Material supply device

Abstract

To provide an article supply device which can supply different types of articles.SOLUTION: The article supply device includes: a plurality of first storage units provided in the body, the first storage units being capable of storing a first type of article; a second storage unit provided in the body, the second storage unit being capable of storing a second type of article; a supply control unit for selecting one of the first storage units on the condition that the payment for the price of the first type of article has been detected; a supply control unit for controlling supply of the first type of article from the selected first storage unit and controlling supply of the second type of article from the second storage unit on the condition that the payment for the price of the second type of article has been detected; a first supply port for supplying a first type of article; a second supply port for supplying a second type of article; and a first guide unit for guiding a first type of article which was supplied from the first storage unit and has dropped due to its own weight, to the first supply port. Each first storage unit stores first type of articles with one of a plurality of rarities. The first guide unit has a practically reverse trapezoidal shape in the direction from the first storage unit to the first supply port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been an article supply device that supplies capsule articles to a product supply port by inserting a predetermined coin into a coin insertion slot and rotating an operation handle (supply operation) (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there are a plurality of types of articles that are products, and in one article supply device, an article supply device capable of supplying a plurality of types of articles has been desired. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an article supply device capable of supplying a plurality of types of articles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is an article supply device including a main body portion, a first storage portion provided in the main body portion and capable of storing articles of a first type, a second storage portion provided in the main body portion and capable of storing articles of a second type, a supply control portion that controls the first storage portion and the second storage portion and controls the supply of the articles of the first type and the articles of the second type, a first supply port that supplies the articles of the first type, and a second supply port that supplies the articles of the second type.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an article supply device comprising: a main body; a first storage section provided within the main body for storing and supplying articles of a first type; a second storage section provided within the main body for storing and supplying articles of a second type; a supply control unit for controlling the first and second storage sections and controlling the supply of articles of the first and second types; a first supply port provided in the height direction within the main body at a position lower than the first storage section for supplying articles of the first type; a second supply port provided at a position opposite the second storage section for supplying articles of the second type; a first guide section for guiding articles of the first type supplied from the first storage section and falling due to their own weight to the first supply port; and a second guide section for guiding articles of the second type supplied horizontally from the second storage section to the second supply port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The article supply device of the present invention can supply multiple types of articles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article supply device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the main body 2 of the article supply device 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the articles supplied from the article supply device 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary card dispenser. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the back of the opening / closing door 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing cross-sections of the guide sections 14 and 15. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the article supply device 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the item supply device 1. [Figure 9]Figure 9 shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the operation display unit 4. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the seal C being supplied to the second supply port 6, as viewed from the top of the main unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <Embodiments of the present invention> Embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article supply device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The article supply device 1 comprises a main body 2, an opening / closing door 3, an operation display unit 4, a first supply port 5, a second supply port 6, and a panel unit 7 including a coin slot, a return lever, and a coin return port.

[0011] The main body 2 is the main body that supplies articles, and the articles supplied are, for example, thin articles such as cards and stickers, toys contained in divisible spherical capsules, and so-called candy toys. In this embodiment, the main body 2 is capable of supplying both a first type of article and a second type of article.

[0012] The main body 2 is provided with an opening / closing door 3. The opening / closing door 3 opens and closes the front opening of the main body 2. The opening / closing door 3 is provided with an operation display section 4, a first supply port 5, a second supply port 6, a coin slot, a return lever, and a panel section 7 including a coin return port.

[0013] The operation display unit 4 is a touch panel that includes a display unit capable of displaying images. The display unit can display images of item information such as the name and price of the items that can be supplied, as well as various other information. By touching (selecting) the area of ​​item information displayed on the operation display unit 4, the user can select the item to purchase. Furthermore, the operation display unit 4 is located on the front of the item supply device 1 so that the items stored in the main unit 2 are not visible to the user (item purchaser).

