Automatic vending machine with two rows of drawers - has interlocking control system with connection between top and bottom drawers

摘要

The automatic vending machine has a large number of drawers to accommodate the goods on sale. There may be two rows of drawers inside the casing of the machine, with the bottom row resting on a support frame. Each drawer carries a vertical stack of items for sale. There is a coin testing and evaluation unit at one side of the machine. Locking devices ensure that when a coin is inserted and goods withdrawn from one drawer the others are locked in position. There is a coupling rod connecting the top and bottom locking devices controlling the operation of the top and bottom rows of drawers. The system is thus completely interlocked. The top row of drawers may be shorter than the bottom row, allowing some of the stacks of goods on the bottom row to be of double height.