EP0063426B1 - Vending machine control and diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents
Vending machine control and diagnostic apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0063426B1 EP0063426B1 EP82301641A EP82301641A EP0063426B1 EP 0063426 B1 EP0063426 B1 EP 0063426B1 EP 82301641 A EP82301641 A EP 82301641A EP 82301641 A EP82301641 A EP 82301641A EP 0063426 B1 EP0063426 B1 EP 0063426B1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- actuator
- switch
- vending apparatus
- current
- circuit
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/006—Details of the software used for the vending machines
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
- G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
- G07F11/16—Delivery means
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
- G07F11/38—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal
- G07F11/42—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal the articles being delivered by motor-driven means
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F5/00—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks
- G07F5/26—Interlocks, e.g. for locking the doors of compartments other than that to be used
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
- Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
- Control Of Electric Motors In General (AREA)
- Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
- Soil Working Implements (AREA)
- Eye Examination Apparatus (AREA)
- Formation And Processing Of Food Products (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to the control of vending machines, and particularly to the control of vending machines having a large number of actuators for vending a large quantity or a wide variety of products. The invention also relates to the diagnosis of operating defects in the vending machine, particularly defects in the actuators.
- Most vending machines today employ brute force type selection circuits and blocker circuits to prevent more than one actuator from being actuated at a time. A typical blocker circuit comprises a group of single pole, double throw blocker switches each associated with one of the actuators and actuated by a cam which is rotated during that actuator's cycle. When all of the actuators are at their "home" or normal start-stop position, the switches are connected in series and supply a signal which enables a second set of switches, the selection switches. Typically, each selection switch is a single pole double throw switch associated with a single actuator. All of the selection switches are connected in series until one selection switch is actuated, causing it to interrupt the series connection of selection switches and apply current to the associated actuator. Once a selection is made and the selected actuator begins to move, its cam causes the associated blocker switch to move to its other position closing its hold contacts so/that it supplies current to the selected actuator for the remainder of an actuator cycle. The interruption of the series connection of blocker switches through the blocker contacts disables the selection circuit so that no other actuators can be started until the originally selected actuator has completed its cycle.
- It has been recognized for some time that the type of blocker circuit described above has a major disadvantage: when an actuator is disabled in mid-cycle, the entire vending machine is disabled. An actuator can be disabled as a result of an actuator defect, or as a result of a jam in the vending apparatus itself or of the product it is intended to vend. Attempts have been made to circumventthis problem. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,220,235 which discloses a vending apparatus comprising at least one product delivery means, said product delivery means comprising an electrically operated actuator for-delivery of products and a circuit opening switch, the opening and closing of the switch being controlled by the operation of the actuator. Such attempts have however employed relatively expensive components associated with each actuator and, therefore, have not been very practical, especially in machines having a large number of actuators.
- US-E-29450 describes a system for monitoring the operating condition of remotely located coin-operated vending machines. Switches in the monitored machines generate binary condition indications which are stored in the machines and then fed to a local storage unit for a group of machines. Data for machines where changes have occurred is transmitted via a communication link to a central processing unit. US-A-3496300 describes a remote test arrangement for coin-operated telephones. Latching signals are transmitted to a station to cause desired relays to latch. Then a check pulse is transmitted and current flows through a limiting resistor. This current can be monitored at the central office. Finally, a release pulse is transmitted to unlatch the relays. Thus, signals indicative of the conditions of equipment at the station can be obtained, although the patent is not concerned with monitoring an electrically operated actuator for product delivery. US-A-3566399 describes another system for remote monitoring of the conditions at a station by arranging for a supervisory current to flow through the station and detecting changes in the current amplitude.
- None of the arrangements described above is suitable for use with a vending apparatus having product delivery means incorporating an actuator in order to provide an indication both of the state of the actuator (e.g. whether or not it is at its home position) and the condition of the actuator.
- According to the present invention there is provided a vending apparatus comprising at least one product delivery means, said product delivery means comprising an electrically operated actuator for delivery of products and a circuit opening switch, the opening and closing of the switch being controlled by the operation of the actuator, characterised in that said circuit opening switch and an impedance element are connected electrically in series with each other to form a circuit which is connected in parallel with the actuator, and in that means are provided for detecting a change in the combined impedance of the parallel circuit and the actuator to provide an indication of whether the actuator has operated and whether there has been a change in the impedance of the actuator.
- In the preferred embodiment, an impedance element, such as a resistor or capacitor, is associated with each actuator. Each actuator controls a switch, preferably by direct operation thereof by means of a mechanical coupling rather than indirectly by the dispensing of a product as in US-A-3978958. The switch is electrically in series with the impedance element so that the impedance element and the actuator are electrically in parallel when the actuator is at home position, but the impedance element is disconnected from the actuator when the actuator is away from its home position. A measurement of the impedance of an actuator and its associated impedance element, for example, by passing a small current through the actuator circuit where the impedance element is a resistor, is used to diagnose the status of the actuator. In the preferred embodiments the actuators are connected in a matrix arrangement, in which case the required number of drive elements and interconnecting wires is reduced. The present invention is suitable for operation under control of a microprocessor.
