Article supply device

Abstract

The present invention provides an item supply device capable of detecting the presence or absence of an item. The item supply device (1) capable of supplying items (P) includes: a main body (2); a storage section (20) for storing items (P); a supply section (35) for supplying items (P) stored in the storage section (20); a vertical moving pin (61) (detection section) for detecting the presence or absence of items (P) stored in the storage section (20); a sending section (40) for sending a signal indicating that there are no items (P) stored in the storage section (20); and a sold-out display section (91) for displaying the situation where there are no items (P) stored in the storage section (20). The sending section (40) and the sold-out display section (91) are configured to operate integrally according to the detection action of the detection section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an article supply device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a toy capable of supplying articles, which, for example, is configured such that by rotating an operating part near the front of the main body, one of a plurality of spherical articles stored in a supply box can be taken out from an outlet at the lower part of the main body.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 62-78998 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] The toy disclosed in Patent Document 1, which can also be called an article supply device, is a device for supplying spherical articles, and does not have a structure for detecting the presence or absence of articles stored in the supply box.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an article supply device capable of detecting the presence or absence of an article.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] One technical solution of the present invention is an article supply device capable of supplying articles, wherein the article supply device comprises: a main body; a storage section for storing articles; a supply section for supplying articles stored in the storage section; a detection section for detecting the presence or absence of articles stored in the storage section; a sending section for sending a signal indicating that no articles have been stored in the storage section; and a sold-out display section for displaying the situation where no articles have been stored in the storage section. The sending section and the sold-out display section are configured to operate integrally according to the detection action of the detection section.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] According to the present invention, an article supply device capable of detecting the presence or absence of an article can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which the storage part has been removed from the main body in one embodiment of the article supply device of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an item supply device with a storage section installed in the main body.

[0015] Figure 3This is a vertical sectional view of the main body with the storage unit installed.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the internal structure of the storage section.

[0017] Figure 5 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the supply and inspection departments of the goods.

[0018] Figure 6 This is an enlarged sectional perspective view of the main parts of the supply department and the testing department.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram illustrating the main components of the linkage mechanism for the storage section.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts used to indicate the operation of the sold-out display section and the dispatch section for items.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the item supply device in operation, showing the sold-out display section.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an action performed based on signal transmission from the transmitting unit.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0024] 1. Item supply device; 2. Main body; 4. Operation unit; 5. Coin insertion unit; 20. Storage unit; 35. Supply unit; 40. Dispatch unit; 43. Metal part; 61. Up and down moving pin (detection unit); 64. Locking protrusion (other components); 81. Shaft part; 82. Locking part; 91. Sold out display unit; P. Item. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, an article supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Furthermore, regarding the description of orientation (direction) in the following explanation, when viewing the article supply device from the front side, the front side is used as the front and is described as the front-back direction (front side or rear side), the left-right direction (right side or left side), and the up-down direction (upper side or lower side). In addition, each orientation is indicated by arrows in the attached drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which the storage part 20 has been removed from the main body 2 in one embodiment of the article supply device 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the item supply device 1 with the storage section 20 installed on the main body 2.

[0028] like Figure 1and Figure 2 As shown, the item supply device 1 has a main body 2 with a box-shaped structure, comprising a front surface wall 2f, left and right side walls 2s, a rear wall 2r, an upper wall 2u, and a bottom wall (not shown). Various operating parts are provided on its front surface wall 2f. For example, the front surface wall 2f includes a coin insertion section 5 for inserting the price of item P, an operating section 4 for supplying item P by rotation, a cash return port 6 for returning cash as needed, and a cash return button 7. Furthermore, a mounting section 3 with a large opening on the front surface side and the side above the front surface is provided on the upper side of the front surface wall 2f. The mounting section 3 is designed for detachment and assembly of a storage section 20, which can store item P and discharge item P from the supply port 29 on the front surface.