[0014] The first supply port 5 is an opening for receiving the items purchased by the user and is the supply port for items of the first type. The second supply port 6 is an opening for receiving the items purchased by the user and is the supply port for items of the second type. The first supply port 5 is formed above the second supply port 6 in the height direction of the main body portion 2. Also, the second supply port 6 has a longer lateral length than the first supply port 5 and a shorter height direction length. This is due to the sizes of the items supplied to the respective supply ports.

[0015] The panel portion 7 includes a coin insertion slot, a return lever, and a coin return opening. The coin insertion slot is an opening for receiving coins. The return lever is operated when returning money. The coin return opening is the part where the returned coins and change are paid out.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the opening and closing door 3 includes a flat portion and a recess below the flat portion. The operation display portion 4 and the panel portion 7 are provided on the flat portion, and the first supply port 5 and the second supply port 6 are provided in the recess. Note that the relationship between the flat portion and the recess will be described later.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the main body portion 2 of the article supply device 1. Inside the main body portion 2, at least a plurality of first stepped portions 10 and one second stepped portion 11 are provided. The first stepped portion 10 is provided at a position higher than the second stepped portion 11. Three first storage portions 121 to 123 for storing items of the first type are arranged in the upper first stepped portion 10, and three first storage portions 124 to 126 for storing items of the first type are arranged in the lower first stepped portion 10. Here, the first storage portions 121 to 126 arranged in the first stepped portion 10 are arranged at positions higher than the first supply port 5.

[0018] Two second storage portions 131 and 132 are arranged in the second stepped portion 11. Here, the two second storage portions 131 and 132 are arranged at positions facing the second supply port 6 in the horizontal direction. And the positions where the second storage portions 131 and 132 are arranged are arranged at positions lower than the first storage portions 121 to 126 in the height direction of the main body 2.

[0019] Next, the items supplied from the item supply device 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the items supplied from the item supply device 1. In this embodiment, the items supplied from the item supply device 1 are card A, card pack B containing multiple card A cards packaged together, sticker C, and clear file D. Card A is not packaged, and card pack B contains a mix of card A cards of multiple rarities, as will be described later. Card A may also be packaged.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the vertical length of card A is p and the horizontal length is q. The vertical length of package pack B is n and the horizontal length is r. The vertical length of seal C is m and the horizontal length is s. The vertical length of clear file D is l and the horizontal length is t. The relationships between the lengths are l>m>n>p and t>s>r>q. Also, from the relationship between the vertical and horizontal lengths of each item, the size of the items is clear file D>seal C>card pack B>card A. The types of items supplied from the item supply device 1 are distinguished into first-type items and second-type items according to the item supply route described later. In this embodiment, card A and card pack B are first-type items, and seal C and clear file D are second-type items.

[0021] Of the first storage sections 121 to 126, the first storage sections 121 to 124 and the first storage section 126 have a mechanism for storing multiple cards A and supplying one card A. The first storage section 125 has a mechanism for storing multiple card packs B and supplying one card pack B. The second storage section 131 has a mechanism for storing multiple clear files D and supplying one clear file D. The second storage section 132 has a mechanism for storing multiple seals C and supplying one seal C. A typical mechanism for storing and supplying these thin-shaped items is a card supply device (card dispenser). Hereinafter in this embodiment, the first storage section 12 will be referred to as card dispenser 12, and the second storage section 13 will be referred to as card dispenser 13.

[0022] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary card dispenser. Any type of card dispenser can be used. In the example in Figure 4, a storage section 30 is provided at the top of the card dispenser. The storage section 30 can store multiple cards, packages, stickers, clear files, etc. stacked together. When refilling, cards, packages, stickers, clear files, etc. can be added to the storage section 30 by stacking them from the open top. The card dispenser is supplied in the direction of arrow C in the figure by the rotation of the dispensing rollers 32 and 33 by the motor 31. In this embodiment, multiple card dispensers 121 to 126, 131 and 132 are installed. By installing multiple card dispensers 121 to 126, 131 and 132, more types of items can be stored and supplied within the main body 2 than when only one unit is installed as in the conventional method.