- In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, some embodiments will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of the invention.
- Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of an actuator, cam and switch suitable for use in the embodiment of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of the invention.
- Fig. 4 is a front view of a control panel suitable for the embodiment of Fig. 3.
- Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a comparator circuit suitable for the embodiment of Fig. 3.
- Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a third embodiment of the invention.
- Fig. 7 is a front view of a control panel suitable for the embodiment of Fig. 6.
- Fig. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the invention.
- Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a version of the embodiment of Fig. 8.
- Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram of test circuits, actuator selection circuits and a product delivery apparatus suitable for the embodiment of Fig. 9.
- Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment including a
product delivery apparatus 10 and a vending and diagnostic apparatus 50, showing the principles of the invention. - The
product delivery apparatus 10 in this embodiment includes two actuators A1 and A2 for use in delivering a selected product. For example, theproduct delivery apparatus 10 can be a drink dispenser in which actuator A1 releases a cup to be filled and actuator A2 controls the flow of the drink into the cup. It will be clear to those skilled in the art how additional actuators can be employed without departing from the invention. For example, six such actuators could be used for controlling the delivery of cold, canned beverages from a six column beverage machine, using one actuator per column. - Associated with each of the actuators A1 and A2 is a switch S1, S2 which is controlled by an associated cam, which in turn is moved by the actuator as shown schematically in Fig. 2. In Fig. 2, the actuator A201 is a rotary motor. It is mechanically coupled by a rotating drive shaft D201 to a cam C201. The drive shaft D201 is also mechanically coupled to drive the product delivery means (not shown). Switch S201 corresponds to the switches S1, S2 of Fig. 1. Switch S201 has a stationary contact S203 and a movable contact arm S204. The outer end of the contact arm S204 has a protrusion S205 which rests on the surface of the cam C201. A spring S206 presses the protrusion S205 against the cam C201. The cam C201 has an identation C202 in its surface. When the actuator A1 is at home position, the protrusion S205 is pressed by the spring S206 into the indentation C202, connecting switch contacts S203 and S204. When the actuator is not at its home position, the cam C201 holds the switch arm S204 in a position such that it does not contact the fixed contact S203. While the switches S1, S2 and S201 of Figs. 1 and 2 are shown and described as normally closed when the associated actuators A1, A2 and A201 are in the home position and open when away from the home position, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that a switch which is open when the actuator is in the home position and closed when away from home position can also be employed without departing from the invention.
- The use of such cams and switches in connection with actuators, such as rotary motors, is well known in the art. In most such cases, the cam causes a circuit to open whenever the actuator shaft is away from its home or start-stop position, but, unlike the present invention, the cam-actuated switches in such conventional vending apparatus are all wired in series with each other, forming a blocker circuit. Whenever the blocker circuit is opened by any of the cam-operated switches in such an apparauts, the actuation of all other actuators is blocked. In the event an actuator is jammed or becomes inoperative in this position, the vending apparatus cannot operate until repaired. In accordance with the present invention, however, the switches S1, S2 although cam-actuated in similar fashion to the blocker switches of conventional vending apparatus, are connected differently and perform a different function.
- Each of the switches S1, S2 is in series with a capacitive or resistive impedance element (a resistor in this embodiment) Rl I R2, respectively, and the series connected switch-resistor sets are wired in parallel with the associated actuator A1, A2.
- The vending control and diagnostic apparatus 50 includes an
actuator selector 20 including a switch S3, atest circuit 30, a test resistor R3, apower supply 35 and a test-run switch S5. Thepower supply 35 provides two outputs: one the run terminal R providing sufficient power to operate one of the actuators A1 or A2, when it is connected to the run terminal by switch S3 and test-run switch S5, and the other the test terminal T providing a signal insufficient to run the actuator, connected to the test terminal T. When one of the actuators is selected by theactuator selector 20, current can flow from thepower supply 35, through the selector switch S3, through the selected actuator A1 or A2, and back to thepower supply 35 via the test resistor R3 and ground. When the switch S1 or S2, associated with the selected actuator A1 or A2, is closed; current also flows through the associated resistor R1 or R2. -
Test circuit 30 monitors the signal flowing through the selected actuator and its parallel impedance. In one version of this embodiment, thetest circuit 30 is a simple voltmeter which monitors the voltage across resistance R3, indicating the current flowing through the resistor R3. By monitoring the current through R3, the test circuit can indicate the conditions of the actuator. When actuator A1 or A2 is away from home, R1 or R2 is switched out of the circuit and all the current flowing through R3 flows through A1 or A2. For a given test voltage from the power supply, there will be a normal range of current drawn by an operating actuator, A1 or A2, away from its home position. At home position, a greater amount will be drawn because the associated switch S1 or S2 will be closed and current will be drawn through both the actuator and the associated impedance element R1 or R2. If the motor is open circuited at home position, only the impedance element will draw current. If the motor is open circuited away from home position, no current will be drawn. If the motor is short circuited, the maximum amount of current will be drawn. - Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment including a