[0029] Furthermore, the item P referred to here refers to a thin item, such as relatively thin flat or sheet-like items like sheet prints, cards, and thin boxes, which can be stacked and arranged within the storage section 20.

[0030] The following explains each part.

[0031] The operating unit 4 is configured to rotate clockwise (in the direction of the arrow in the illustration) when viewed from the front side, for example, in response to payment. For example, the user rotates the operating unit 4 after inserting a coin into the coin insertion unit 5. As a result, the item P is discharged from the supply port 29 located on the front surface side of the storage unit 20.

[0032] The cash insertion section 5 has a structure with a slit-like opening in a circular recess for inserting coins. Furthermore, the return port 6 is configured to return the inserted coins and retrieve them from the device upon operation of the cash return button 7.

[0033] As described above, the mounting section 3 is a generally rectangular opening structure appropriately enclosed by the left and right side walls 2s, the rear wall 2r, the upper wall 2u, and the appropriately open bottom wall 2d. For example, it is configured such that when assembling or disassembling the storage section 20, the storage section 20 is slidably moved in the front-rear direction of the main body section 2. A gear mechanism (gears 4b, 4c, 4d) capable of engaging with the gear members of the storage section 20 is provided on the bottom wall 2d side of the mounting section 3. In addition, as described later, a first member 41 of a transmitting section 40 capable of emitting a signal indicating the presence or absence of the article P is provided on the bottom wall 2d side. Furthermore, as described later, a second member 42 of the transmitting section 40 corresponding to the first member 41 is provided on the bottom wall of the storage section 20.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a vertical sectional view of the item supply device 1. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the internal structure of the storage section 20.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the operating shaft 4a of the operating unit 4 extends rearward. The operating shaft 4a extends to the rear wall 2r, and a first gear 4b is provided at its rear end. The first gear 4b is rotatably supported on the inner surface of the rear wall 2r and forms a meshing gear mechanism with the second gear 4c and the third gear 4d. On the other hand, a gear section 20t is provided in the storage section 20 along the rear wall 20r of the storage section 20. In the installed state of the storage section 20, the lowermost gear of the gear section 20t meshes and connects with the third gear 4d. Thus, as described later, the article P can be supplied using the operation of the operating unit 4.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the storage section 20 is a box-shaped structure with an open top, formed by the front wall 20f on the front side, the rear wall 20r on the rear side, the side walls 20s on the left and right sides, and the bottom wall 20d on the bottom side. This creates a rectangular, box-shaped storage space SP within the storage space SP. Furthermore, the item placement section 20b at the bottom of the storage space SP is constructed flat at a higher position, spaced apart from the bottom wall 20d, to allow for the stacking and storage of items P. Additionally, the storage section 20 is located between the item placement section 20b and the bottom wall 20d (see reference). Figure 3 It has a structure with a discharge roller 21 of the supply section 35 that discharges the article P from the supply port 29.

[0037] Additionally, in the storage space SP, a pair of left and right guide members 20e are provided at the front of the space, and a rear guide member 20h is provided at the rear of the space, rising from the item placement part 20b. Furthermore, a pressing part 20i is provided in front of the left and right guide members 20e. When an item P is stored and stacked, this pressing part 20i presses the item P from top to bottom. The pressing part 20i is a rectangular counterweight that is longer in the left-right direction. This pressing part 20i is held in place by a grooved track-like retaining part 20j, which is vertically positioned in front of the left and right guide members 20e, allowing it to move up and down.

[0038] Furthermore, the left and right guide members 20e are designed to move in the left and right directions on the item placement section 20b, and the rear guide member 20h is designed to move in the front and back directions on the item placement section 20b. Therefore, by utilizing the movement of the left and right guide members 20e and the rear guide member 20h, items P of different sizes can be stored in a stacked state.

[0039] A front guide 20k, which participates in the dispensing of items, is provided along the front side of the pressing part 20i. This front guide 20k is positioned directly behind the gate valve 20m, which is swayable to open and close the supply port 29. When dispensing items P, the front guide 20k guides the items P one by one, and its height from the item placement part 20b can be adjusted to correspond to the thickness of the items P2.

