50a provided in the door 20 of the vending machine 10. Specifically, the cover 54 has one edge hinged to the door 20 to open and close the opening 50a. The cover 54 is coupled to the door 20 so as to be level with the surface of the bracket 56 or with the ground as shown in FIG. 2 with the opening 50a open. To this end, the hinge 55 of the cover 54 may have a protrusion or protrusion that restricts the rotation of the cover 54. Through this, the cover 54 serves as a shelf even in a state in which the storage box 51 does not protrude, or serves to support the storage box 51 protruding out of the vending machine 10. Therefore, when the storage box 51 protrudes to the outside of the vending machine 10, the bottom surface of the storage box 51 may be supported by the cover 54 while in contact with the cover 54. Alternatively, the coupling portion of the cover 54 may be configured as a shaft, and the shaft may be connected to the driving part 53 to control opening and closing, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, when a separate driving unit 53 is not connected to the cover 54, the cover 54 automatically closes the opening 50a when the storage box 51 moves inside the vending machine 51. Can be configured in conjunction with.

The bracket 56 serves to support the storage box 51 in the vending machine 10. The bracket 56 may serve to support the driving part 53 by being combined with the driving part 53 as needed. The surface of the bracket 56 may be configured to be level with the ground. A flange 57 may be formed at one edge of the bracket 56 and at an edge facing the opening 50a. The flange 57 may be formed in a direction orthogonal to the bracket 56. The bracket 56 may be coupled to and supported on the inner surface of the door 20 through the flange 57.

Meanwhile, a rail for ensuring movement of the storage box 51 may be installed on the upper surface of the bracket 56. The rail (not shown) may be disposed on the upper surface of the bracket 56 in parallel with the moving direction of the storage box 51. The rail and the storage box 51 may be coupled by a bearing, but this does not limit the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view showing a simplified form of the storage box of the straw supply unit being accommodated in the vending machine, and is an exemplary view showing the form as viewed from the rear side, and FIG. 4 is an example showing an example in which only the cover is opened from the outside of the vending machine Fig. 5 is an exemplary view showing a case where the storage box is drawn out.

3 to 5, the storage box 51 of the straw supply unit 50 of the present invention protrudes to the outside of the vending machine 10 when a sale item 43 requiring a straw is sold, and the user is accommodated in the storage box 51 Straws are provided in a way that makes it possible to obtain old straws.

In this case, the user may use the storage box 51 or the cover 54 for opening and closing the opening 50a as a shelf for loading beverage pouches and containers.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the storage box remains inserted into the interior space of the vending machine 10 in a general state. That is, the storage box 51 is positioned above the bracket 56, and the cover 54 maintains a state in which the opening 50a is closed. Through this, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as damage that may occur because the storage box 51 is continuously located outside the vending machine 10 and unnecessary loss of straws.

The storage box 51 protrudes to the outside of the vending machine 10 by the control unit when the sale item 43 selected by the user requires a straw or is set to supply the straw together. To this end, the cover 54 is opened as shown in FIG. 4, and the storage box 51 protrudes to the upper surface of the cover 54 as shown in FIG. 5 and protrudes to the outside of the vending machine 10.

When the storage box 51 protrudes in this way, the user can obtain and use the straw from the storage box 51.

In this process, the user can use the storage box 51 as a shelf. That is, the beverage and container obtained from the vending machine 10 are placed on the shelf, and the beverage can be poured into the vending machine.

To this end, the control unit may not immediately collect the storage box 51 and may move the storage box 51 to the inside of the vending machine 10 after a certain time has elapsed after the sale. In addition, the vending machine 10 may display or guide the storage box 51 to be recovered into the vending machine 10 to prevent the user's goods from falling from the storage box 51.

Meanwhile, the function of the shelf may be performed not only by the storage box 51 but also by the cover 54. That is, the storage box 51 may be moved into the vending machine 10 immediately after the user acquires the straw, or the cover 54 may be kept open for a certain period of time.

Meanwhile, FIG. 6 is an exemplary view showing an example of a vending machine that can be used as a vending machine capable of providing a straw according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, display stands 41 and 60, a discharge path 49 for discharging the vending machine 10, an internal device 95, and a control unit 90 may be configured in the vending machine 10. Here, in FIG. 6, there is shown an example in which the first display rack 41 and the second display rack 960, which are two display racks 41 and 60, are provided inside the main body 40, but this is only presented as an example. Is not limited to.

The vending machine presented as an example may be a vending machine that sells a product in which a beverage pack and a container containing ice are set as the sale item 43. To this end, the article for sale 43 of the first display stand 41 may be configured in the form of a synthetic pouch containing a beverage, and the article for sale 43 of the second display stand 60 may be a container in the form of a cup containing ice.

As described above, a first display stand 41 and a second display stand 60 may be provided for the sale of the goods for sale 43 having different storage conditions and discharge conditions. In this case, the first display rack 41 may be cooled only, and the second display rack 60 may be maintained in a frozen state, and for this purpose, the second display rack 60 may be provided in a separate compartment form.