product delivery apparatus 310 and a vending control and diagnostic apparatus 350, showing the principles of the invention. - The
product delivery apparatus 310 includes eighty actuators A101-A810, such as rotary motors or solenoids, used for deliverying products in a vending machine. For the purpose of illustration, it will be assumed in this specification that the actuators A101-A810 are direct current (DC) rotary motors, unless otherwise noted, although the invention is not limited to the use of such rotary motors as the actuators. - The actuators A101-A810 are arranged in a matrix of eight rows and ten columns. The desired actuator is selected by the
actuator selector 320 within the vending control and diagnostic apparatus 350. One terminal, the negative terminal, of each of the actuators A101―A110 inRow 1 is connected with the corresponding terminal of the other actuators A101―A110 in the same row by a row drive line 321 to a row switch 361 within row switching means 360, which is a part of theactuator selector 320. Similarly, one terminal, the negative terminal, of each of the actuators A201-A210 ... A801-A810 inRows 2 through 8 is connected by therow drive lines 322 through 328 to the switch 361. The row drive switch 361, when connected to one of the row drive lines 321-328, connects the row drive line selected by the row drive switch 361 to resistor R3, the other end of which is connected to ground. The positive terminals of each of the actuators A101, A201 ... 801 inColumn 1 are connected by acolumn drive line 331 to acolumn switch 371 within the column switching means 370. Similarly, the positive terminals of each of the actuators inColumns 2 through 8 are connected by the column drive lines 332 through 340 respectively to switch 371. Thecolumn drive switch 371, when connected to one of the column drive lines 331-340, will connect the column drive line selected by thecolumn drive switch 371 to switch S5. - Switch S5 has two positions in this embodiment. In the run position (R), the arm of the switch S5 is connected to a 24VDC output of the
power supply 335 which provides sufficient power to operate an actuator. In test position (T), the arm of the switch S5 is connected to an output of thepower supply 335 providing a signal sufficient for testing theproduct delivery apparatus 310, but insufficient in some respect, such as voltage, duty cycle or possessing only an AC component, to actuate the actuator to which it is connected. In this example, the test voltage is 5VDC. - When any combination of row and column is selected by the switching means 360 and 370, and switch S5 is in the run position (R), the actuator at the intersection of the column and row selected will be actuated. Under normal operating conditions, this will cause a product to be vended in the conventional fashion. For example, when
row 1 andcolumn 1 are selected, actuator A101 is actuated by current flowing from thepower supply 335 throughcolumn switch 371 viacolumn drive line 331 through the actuator A101 via row drive line 321 and row switch 361 through resistor R3 to ground. - Associated with each of the actuators A101-A810 is a switch S101-S810 which is controlled by an associated cam, which in turn is moved by the actuator as shown schematically and described in connection with Fig. 2. Each of the switches S101-S810 is connected in series with one of impedance elements (resistors in this embodiment) R101-R810, respectively and the series connected switch-resistor sets are each wired in parallel with the one of the actuators A101-A810, respectively. A diode is connected in series with each such actuator, impedance element and switch combination to assure proper matrix control.
- The circuit arrangement just described permits the diagnosis of the status of any of the actuators A101-A810 by observation of the impedance in the appropriate drive lines. Any particular actuator may be selected for testing by selection with the row and column switches 361 and 371 and application via switch S5 of the test signal from the
power supply 335. In theparticular system 300 shown in Fig. 3, the measuringcircuit 330 comprises a simple voltmeter across resistor R3, which gives an indication of the current flowing through the matrix ofproduct delivering apparatus 310. That current is dependent upon the position of the row and column switches 361 and 371, the resistances of the selected actuator and corresponding impedance element, and the position of the corresponding cam-actuated switch. - Various possible conditions of an actuator are described below together with the currents which would indicate the condition in this embodiment.
- In this particular embodiment, in which the nominal operating actuator resistances are each 200 ohms, the resistances of the associated impedance elements R101-R810 are each 300 ohms, the resistance of R3 is 20 ohms and the test signal is a 5VDC signal which is insufficient to actuate the actuator being tested; the measuring
circuit 330 will indicate currents flowing through R3 as follows: - (a) If the motor is open-circuited and in mid-cycle (opening its associated switch), or if the associated diode is open-circuited, the current will be 0 milliamperes.
- (b) If the motor is open-circuited and at the home position, the current will be approximately 13.8 milliamperes.
- (c) If the motor is in mid-cycle (opening its associated switch), but not open- or short-circuited, the current will be approximately 20 milliamperes.
- (d) If the motor is at its home position, but not open- or short-circuited, the current will be approximately 31.4 milliamperes.