[0040] Figure 5 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the supply section 35 and the up-and-down moving pin 61 (detection section) of the storage section 20. Figure 6 This is an enlarged 3D view of the supply section 35 and the vertical moving pin 61.

[0041] The discharge roller 21 is a horizontally rotating part located below the article-carrying part 20b and opposite to the pressing part 20i. For example... Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the side, the discharge roller 21 has an arcuate outer surface 21a and a non-arcuate outer surface 21b with a diameter smaller than that of the arcuate outer surface 21a. Therefore, when rotating about the rotation axis 21c, the arcuate outer surface 21a abuts against the lower surface of the article P that is pressed downward by the pressing part 20i. Rotation in the abutting state of the arcuate outer surface 21a propels the article P forward. That is, the arcuate outer surface 21a slightly protrudes upward from the loading opening 20bh of the article loading part 20b and abuts against the lower surface of the article P, causing the article P to slide forward and be discharged from the supply port 29. The discharge (supply) of the article P, achieved by the supply part 35, is thus implemented by sequentially supplying the articles P stacked and arranged in the bottommost layer of the storage part 20.

[0042] Furthermore, the discharge roller 21 is connected, for example, to a connecting shaft 20n extending from a shaft portion of the gear portion 20t provided along the rear wall portion 20r toward the discharge roller 21 side (front) (see reference). Figure 3 And gears (not shown), such as helical teeth, are provided on the front end side of the connecting shaft 20n. Therefore, with the storage part 20 installed on the main body part 2, the discharge roller 21 is driven to rotate by the operation part 4, which can be operated according to the insertion of coins.

[0043] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of item P has a vertically movable pin 61 located behind the discharge roller 21, capable of contacting item P from the lower side of the item placement section 20b. This vertically movable pin 61 is held vertically by a pin holding part 62 and is pushed upwards by a compression coil spring 63 inside the pin. Therefore, when item P is present, the vertically movable pin 61 is pressed against the lower side of the item placement section 20b. However, when item P is absent, the vertically movable pin 61 protrudes from the placement section opening 20bh onto the item placement section 20b. Furthermore, a notch 20ih corresponding to the placement section opening 20bh is provided in the pressing part 20i, creating a structure that allows the vertically movable pin 61 to protrude.

[0044] The up-and-down moving pin 61 is connected to a linkage mechanism 80, described later, with the shaft portion 81 as its rotation axis. Furthermore, the shaft portion 81 of this linkage mechanism 80 is equipped with a second member 42 for displaying the absence of items P and a dispatching portion 40 for detecting the absence of items. Additionally, the second member 42 is provided by means of a swing member 42a extending radially from the shaft portion 81. As described above, the first member 41, which is paired with the second member 42, is fixed and provided (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 3 The second member 42 is located at the lower front of the mounting portion 3 of the main body 2. Furthermore, the second member 42 is, for example, made of a magnet, while the first member 41 is configured as a magnetic sensor. The second member 42 is mounted on the swing member 42a, allowing it to approach and move away from the fixed first member 41 by rotating the shaft 81. Therefore, the second member 42, which is a magnet, can be detected using the first member 41 as a magnetic sensor, and the detection signal can be transmitted to, for example, the control unit 100 (see reference 100). Figure 10 )send.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram illustrating the main components of the linkage mechanism for the storage section.

[0046] The left and right ends of the shaft portion 81 are supported by bearing portions 85 and 86, allowing them to rotate. A hook-shaped locking portion 82 is provided on one end side of the shaft portion 81 (left side in the figure). This locking portion 82 extends along the rotational radius of the shaft portion 81, and its top end can engage with the locking protrusion 64 (referred to as "other components" in this invention) of the vertically movable pin 61. A pair of locking portions 82 are provided at positions flanking the pin holding portion 62 that holds the vertically movable pin 61 in a vertically movable manner from the left and right sides. Furthermore, the engagement between the locking portion 82 and the locking protrusion 64 (…) Figure 7 The state shown is abutted by the engaging surface 82a along the vertical direction (the direction of movement of the vertical moving pin).