First, the first display stand 41 is composed of a plurality of columns (42). To this end, the first display stand 41 includes a plurality of decks 47 and partition walls 46. The deck 47 divides the space of the first display stand 41 into a plurality of floors, and the partition wall 46 divides the space divided by each deck 47 into a plurality of areas. That is, the column 42 is formed by being divided by the deck 47 and the partition 46.

Each of these columns 42 is provided with a transfer means 45 for mounting and discharging the goods for sale 43. The transfer means 45 may be implemented in various forms, and FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a coil-type transfer means 45 as an example. Each of the columns 42 may be loaded with a plurality of merchandise 43, and the merchandise 43 may be different from each other.

The transfer means 45 may be configured in a coil type as shown. The coil is formed of metal or synthetic resin in the form of a coil, but with an interval, the article for sale 43 is inserted at this interval. In addition, a gear set and a motor are configured at one end of the coil so that the coil rotates according to the rotation of the motor, so that the article for sale 43 advances along the coil and is discharged. At the end of the coil, the article for sale 43 falls toward the discharge path 49. The transfer means 45 is not limited to the present invention by the bar presented as it may be configured in other forms, such as a conveyor belt form in addition to the examples presented.

The first display stand 41 is not configured as a separate compartment for refrigerated storage or room temperature storage of the goods for sale, but may be configured to expose the goods for sale inside the vending machine 10.

On the other hand, the second display stand 60 may be configured using a separate compartment as shown. Through this, it is possible for the second display stand 60 to store the goods for sale at a temperature different from that of the goods for sale 43 loaded on the first display stand 41. For example, in the second display rack 60, a container containing the goods for sale of the first display rack 41 may be stored as the goods for sale 43, and the container may be loaded and sold in a form filled with ice. To this end, the second display rack 60 may be configured in a different shape from the first display rack 41.

Specifically, the second display stand 60 may be configured with a compartment structure capable of blocking outside air. To this end, the second display stand may be divided into a first area 61 and a second area 71 to provide a door in each area, and may be configured to open and close each area separately through the doors 62 and 72. In this case, the areas 61 and 71 may be divided in the first area 61 so that the goods for sale 43 are stored and discharged through the second area 71.

As such, the second display rack 60 may have a plurality of loading boxes built-in to facilitate storing and discharging containers therein, but this does not limit the present invention, and the column is configured in a form similar to that of the first display rack 41 It could be.

The internal device 95 refers to various devices for the operation of the vending machine 10. The internal device 95 may include a controller board including a cooler, a warmer, a power supply unit, and a control unit 90 for controlling the operation. Such an internal device 95 is provided in a free space like the lower portion of the vending machine 10 and performs a series of operations for performing the functions of the vending machine 10. The internal device 95 is provided as an example, and the specific configuration of the internal device 95 may vary depending on the type of the product 43 sold by the vending machine 10 and the installation environment of the vending machine 10.

The control unit 90 performs a series of controls for the operation of the vending machine 10. The control unit 90 checks the sale item 43 selected by the user through the operation unit 21 and performs payment using the payment unit 25. Then, when payment is completed, the control unit 90 moves the selected product for sale 43 to the outlet 27.

At this time, the control unit 90 controls the storage box 51 to move outside the vending machine 10 by controlling the driving unit 53 of the straw supply unit 50 when the product for sale 43 is a product to be provided with the straw. do. Thereafter, the control unit 90 controls the driving unit 53 again to move the storage box 51 inside when a preset time elapses.

Through this, the control unit 90 enables the user to obtain the straw together with the items for sale, and can use the storage box 51 or the cover 54 as a temporary shelf.

Although shown and described as a specific example to illustrate the technical idea of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the same configuration and operation as the specific embodiment as described above, and various modifications are within the scope of the present invention. Can be carried out in Therefore, such modifications should be regarded as belonging to the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims to be described later.

10: vending machine 20: door
27: door 40: main body
41, 60: display rack 42: column
43: goods for sale 45: means of transport
46: bulkhead 47: deck
40: discharge path 50: straw supply unit
51: storage box 52: lid
53: drive unit 54: cover
56: bracket 90: control unit
95: internal device

Claims (5)

In the vending machine having a main body having an internal space in which goods for sale are stored and a door coupled to the main body
The door has a straw supply unit,
The straw supply unit includes a storage box in which the straw is accommodated,
When the straw is required to be provided, it protrudes out of the vending machine from the inner space through an opening formed in the door,
The door is coupled to the lower edge of the opening to be opened and closed, and a cover that maintains a level with the ground in an open state; And
It is coupled to the lower edge of the opening in the inner space, the storage box is mounted, the upper surface is provided horizontally on the ground, and has a flange extending vertically to the ground at one edge of the upper surface and in contact with the main body. It is configured to further include a bracket;
The cover is opened so as to be in line with the upper surface of the bracket in the open state, and the storage box protrudes outward along the upper surface of the bracket and the surface of the cover. delete delete The method of claim 1,
A vending machine capable of providing a straw, characterized in that a mounting portion is formed on the upper portion of the storage box. The method of claim 1,
A vending machine capable of providing a straw, wherein the storage box is supported by the cover in a protruding state.

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