- (e) If the motor is short-circuited or the associated resistor is short-circuited (the latter being less likely), the current will be well in excess of 31.4 milliamperes. For this reason, current limiting means should be incorporated in the
power supply 335 or another appropriate part of the apparatus. - In order to provide automatic detection of any defective actuators and actuators which are not at their home position, the control and diagnostic apparatus 350 can be provided with automatic switching means such as the switching means 360 and 370, and the measuring
circuit 330 can be arranged to indicate when the current flow through resistor R3 is other than the current which occurs when a normal actuator is at its home position. The third embodiment described below provides such automatic detection. - Fig. 4 shows a
test control panel 400 suitable for the embodiment of Fig. 3. It includes ameter 410 which serves as part of the measuringcircuit 330. Theknobs Switch 405, corresponding to switch S5 of Fig. 1, which is used for switching between the run or operate mode and the test mode, is also located on thetest control panel 400. Whenswitch 405 is in the test mode, theneedle 411 of the meter indicates the current passing through resistor R3. In thetest control panel 400 shown in Fig. 4, the meter face bears designations for various conditions so that the person testing the vending system is readily apprised of the condition of an actuator. These designations are short form versions of the conditions discussed in connection with Fig. 3 above. The meter face can also be calibrated in milliamperes or some other appropriate values. - In many vending machines now being sold, the vending control system simply starts the selected actuator. Once the actuator has moved a small distance, a first cam-operated blocker switch is opened to prevent the actuation of other actuators and a second cam-operated switch connects the selected actuator directly to the power source until the actuator returns to its home position. This type of cam-operated switch can be employed with the apparatus of the invention, but is not the preferred arrangement.
- It is preferred to provide logic means for monitoring the actuator impedance conditions and controlling the actuator. For example, a logic circuit is provided within the measuring
circuit 330 of Fig. 3 for monitoring the current through resistor R3 and making logical decisions in response thereto. When a product is selected, the measuringcircuit 330 first determines that the selected actuator is at home position and operable. This is done by causing thepower supply 335 to apply the test current. If the actuator is at home position and operable, the measuringcircuit 330 causes thepower supply 335 to apply full run current. Under normal conditions, when run current is applied, the measuringcircuit 330 first detects the large amount of current drawn by the actuator and its parallel resistor. Shortly after the run current is applied, the measuringcircuit 330 should detect a reduction of current as the resistor is disconnected by its associated cam-operated switch. This indicates that the actuator has moved away from home position. When the actuator returns to home position again, the measuringcircuit 330 will detect a large increase in current as the resistor is again connected in parallel with the actuator. In response, the measuringcircuit 330 will cause thepower supply 335 to remove the run current. The measuringcircuit 330 also includes a timing circuit which causes thepower supply 335 to remove the run current if the actuator does not return to its home position within a predetermined normal period of time from actuation. - One way in which this logical function can be accomplished is shown in Fig. 5. A group of comparators 421-426 monitor the current flowing through resistor R3 and each compares that current to a different standard current 11-16 from a source (not shown) such as
power supply 335 of Fig. 3. The standard currents forcomparators 421 and 422 bracket the acceptable range of test current for a normal actuator at home position. Ifcomparators 421 and 422 indicate that the current is within that range by a logical "1" fromcomparator 421 and a logical "0" from comparator 422, ANDgate 431 produces a signal which sets flip-flop 441 when thestart switch 480 is momentarily depressed. This signal also triggers timer circuit 442 (such as a monostable multivibrator) to control the maximum actuator cycle time. When flip-flop 441 is set, the signal from its Q output activates arelay 450, corresponding to switch S5 in Fig. 3. When unactivated, thisrelay 450 provides test current (5VDC here) to theproduct delivering apparatus 310 via the column switching means 370. When therelay 450 is activated, full run current (24VDC here) is applied. - When the full run current is first applied to an actuator, the current drawn is high, determined by the resistor in parallel with the actuator and R3.
Comparators gate 435 to send a signal to ANDgate 445. Flip-flop 443, however, is in the reset state from a prior cycle and is not sending a signal to ANDgate 445; therefore, ANDgate 445 does not produce an output signal at this time. - When the actuator switch disconnects the parallel resistor, the current through R3 drops to normal running current. This condition is detected by
comparators gate 433 produces a signal which sets flip-flop 443. When the actuator returns home and the actuator's associated parallel resistor is again connected, the R3 current increases to the high level observed when full run current is first applied. This time, the signal produced from ANDgate 435 is concurrent with a signal from flip-flop 443, and ANDgate 445 sends a signal to reset flip-flop 441. The output of flip-flop 441 which then occurs causes therelay 450 to return to the test current condition. The signal from ANDgate 445 also resets flip-flop 443 and thetimer 442, preparing them for another cycle. - In the event that the actuator cycle is not completed within a predetermined normal period, it is likely that the selected actuator is jammed or defective. In order to avoid damage to the apparatus, the