[0047] A sold-out display 91 is provided at the other end of the shaft portion 81 (right side in the figure). This sold-out display 91 extends in the same direction as the swing member 42a and displays that item P is sold out. The sold-out display 91 includes: a mounting base 91a; a base side plate portion 91b extending from the mounting base 91a in the direction of the shaft's rotation radius; a display plate portion 91c bending downward from the base side plate portion 91b; and a pair of side plate portions 91d reinforcingly connecting the base side plate portion 91b and the display plate portion 91c on both sides. Therefore, the sold-out display 91 is configured such that the cross-sectional shape of its central portion (the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the direction of movement) is approximately U-shaped.

[0048] In addition, an opening 20dh in a roughly U-shaped form is formed in the bottom wall portion 20d in a manner corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the sold-out display portion 91, thereby allowing the sold-out display portion 91 to move downward.

[0049] In addition, the vertical moving pin 61 is provided with locking protrusions 64 that protrude to the left and right sides of the pin holding part 62. Moreover, when there is an item P, the locking protrusions 64 are located on the lower side of the pin holding part 62 and abut against the engagement surface 82a of the locking part 82, thereby preventing the rotation of the shaft part 81.

[0050] Furthermore, the sold-out display unit 91 is designed to be constantly subjected to a force that attempts to rotate forward and downward due to its own weight. For example, the sold-out display unit 91 is held to protrude forward and diagonally upward from the shaft portion 81. Thus, the sold-out display unit 91 is maintained in a state where a rotational force attempting to rotate forward and downward is applied.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts used to indicate the operation of the sold-out display section 91 and the dispatch section 40 for item P. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the item supply device 1 in operation of the sold-out display unit 91 for item P.

[0052] Here, when item P is sold out and there is no more item P, the up-down moving pin 61 moves upward due to the compression of the coil spring 63 (see reference). Figure 7 When the imaginary line is drawn, the contact between the locking protrusion 64 and the engaging surface 82a is released. Thus, as... Figure 8 As shown, the sold-out display unit 91 rotates forward and downward together with the shaft 81 using its own weight. As a result, the display panel 91c of the sold-out display unit 91 passes through the opening 20dh. Thus, as... Figure 9 As shown, the "Sold Out" sign appears on the front surface of the front wall 2f. At this time, the display panel 91c is positioned to cover the front side of the coin insertion section 5. Thus, the coin insertion section 5 is covered by the sold-out display panel 91, making it impossible to insert coins.

[0053] Furthermore, the second member 42 of the sending unit 40, located on the shaft 81, rotates by the same angle as the sold-out display unit 91 according to the rotation of the shaft 81. Thus, as... Figure 8 As shown, the second component 42 approaches the first component 41. That is, the magnet approaches the magnetic sensor. Thus, when the second item P is not present, the second component 42 (magnet) approaches the first component 41 (magnetic sensor), detects the magnetic force, and can send a detection signal to the control unit 100.

[0054] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, a metal part 43 is provided on the lower side of the rotating second component 42. That is, since the second component 42 is made of a magnet, when the second component 42 rotates, it is attracted and held by the metal part 43, which is made of a strongly magnetic material.

[0055] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation performed based on the transmission of a signal from the transmitting unit 40.

[0056] As described above, based on the signal sent from the first component 41 of the self-transmitting unit 40 to the control unit 100, as a specific action, for example, such as... Figure 10 As shown, it can perform actions such as emitting light by making the light-emitting part 92 emit light and locking action to prevent the rotation of the gear of the operation part 4.