[0023] Furthermore, card dispensers 121-126 and 131-132 are detachably mounted on slide rails provided in the first and second stages 10 and 11, respectively. In addition, card dispensers 121-126 and 131-132 are configured to move forward on the slide rails when replenishing items. This configuration makes it easy to replenish items to card dispensers 121-126 and 131-132.

[0024] Guide sections 14 and 15 are provided on the opening / closing door 3. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the back of the opening / closing door 3. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-section of the guide sections 14 and 15. Guide section 14 has a guide path 20 that guides cards A or card pack B supplied from card dispensers 121 to 126 to the first supply port 5. Guide section 15 has a guide path 21 that guides seals C or clear files D supplied from card dispensers 131 and 132 to the second supply port 6.

[0025] The guide section 14 has an input slot 16 for cards A supplied from card dispensers 121-123 located in the upper first stage section 10, and an input slot 17 for cards A or card pack B supplied from card dispensers 124-126 located in the lower first stage section 10. The longitudinal length of the input slots 16 and 17 of the guide section 14 is formed to be longer than the supply positions of the items supplied from the card dispensers located at both ends. The card dispensers 121-126 push out cards A or card pack B, so that cards A or card pack B fall into the guide path 20 by their own weight from the input slots 16 and 17.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the guidance path 20 has an inverted trapezoidal shape from the input port 16 toward the input port 17 and the first supply port 5, and is formed to be longer than the longitudinal length of at least the input ports 16 and 17. The bottom of the guidance path 20 is configured to be the same size as the first supply port 5. In this way, the width of the first supply port can be made shorter than the total width of the multiple card dispensers 121 to 126 arranged in each first stage section 10. The size of the first supply port 5 is such that the longitudinal (horizontal) and height directions of the first supply port 5 are long enough to allow the removal of card A and card pack B.

[0027] The depth x of the main body 2 as viewed from the front side in the guidance path 20 is formed to be longer than the length of the long side n of the card pack B. This is because if the depth x is shorter than the long side n, the card pack B may get stuck inside the guidance path 20 of the guide section 14.

[0028] When a user purchases card A or card pack B, the rollers 32 and 33 of one of the card dispensers 121 to 126 rotate, and one card A or card pack B is pushed horizontally to the right-angle wall of the guide path 20. The pushed-out card A or card pack B falls onto the guide path 20 from the wall due to its own weight. The fallen card A or card pack B falls to the position of the first supply port 5. Card A supplied from the card dispensers 121 to 123 located in the upper first stage section 10 has a long fall distance, so a return 22 is provided in the guide path 20 to control the falling speed. Card A supplied from the card dispensers 121 to 123 located in the upper first stage section 10 has its falling speed adjusted by the return 22 and reaches the position of the first supply port 5.

[0029] On the other hand, the guide section 15 is a guide path 21 that guides the seal C or clear file D supplied from the card dispensers 131 and 132 to the second supply port 6. The upper surface of the guide section 15 is formed to be substantially flush with the lower surface of the seal C or clear file D supplied from the card dispensers 131 and 132. The length of the guide section 15 in the longitudinal direction (lateral direction) as viewed from the front side of the main body 2 is formed to be at least longer than the sum of the lateral length s of the seal C and the lateral length t of the clear file D. The length of the guide path 21 of the guide section 15 is formed to be shorter than the longitudinal length m of the seal C. The longitudinal direction (lateral direction) of the second supply port 6 is the same as or longer than the longitudinal direction (lateral direction) of the guide section 15. The height of the second supply port 6 is longer than the thickness of the supplied seal C or clear file D.