timer 442 will reset flip-flops - Fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of a vending machine control and diagnostic apparatus 1050 in accordance with the invention. The product delivery apparatus 1010 is of the same construction as the
product delivery apparatus 310 of the second embodiment. Associated with theapparatus 1100 are vend select means 1092, coin test means 1094, accountability means 1096, and display means 1098. - The control system 1050 of the
apparatus 1100 may be used in place of the control system 350 of the second embodiment without departing from the invention. The outputs of the control system 1050 to the product delivery apparatus 1010 are row signal lines 1021-1028, corresponding to row signal lines 321-328 of the second embodiment, and column signal lines 1031-1040, corresponding to column signal lines 331-340 of the second embodiment. The row and column selection functions are performed by row switch means 1060 and column switch means 1070, respectively. These employ transistors Tl-T8 and T11-T20, respectively, to switch the current through a selected row and column to the actuator at the row and column intersection, as already explained in connection with the second embodiment. - Each of the row and column switch means 1060 and 1070 receives control signals from a logic circuit means 1090, which could be a hardwired logic circuit or a programmed data processor, such as a microprocessor, or other logic circuit capable of performing the required functions as outlined herein. An Intel type 8035 microprocessor is suitable for use as the logic circuit 1090. The control signals from the logic circuit 1090 in this embodiment are transmitted in binary digital form on
row control wires column control wires decoder - When the logic circuit 1090 transmits a control signal to select a given actuator, such as actuator A101 shown in Fig. 3, the logic circuit 1090 transmits binary row and column signals. In this example, to select actuetor A101, the row signal is 000 and the column signal is 1010. To select actuator A810, the row signal is 111 (equivalent to decimal 8) and the column signal is 1001 (equivalent to decimal 10). The
decoders - When actuated, transistor T1 connects the negative side of the actuators A101-A108 of
row 1 to ground through a resistor R3, which is a 20 ohm resistor in this embodiment. When transistor T11 is actuated, it connects the positive side of the actuators A101-A80i incolumn 1 by way ofline 1086 topower supply 1085.Supply 1085 provides either a +24VDC power source or a test current source. Logic means 1090 provide a control signal vialine 1087 which determines whether +24VDC or the test current source is supplied online 1086. When the + terminal of actuator A101 iri this fashion, is connected to +24VDC and its - terminal is connected through resistor R3 to ground, it is actuated and proceeds through a vend cycle in the usual fashion. Similarly, the actuator can be connected in the same fashion to the test current source, such as the 5VDC output of thepower supply 1085. - The measuring
circuit 1080 monitors the flow of current through the selected actuator and its associated parallel impedance (if any) and, in this embodiment, provides a digital indication of the status of the selected actuator. In themeasuring circuit 1080 of Fig. 6, acomparator 1081 typically a National Semiconductor type LM3900, compares the current through a 10 kilohm resistor R7 at its + input with standard signals applied at its - input. When the magnitude of the current at the + input exceeds that of the current at the - input, then the output of thecomparator 1080 onwire 1082 is a logical "1". Otherwise, the output of thecomparator 1080 onwire 1082 is a logical "0".Wires 1083 and 1084 from the logic circuit 1090 are employed as a digital-to-analog converter circuit to apply four different standards or currents to the - input of thecomparator 1081 by selectively connecting the resistors R5 and R6 to either a logical "1" (+5VDC) or a logical "0" (OVDC). As a result, the output onwire 1082 of thecomparator 1081 indicates the range of actuator current conditions from lower than the lowest standard current to higher than the highest standard current. - Table I below shows typical currents for various actuator conditions and the four standard current conditions obtained when R7 is 10 kilohms, R4 is 120 kilohms (passing 37 uA), R5 is 52 kilohms (passing 85 u A) and R6 is 22 kilohms (passing 200 u A). 4.4 volts is used instead of 5 volts in computing the current because of the .6 volt drop across the emitter-base diode in series with each comparator input. A run voltage of 24VDC is employed.
- In order to test an actuator, the logic circuit 1090 first selects the actuator, as previously described, and then quickly produces each of the four combinations of logic levels on
wires 1083 and 1084, while monitoring the logic level onwire 1082. This procedure applies each of the standard currents to the - input of thecomparator 1081. If the test is conducted when the actuator being tested should be at the home position, the output of thecomparator 1081 onwire 1082 should be a logical "1" when the first, second and third standards are applied, and a logical "0" when the fourth standard is applied. - Alternatively, the logic levels producing the third and fourth standards (which bracket the current of a normal actuator at home position) can be applied first. If a logical "1" is obtained on
wire 1082 when the third standard current is applied to thecomparator 1081 and a logical "0" is obtained when the fourth standard is applied, the test indicates that the actuator is normal and at home position. As a result, when this indication is obtained, it is not necessary to test for other possible conditions of the actuator. - The possibility of a jam is indicated when the test indicates that the motor is normal, but in mid-cycle when it should be at home position. Before indicating a malfunction, the logic circuit automatically applies operating current to the actuator in question for a sufficient period of time for the actuator to complete its cycle-typically three seconds. If the malfunction still exists, the identity of the actuator and the nature of the malfunctions are indicated on the display.