[0057] The light-emitting part 92 is provided on the front surface wall 2f of the main body part 2 (see reference). Figure 9 For example, flashing or lighting can be used to indicate that item P is no longer present. Furthermore, the locking mechanism can be configured such that the locking pin 38p of the locking drive unit 38a moves forward and backward relative to the locking pin 4p of the first gear 4b mounted on the operating shaft 4a of the operating unit 4, in a manner that engages the first gear 4b. Thus, when item P is absent, the locking pin 38p engages the locking pin 4p, locking the operating unit 4 in a locked state, preventing rotation of the operating unit 4.

[0058] Furthermore, the control performed by the control unit 100 based on the signal from the transmitting unit 40 is not limited to the aforementioned light-emitting and locking actions. For example, since the control unit 100 uses the communication line to transmit information about the absence of item P, such as information for replenishing item P, it can also be used as other management information.

[0059] As described above, in the item supply device 1 of this embodiment, the signal transmission operation of the sending unit 40 and the operation of the sold-out display unit 91 are configured to operate as a single unit triggered by the detection action of the up-down movement pin 61. Therefore, the operation of two components with different functions can be performed simultaneously. As a result, since there is no item P, the sold-out display unit 91 can directly display the information visually, and the information can be transmitted as a conversion of displacement movement into an electrical signal.

[0060] Furthermore, since the integrated operation of the sending unit 40 and the sold-out display unit 91 is a rotational operation, by setting its rotation angle to less than 90 degrees, gravity can be used as the driving force source for displacement from the initial position (standby position) to the operating position (lower position).

[0061] In the item supply device 1 of this embodiment, the dispensing unit 40 and the sold-out display unit 91 are designed as an integral structure mounted on the same shaft 81 and protruding in the same direction relative to the shaft 81, thereby simplifying the structure of the shaft 81 around the shaft.

[0062] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, the locking part 82, which extends in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the shaft 81 (the direction of intersection), is structured as follows: it is locked in the downward movement position (when there is an article P) of the locking protrusion 64 provided on the up-down moving pin 61, and the locking is released according to the upward movement position (when there is no article P). Therefore, the shaft 81 can be rotated in conjunction with the up-down movement of the up-down moving pin 61.

[0063] Therefore, the sending unit 40, which rotates according to the rotation of the shaft 81, can send a signal that there is no item P by rotating. Furthermore, the sold-out display unit 91, which rotates integrally with the sending unit 40, can rotate from a standby state position that cannot be visually confirmed from the outside of the main body 2 to a working position that can be visually confirmed from the outside of the main body 2, thereby displaying the sold-out status of item P. Moreover, the sending unit 40 is housed internally in a manner that prevents it from being visually confirmed from the outside of the storage unit 20 and the main body 2; therefore, the sending unit 40 is protected by the main body 2 and the storage unit 20.

[0064] The sold-out display unit 91 of the item supply device 1 in this embodiment is configured to descend by its own weight when the locking of the shaft 81 is released, so there is no need to provide a special power source to move the sold-out display unit 91.

[0065] Furthermore, in the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, the magnet provided in the sending section 40 is configured such that when the locking of the shaft 81 is released and it rotates, it can be attracted to the metal part provided in the main body section 2. Therefore, the rotation state of the shaft 81 can be maintained by the attraction force between the magnet and the metal part.

[0066] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, the up-down moving pin 61 is pressed against the article holding part 20b by the weight of the article P, overcoming the force of the compression coil spring 63. Therefore, since there is no article P, the up-down moving pin 61 is released and moves upward, making it easy to detect the absence of article P. In addition, the article holding part 20b stores the article P in a stacked and arranged state, so the weight of the article P can be reliably applied to the up-down moving pin 61, making article detection easy.

[0067] In the item supply device 1 of this embodiment, the supply unit 35, the up-and-down moving pin 61, the dispensing unit 40, and the sold-out display unit 91 are provided in the storage unit 20, thus simplifying the structure of the main body 2. Moreover, the storage unit 20 is configured to be detachable from the main body 2, thus making it easy to assemble and maintain the supply unit 35, the up-and-down moving pin 61, the dispensing unit 40, and the sold-out display unit 91.