[0030] When a user purchases a sticker C or a clear file D, the rollers 32 and 33 of either card dispenser 131 or 132 rotate, and one sticker C or clear file D is supplied horizontally. The supplied sticker C or clear file D moves horizontally along the upper surface of the guide section 15, through the guide path 21, toward the second supply port 6. The supplied sticker C or clear file D then emerges from the second supply port 6 and becomes available for the user to take.

[0031] Next, the functional operation of the article supply device 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the item supply device 1. As shown in Figure 7, the item supply device 1 includes first-type card dispensers 121 to 126, second-type card dispensers 131 and 132, a price detection unit 100, an operation display unit 4, a display control unit 102, and an item supply control unit 103.

[0032] The first type of card dispensers 121-124 and 126 store card A and, in accordance with the instructions of the item supply control unit 103, supply one card A. In this embodiment, card A is a card with multiple rarities. For example, the rarities are normal and rare. Of the first type of card dispensers 121-124 and 126, the first type of card dispensers 121-124 store normal card A, and the first type of card dispenser 126 stores rare card A. When the user chooses to purchase card A, the item supply control unit 103 conducts a lottery and selects one of the first type of card dispensers 121-124 and 126, and instructs that first type of card dispenser to supply card A, and the card dispenser that receives the instruction supplies card A. The first type of card dispenser 125 houses card packs B and dispenses one card pack B according to the instructions of the item supply control unit 103.

[0033] The card dispenser 131 houses the seals C and supplies one seal C to the article supply control unit 103 upon instruction.

[0034] The card dispenser 132 holds the clear files D and supplies one clear file D to the item supply control unit 103 upon instruction.

[0035] The payment detection unit 100 detects the number of coins inserted and transmits this information to the item supply control unit 103. It also dispenses the coins according to instructions from the item supply control unit 103. Furthermore, the payment detection unit 100 has a money identification function that identifies the authenticity and denomination of the coins.

[0036] The operation display unit 4 is a touch panel. The display control unit 102 displays item information (item name, price, item image, etc.) of the items to be supplied on the touch panel's display (display unit), allowing the user to select the items to be supplied by touch operation. The operation display unit 4 outputs an operation input signal to the item supply control unit 103 in response to the operation input. The operation input signal includes information that identifies the selected item.

[0037] The display control unit 102 displays an operation screen on the operation display unit 4 that includes item information (item name, price, image of the item, etc.) of the item to be supplied.

[0038] The item supply control unit 103 receives information from the operation display unit 4, such as the selection of an item, and the price detection unit 100, and instructs the first-type card dispensers 121-126 and the second-type card dispensers 131 and 132 to supply items. If the user selects to purchase card A, the item supply control unit 103 conducts a lottery to select one of the first-type card dispensers 121-124 and 126. The lottery is conducted in such a way that the first-type card dispensers 121-126 are selected uniformly. With such probabilities, the probability of receiving a rare card becomes 1 / 6, increasing the rarity of the rare card. In addition, since card A is supplied uniformly from the first-type card dispensers 121-126, it is possible to prevent a situation where only a specific card dispenser runs out of stock, and as a result, maintenance work such as replenishing cards can be reduced.

[0039] The operation of the article supply device 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the article supply device 1.

[0040] First, when the item supply device 1 is started, the display control unit 102 displays an operation screen on the operation display unit 4 (Step 100). Figure 9 shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the operation display unit 4. As shown in Figure 9, the operation screen displays selection buttons for card A, card pack B, sticker C, and clear file D.

[0041] When the price of an item is detected and the user touches the operation display unit 4 (Step 101), the operation display unit 4 notifies the item supply control unit 103 of the selected item. The item supply control unit 103 then determines whether the price detection unit 100 has detected the price of the selected item (Step 102).

[0042] When the settlement is complete, the item supply control unit 103 determines whether the selected item is a first-type item (Step 103). In this embodiment, card A and card pack B are first-type items. The item supply control unit 103 determines whether the selected item is a first-type item and whether a lottery process is required (Step 104).