- Fig. 7 shows the
front control panel 700 of a vending machine incorporating the third embodiment of the present invention. Thecontrol panel 700 of this embodiment includes a threedigit display 791, such as a light emitting diode display, for displaying up to $9.95 of credit to the customer and for displaying test information to system maintenance personnel. Thisdisplay 791 is a part of the display means 1098 of Fig. 6. Thecontrol panel 700 also includes an illuminatedexact change indicator 793, which preferably is operated by a system of the general type disclosed in my U.S. Patent No: 4,188,961, in which exact change is not requested unless the machine cannot give correct change for the user's credit and product selection. - The
front control panel 700 also includes an illuminated "Make Another Selection"indicator 795 to advise the user when the selected product is not available or the actuator for that product is inoperable. Anoptical coupler 799 for reading information stored in the accountability means 1096 of Fig. 6 is also provided. - The
front control panel 700 also includes a selection means comprising anarray 797 of eighteen push button switches. These are part of the vend select means 1092 of Fig. 6. The switches labeled A through H select the rows of products (corresponding to actuatorrows 1 through 8). Theswitches 1 through 10 select the columns of products (corresponding to the actuator columns). - It is preferred to use two separate groups of switches, such as a letter and number combination as shown in Fig. 7, to identify the row and column of the selected actuator; instead of depending upon sequential entry of two identifying signals with the same group of switches as in shared switch systems. This makes it easier for a customer to change his mind without receiving the wrong product. For example, in a shared switch-system, if the customer enters a "2" to select a product in
row 2 and then decides to purchase a product inrow 4; he must somehow signal the system that he wishes to start over. If he simply enters a "4", having already entered a "2" he will receive the product atrow 2,column 4; which is not the one he intended. When separate switches are employed for column and row selection, the selection means and logic circuit can be arranged to accept only a combination of a signal from one set of switches (labeled A through H here) in sequence with a signal from the other set of switches (labeled 1 through 10 here). As a result, a change in choice from the second to the fourth row would cause the customer to first press "B" and then press "D". The system will automatically ignore the first signal from the lettered switch ("B" in this case) if a signal from another lettered switch ("D" in this case) is received and will await a column selection signal from the switches labelled 1 through 10 before completing the transaction. - Fig. 8 is a generic schematic block diagram of a fourth embodiment of a
vending system 800 incorporating a vending machine control anddiagnostic apparatus 850 in accordance with the invention. Theproduct delivery apparatus 810 is of similar construction to theproduct delivery apparatus 310 and 1010 of the second and third embodiments. The differences will be explained below in connection with Figs. 8 & 9. Only one of the actuators A8 and its associated components is shown in Fig. 8; however, it will be clear to those skilled in the art how additional actuators can be employed in connection with this embodiment. - Controlling the
product delivery apparatus 810 is the vending control anddiagnostic apparatus 850. Included within thatapparatus 850 are anactuator selector 820, atest circuit 830, apower supply 835, and alogic circuit 890 whose functions generally correspond to the similarly named components of the previously described embodiments. Theapparatus 850 also includes an inductor L3 in place of the resistor R3 of the previously described embodiments. Theproduct delivery apparatus 810 incorporates an actuator A8. In parallel with the actuator A8 is a series connected switch S8 and impedance element, capacitor C1. The switch S8 is operated by the actuator A8 in a similar fashion to that previously described in connection with the other embodiments. Also in parallel with the actuator A8 is a diode D2 which is provided to reduce switching noise. - The principal difference of this embodiment from those previously described is that it employs an AC test signal, whereas the previously described embodiments employ a DC test signal.
- The
logic circuit 890 sends selection signals viawire 891 to theactuator selector 820, causing it to connect one terminal of the desired actuator to thepower supply 835 and the other terminal to inductor L3 and thetest circuit 830. Thelogic circuit 890 also controls the output of thepower supply 835 via signals onwire 892. - The
power supply 835 produces an AC test signal and a running or power current which is either DC or a different frequency (usually lower) AC than the test signal. Thetest circuit 830 is arranged to distinguish between the test and running currents. Thetest circuit 830 includes arun signal detector 831, incorporating afrequency filter 832 and a runsignal detection circuit 833, and a test signal detector 834 incorporating afrequency filter 835 and a test signal detection circuit 836. The manner of operation of the embodiment will be explained in greater detail in connection with one version of this embodiment shown in Figs. 9 and 10. - Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram of one version of the fourth embodiment of Fig. 8 which is arranged for control of a
