The Coin Slide Operated Jelly Bean Machine

cults3d

This project started out as a simple test of printing worm gears, but it quickly snowballed into something much more complex. I was snacking on jelly beans while designing the base to hold the gears, and I thought "I should make a jelly bean dispenser." Then I decided to add a coin-operated mechanism like some 3D printed candy machines. As I designed and printed this over two years ago, my thought process is a bit fuzzy. However, I remember adding to the design as I went along, which likely led to design flaws. This project isn't for the faint of heart, but someone might be able to use parts or get ideas from it. The Coin Slide Operated Jelly Bean Machine was designed to work with a 40 oz jar from Gimbals Fine Candies Gourmet Jelly Beans. If you're crazy enough to try printing one, there are more diagrams and quick assembly instructions below. However, sourcing the correct springs will be a challenge, and rotating some STLs for printing is necessary. Assembly of the Base Insert the Worm_Gear into the Base. Slide the Shaft_Plug onto the Worm_Gear_Shaft then Slide on the Shaft_Plug and then the Handle. Screw on the Handle to the Shaft_Plug with a 4-40 x 3/8" Button Head Screw. Drop the Spring and Ratchet_Stop into the square hole in the Base. (make sure the spring you use will stand upright.) The tallest point of the Ratchet_Stop should be toward the front of the Base. Insert the Handle assembly into the hole aligning it into the Worm_Gear. Using a 4-40 x 1/2" socket head screw attach the Shaft Plug to the Base through the hole in the bottom of the Base. Turn the handle clockwise (away from you) to check for Proper operation. (You may have to hold the Main_Gear down with your finger.) Slide the Dispenser_Disk under the tab on the Cover and then place the Dispenser_Disk onto the shaft of the Main_Gear. Attach the Cover to the Base with (4) 2-56 x 1/2" flat head screws. Assembly of the Coin Slide Insert the Lock_Block and secure with a 4-40 x 5/8" socket head screw. Test the operation with and without a quarter. With a quarter in the Coin_Slide the screw in the top of the Gear_Stop should fully retract and be just below the top of the Slide_Block when the Coin_Slide is fully pressed in. Final Assembly and Adjustment Place a quarter into the Coin slide and push it all the way forward to retract the Gear Stop. Insert the Coin Slide Assembly into the Base and align the holes and secure with (2) 6-32 x 1/2" flat head screws. Pull the Coil Slide out then turn the Handle until it locks in place. If it does not lock, you need to remove the Coin Slide Assembly and adjust the screw in the top of the Gear Stop. Repeat the process until you find the sweet spot that will lock the handle. Retest the operation a few times to make sure everything is working correctly. Without the Gear_Teeth_Stop, you can continue to turn the handle as long as you want if the Coin Slide is left pressed in. The Door_Hinge can be super glued to the base and the Door_Flap attached with a pin made out of something like a sewing pin. Turn the Base upside down to screw on the Jar full of delicious jelly beans. To keep people honest, The Coin_Box can be secured with a 4-40 x 1/4" Flat head screw and the Jar Lock and be secured with a 4-40 x 1/2" button head screw and nut.