[0068] In the item supply device 1 of this embodiment, the opening 20dh of the sold-out display section 91 protruding into the outer surface of the main body 2 is configured with a cross-sectional shape relative to the moving direction of the sold-out display section 91, which is made of a plate-like member. Therefore, the opening 20dh can be configured to be a slit shape with the minimum required size. As a result, the opening 20dh will not become a large opening 20dh, thus improving the dustproofness of the interior of the storage section 20 and the interior of the main body 2. In addition, it can prevent fingers from entering and ensure safety.

[0069] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention can be appropriately modified within the scope of its technical concept. For example, the structure of the article supply device 1 and the structure of the storage part 20 in the above embodiment are not limited by the figures. In addition, in the above embodiment, the structure is set such that the metal part 43 that is attracted (magnetically attracted) to the second member 42 of the sending part 40 is provided on the bottom wall part 20d of the storage part 20, but it is not limited to this. For example, the metal part 43 may be provided on the main body part 2, or the metal contained in the first member 41 may be used as the metal part 43.

[0070] The following matters are disclosed in this specification.

[0071] (1) A product supply device capable of supplying products, wherein...

[0072] The item supply device is equipped with:

[0073] Main body;

[0074] The storage department stores the aforementioned items.

[0075] The supply department supplies the aforementioned items stored in the aforementioned storage department;

[0076] The inspection department is responsible for detecting the presence or absence of the aforementioned items stored in the aforementioned storage area;

[0077] The sending unit sends a signal indicating that the aforementioned item is not stored in the aforementioned storage unit; and

[0078] The sold-out display section shows items that are not stored in the aforementioned storage section.

[0079] The aforementioned sending unit and the aforementioned sold-out display unit are configured to operate as a single unit in accordance with the aforementioned detection action of the aforementioned detection unit.

[0080] (2) The article supply device according to (1), wherein,

[0081] The aforementioned sending unit and the aforementioned sold-out display unit are configured to be rotatable.

[0082] (3) The article supply device according to (2), wherein,

[0083] The rotation angle of the aforementioned sending unit and the aforementioned sold-out display unit is configured to be less than 90 degrees.

[0084] (4) The article supply device according to (2) or (3), wherein,

[0085] The aforementioned sending unit and the aforementioned sold-out display unit are configured to rotate at the same angle.

[0086] (5) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein,

[0087] The aforementioned sending unit and the aforementioned sold-out display unit are supported by a shaft.

[0088] The aforementioned shaft portion supports the aforementioned sending unit and the aforementioned sold-out display unit in such a manner that the shaft portion faces the same direction.

[0089] (6) The article supply device according to (5), wherein,

[0090] The aforementioned shaft portion is provided with a locking part, which extends in a direction intersecting the axis of the shaft portion and is capable of locking with other components.

[0091] When the aforementioned locking part is not containing the aforementioned item in the aforementioned storage part, the aforementioned locking part releases its locking state from the aforementioned other components.

[0092] (7) The article supply device according to (6), wherein,

[0093] The aforementioned transmitting unit is configured to not transmit a signal indicating the absence of the aforementioned item when the aforementioned shaft is locked to the aforementioned other components by the aforementioned locking part, and to transmit a signal indicating the absence of the aforementioned item when the locking of the aforementioned shaft is released.

[0094] (8) The article supply device according to (6) or (7), wherein,

[0095] The aforementioned sold-out display is configured such that it cannot be visually confirmed from the outside of the main body when the aforementioned shaft is locked, and is configured such that it can be visually confirmed from the outside of the main body when the locking of the aforementioned shaft is released.

[0096] (9) The article supply device according to any one of (6) to (8), wherein,

[0097] The aforementioned sold-out display unit is configured to descend downwards by its own weight when the locking of the aforementioned shaft is released.