product delivery apparatus 2010 having a matrix of actuators. Associated with theapparatus 2100 are vendselect means 2092, coin test means 2094, accountability means 2096, and display means 2098, each corresponding to the similarly named elements described in connection with the third embodiment. Thecontrol system 2050 of theapparatus 2100 corresponds to the control system 350 of the second embodiment of the invention described above. The vending control anddiagnostic apparatus 2050 controls theproduct delivery apparatus 2010. - Like the second and third embodiments, the outputs of the
control system 2050 are connected to the product delivery apparatus. 2010 by row andcolumn signal lines decoder column wires logic circuit 2090 into a form appropriate to drive the selected row switch andcolumn switch circuits - Fig. 10 shows details of DC and
AC test circuits power supply 2085, and aproduct delivery apparatus 2010 suitable for this fourth embodiment. - The
product delivery apparatus 2010 includes at least one product delivery DC actuator A2110, such as a rotary motor. Like the actuators of the previous embodiments, the actuator A2110 is in parallel with a series connected switch S2110 and impedance element, but in this case the impedance element is a 0.1 pfd capacitor C1. Also in parallel with the actuator A2110 is a diode D2. Although only one actuator A2110 is shown in Fig. 10, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that a plurality of actuators can be connected in a matrix arrangement like that of Fig. 3 in which actuator A2110 would be the actuator in the first row and the tenth column, the position corresponding to that of actuator A110 in Fig. 3. In cases of matrix arrays, a diode D1 corresponding to the series diodes of Fig. 3, would be connected in series with each motor as shown in Fig. 10. - The selection of the actuator is accomplished in the same way disclosed with respect to the third embodiment. The
logic circuit 2090 not shown in Fig. 10 transmits row and column select signals alonglines column switch circuits decoders row switch 2261 controllingrow 1 andcolumn switch 2280 controllingcolumn 10. The row and column switches 2262-2268 and 2271-2279 are of similar constructions. Each of these switches 2261-2268 and 2271-2280 is a conventional type of transistor switch circuit, the operation of which will be clear from Fig. 10 to those skilled in the art. - The
power supply 2085 in this version includes the 5 and 24VDC sources of the previous embodiments and a source of alternating current (AC). Suitable AC for this embodiment is 100 to 200 kilohertz at 5 volts RMS. Unlike the previous embodiments in which 5VDC is used as the test signal, in this embodiment the 5VDC is used solely as a power source for some of the circuits. The test signal is the AC signal. The AC signal and the 24VDC signal are combined on a single wire. Appropriate blocking means are provided comprising a 20 millihenry inductor in the 24VDC line and series connected 470 ohm resistor and .01 pfd capacitor in the AC line. The combined AC/24VDC signal is then supplied vialine 2086 to each of the column switches 2271-2280. As shown in the case ofcolumn switch 2280, when that switch receives a signal from the logic means 2090 via thecolumn decoder 2072, transistor T2020 is switched to a conducting state, thereby permitting the AC/24VDC signal to pass vialine 2040 to the actuators incolumn 10 of the product delivery means 2010. The row switches 2261-2268 connect to the other side of the actuators from the column switches 2271-2280. When a row switch, such asswitch 2261, is activated by a signal from the logic means 2090 as decoded byrow decoder 2062, the AC/24VDC signal flows through the actuator vialine 2021 and the switching transistor T2001. The 3 millihenry inductance permits most of the DC current to flow to ground, completing the DC power circuit for the actuator, but it blocks the AC signal which passes (along with a small portion of the DC signal) to thetest circuit 2080. - The
test circuit 2080 in this embodiment comprises aDC test circuit 2180 and anAC test circuit 2280. The DC test circuit simply compares the DC current at one input of its comparator 2181 with a reference current from a divider circuit. A 10 kilohm series resistor and a .01 ufd capacitor at the input of theDC test circuit 2180 block the AC signal. - The AC test circuit first blocks the DC component of the signal with a 220 pfd series capacitor, then amplifies the AC portion of the signal with a transistor amplifier, detects the signal with a diode D3, filters the resulting direct current with an RC filter and applies it to the
comparator 2281 for comparison with the reference current from the divider circuit. - When the AC/24VDC signal is first applied to an actuator at home position, such as actuator A2110, the corresponding motor switch S2110 is open. The inductance of the motor blocks the AC component of the signal and, therefore, only a DC component appears on
line 2088 at the input to thetest circuit 2080. As a result, the output of theDC test circuit 2280 is 0 volts, logical "0" and the output of the AC test circuit is 5 volts, a logical "1". - When the actuator A2110 begins to move, switch S2110 is closed..As a result, the AC signal can pass through C1 the 0.1 ufd capacitor which is in series with switch S2110 and both AC and DC components will appear on
line 2088 at the input to thetest circuit 2080. As a result, a logical "0" will appear at the output of both the DC andAC test circuits - When the actuator A2110 returns to home position, the switch S2110 opens and the AC test circuit output returns to "1". This signals the logic means 2090 to transmit a signal to the
power supply 2085 to cut off the power. When this is done, the outputs of bothtest circuits -
Claims (16)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AT82301641T ATE36614T1 (en) | 1981-04-02 | 1982-03-29 | CONTROL AND DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE FOR VENDING MACHINES. |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US25038581A | 1981-04-02 | 1981-04-02 | |
US250385 | 1981-04-02 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0063426A2 EP0063426A2 (en) | 1982-10-27 |
EP0063426A3 EP0063426A3 (en) | 1983-06-01 |
EP0063426B1 true EP0063426B1 (en) | 1988-08-17 |
Family
ID=22947512
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP82301641A Expired EP0063426B1 (en) | 1981-04-02 | 1982-03-29 | Vending machine control and diagnostic apparatus |
Country Status (17)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0063426B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPS57176491A (en) |
KR (1) | KR880000756B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE36614T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU549125B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR8201786A (en) |
CA (1) | CA1171160A (en) |
DE (1) | DE3278921D1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK162547C (en) |
ES (1) | ES8307398A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2100009B (en) |
HK (1) | HK15790A (en) |
IE (1) | IE52332B1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX152286A (en) |
MY (1) | MY8800100A (en) |
SG (1) | SG102687G (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA821825B (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4785927A (en) * | 1987-03-02 | 1988-11-22 | Mars Incorporated | Vending machine control with product delivery motor home detection, motor speed control and power supply |
DE3843918A1 (en) * | 1988-12-24 | 1990-07-05 | Harting Elektronik Gmbh | MAINS OPERATED MACHINE |
GB2257553B (en) * | 1991-07-08 | 1994-12-07 | Mars Inc | Coin mechanisms |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4220235A (en) * | 1979-02-16 | 1980-09-02 | Cavalier Corporation | Vending machine control circuit including credit release relay |
Family Cites Families (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3496300A (en) * | 1967-06-28 | 1970-02-17 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Remote test arrangement for coin telephones |
US3566399A (en) * | 1968-02-27 | 1971-02-23 | Gulf & Western Syst Co | Control station monitoring system for remote stations |
US3705349A (en) * | 1969-09-24 | 1972-12-05 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Computer controlled wiring network test system |
JPS507886U (en) * | 1973-05-20 | 1975-01-27 | ||
USRE29450E (en) * | 1973-10-17 | 1977-10-18 | Martin Marietta Corporation | Machine operating condition monitoring system |
DE2454254B1 (en) * | 1974-11-15 | 1976-02-05 | Jank Wilhelm | Circuit arrangement for monitoring lines for short circuits and interruptions |
US4044877A (en) * | 1976-02-06 | 1977-08-30 | Dixie-Narco, Inc. | Multiple column vending machine malfunction lockout circuit |
JPS5752689Y2 (en) * | 1977-12-19 | 1982-11-16 | ||
US4178542A (en) * | 1978-01-30 | 1979-12-11 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Monitoring the operation status of an electrical component on the basis of an inherent pull up or pull down characteristic |
US4225056A (en) * | 1978-09-28 | 1980-09-30 | Artag Plastics Corporation | Computerized vending machine |
JPS5912699Y2 (en) * | 1978-12-29 | 1984-04-16 | 株式会社クボタ | Vending machine release discontinuation display device |
US4322847A (en) * | 1980-03-10 | 1982-03-30 | International Business Machines Corporation | Automatic indirect testing to verify operational control |
JPS5752689U (en) * | 1980-09-10 | 1982-03-26 |
-
1982
- 1982-03-18 ZA ZA821825A patent/ZA821825B/en unknown
- 1982-03-25 AU AU81892/82A patent/AU549125B2/en not_active Expired
- 1982-03-29 EP EP82301641A patent/EP0063426B1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-03-29 AT AT82301641T patent/ATE36614T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1982-03-29 GB GB8209210A patent/GB2100009B/en not_active Expired
- 1982-03-29 DE DE8282301641T patent/DE3278921D1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-03-30 BR BR8201786A patent/BR8201786A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1982-03-31 KR KR8201416A patent/KR880000756B1/en active
- 1982-03-31 CA CA000400242A patent/CA1171160A/en not_active Expired
- 1982-04-01 MX MX192106A patent/MX152286A/en unknown
- 1982-04-01 DK DK149582A patent/DK162547C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1982-04-01 IE IE772/82A patent/IE52332B1/en unknown
- 1982-04-01 ES ES511076A patent/ES8307398A1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-04-02 JP JP57055241A patent/JPS57176491A/en active Granted
-
1987
- 1987-11-25 SG SG1026/87A patent/SG102687G/en unknown
-
1988
- 1988-12-30 MY MY100/88A patent/MY8800100A/en unknown
-
1990
- 1990-03-01 HK HK157/90A patent/HK15790A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4220235A (en) * | 1979-02-16 | 1980-09-02 | Cavalier Corporation | Vending machine control circuit including credit release relay |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU8189282A (en) | 1982-10-07 |
AU549125B2 (en) | 1986-01-16 |
ZA821825B (en) | 1983-02-23 |
KR880000756B1 (en) | 1988-05-04 |
GB2100009A (en) | 1982-12-15 |
JPH0415508B2 (en) | 1992-03-18 |
IE820772L (en) | 1982-10-02 |
MY8800100A (en) | 1988-12-31 |
DK162547B (en) | 1991-11-11 |
EP0063426A3 (en) | 1983-06-01 |
JPS57176491A (en) | 1982-10-29 |
CA1171160A (en) | 1984-07-17 |
ES511076A0 (en) | 1983-06-16 |
DK149582A (en) | 1982-10-03 |
HK15790A (en) | 1990-03-09 |
DE3278921D1 (en) | 1988-09-22 |
BR8201786A (en) | 1983-03-01 |
MX152286A (en) | 1985-06-20 |
IE52332B1 (en) | 1987-09-16 |
SG102687G (en) | 1989-09-01 |
DK162547C (en) | 1992-04-06 |
ES8307398A1 (en) | 1983-06-16 |
ATE36614T1 (en) | 1988-09-15 |
EP0063426A2 (en) | 1982-10-27 |
KR830009537A (en) | 1983-12-22 |
GB2100009B (en) | 1985-04-03 |
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