[0098] (10) The article supply device according to any one of (6) to (9), wherein,

[0099] The aforementioned transmitting unit includes a magnet configured to be able to adhere to a metal portion provided on the aforementioned main body when the locking of the aforementioned shaft portion is released.

[0100] (11) The article supply device according to any one of (6) to (10), wherein,

[0101] The aforementioned transmitting unit is configured such that it cannot be visually confirmed from the outside of the aforementioned main body in both the locked and unlocked states of the aforementioned shaft.

[0102] (12) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein,

[0103] The detection unit is configured to protrude into the storage compartment. When the storage compartment contains the item, the detection unit is maintained in a submerged state by the weight of the item within the storage compartment.

[0104] (13) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein,

[0105] The aforementioned supply department, testing department, shipping department, and sold-out display department are located in the aforementioned storage department.

[0106] (14) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein,

[0107] The aforementioned storage section is configured to be detachable from the aforementioned main body.

[0108] (15) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein,

[0109] The aforementioned storage unit is configured to store the aforementioned items in an arranged manner.

[0110] (16) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein,

[0111] The aforementioned storage section has an opening at its bottom that allows the aforementioned sold-out display section to protrude and be inserted.

[0112] (17) The article supply device according to (16), wherein,

[0113] The opening described above has a shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the sold-out display section.

Claims

1. An article supply device capable of supplying an article, wherein the article supply device comprises: a main body portion; a storage portion that stores the article; a supply portion that supplies the article stored in the storage portion; a detection portion that detects the presence or absence of the article stored in the storage portion; a transmission portion that transmits a signal indicating the absence of the article in the storage portion; and a sold-out display portion that displays the absence of the article in the storage portion, the transmission portion and the sold-out display portion are supported by a shaft portion and configured to move integrally in response to the detection by the detection portion, and the shaft portion supports the transmission portion and the sold-out display portion in such a manner that the transmission portion and the sold-out display portion are directed in the same direction.

2. The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein the transmission portion and the sold-out display portion are configured to be rotatable.

3. The article supply device according to claim 2, wherein the angle of the rotational movement of the transmission portion and the sold-out display portion is configured to be less than 90 degrees.

4. The article supply device according to claim 2, wherein the transmission portion and the sold-out display portion are configured to be rotatable by the same angle.

5. The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein a locking portion that extends in a direction intersecting the axis of the shaft portion and is capable of being locked with another member is provided in the shaft portion, and the locking portion releases the locked state with the other member when the article is not stored in the storage portion.

6. The article supply device according to claim 5, wherein the transmission portion is configured not to transmit the signal indicating the absence of the article in the state where the locking portion is locked with the other member in the shaft portion, and to transmit the signal indicating the absence of the article in the state where the locking of the shaft portion is released.

7. The article supply device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the sold-out display portion is configured to be visually unrecognizable from the outside of the main body portion in the state where the shaft portion is locked, and to be visually recognizable from the outside of the main body portion in the state where the locking of the shaft portion is released.

8. The article supply device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the sold-out display portion is configured to be capable of descending downward by its own weight in the state where the locking of the shaft portion is released.

9. The article supply device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the transmission portion includes a magnet configured to be capable of being attracted to a metal portion provided in the main body portion in the state where the locking of the shaft portion is released.

10. The article supply device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the transmission portion is configured to be visually unrecognizable from the outside of the main body portion in the locked state and the released state of the locking of the shaft portion.

11. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detection portion is configured to be capable of protruding into the storage portion, and the detection portion is maintained in the protruding state by the weight of the article in the storage portion in the state where the article is stored in the storage portion. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 12. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the supply section, the detection section, the transmission section, and the sold-out display section are provided to the housing section.

13. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing section is configured to be detachable with respect to the main body section.

14. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing section is configured to house the articles in an aligned state.

15. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing section is formed with an opening in a bottom portion thereof, through which the sold-out display section is able to protrude and be immersed.

16. The article supply device according to claim 15, wherein the opening is configured to have a shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the sold-out display section.

Images