[0043] If the selected item is card A, the item supply control unit 103 executes the lottery process described above and determines which card dispenser will supply card A (Step 105). The item supply control unit 103 gives a supply instruction for card A to the card dispenser determined by the lottery (Step 106). On the other hand, if card pack B, which does not require a lottery process, is selected, the item supply control unit 103 gives a supply instruction for card pack B to the card dispenser 125 (Step 106).

[0044] Upon receiving a supply instruction, the first type of card dispenser 121-126 supplies one card A or card pack B (Step 107). The supplied card A or card pack B is then supplied to the first supply port 5 via the guide section 14 (Step 108).

[0045] On the other hand, if the selected item is not of the first type (in this example, seal C or clear file D), the item supply control unit 103 gives a supply instruction to the card dispenser 131 or 132 corresponding to the selected item (Step 109).

[0046] Upon receiving a supply order, the second type of card dispenser, card dispenser 131 or 132, supplies one seal C or clear file D (Step 110). The supplied seal C or clear file D is then supplied to the second supply port 6 via the guide section 15 (Step 111). Figure 10 shows the seal C being supplied to the second supply port 6, as viewed from the top of the main unit. As shown in Figure 10, the second type of item, seal C, is supplied horizontally from the second supply port 6. In this manner, the article supply device 1 supplies articles of the first type and articles of the second type.

[0047] In this embodiment, the article supply device 1 is provided with two supply ports (a first supply port and a second supply port), and by providing different paths for guiding articles to each supply port, it is possible to supply two types of articles of significantly different sizes. The two types of articles are a first type of article (card A or card pack B) guided to the first supply port 5 by the guide unit 14, and a second type of article (sticker C or clear file D) guided to the second supply port 6 by the guide unit 15.

[0048] By configuring it in this way, even when supplying Type 2 items which are larger in size than Type 1 items, it is possible to prevent the depth of the item supply device 1 from increasing. For example, if a method of supplying Type 2 items (seal C or clear file D) to the supply opening by dropping them, similar to Card X, were adopted, the depth x of the guide path 20 would have to be at least longer than the longitudinal length l of the clear file D. This would increase the depth of the item supply device 1. On the other hand, if supplying Type 1 items (card A or card pack B) were to be done by horizontal movement, similar to Type 2 items (seal C or clear file D), then supply openings would have to be provided at positions corresponding to all the tiers where the card dispenser is located, which is impractical.

[0049] Thus, the article supply device 1 in this embodiment is provided with two supply ports (a first supply port and a second supply port), and by providing different paths for guiding articles to each supply port, the article supply device 1 is prevented from becoming too large and can supply multiple types of articles. Furthermore, for the first type of article (card A or card pack B), the number of types of first type articles that can be supplied can be increased by providing multiple tiers in the height direction and multiple storage devices (card dispensers). On the other hand, the second type of article (sticker C or clear file D) is supplied horizontally, which prevents damage to the article due to bending, etc., and allows for the supply of larger second type articles (sticker C or clear file D).

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example was described in which the first storage section (card dispensers 121-126) is positioned above the second storage section (card dispensers 131, 132) in the height direction within the main body 2. This is because providing a second supply port for second-type items at a lower position than the first supply port for first-type items allows for the provision of multiple first-stage sections where the first storage section is located. Also, if multiple first-stage sections are provided, the second supply port would be at a higher position, making it difficult for the user to take the horizontally supplied second-type items, and also limiting the position where the operation display unit can be placed. However, this is not limited to this, and the second supply port for second-type items may be positioned higher than the first supply port for first-type items. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, by placing the operation display unit on the flat part of the opening and closing door and providing the first and second supply ports in the recess below, space for installing the operation display unit can be secured, and the first supply port can be placed almost directly below the guide unit, thereby reducing the amount of horizontal movement of the second type of article to the second supply port.

[0051] <Modified examples of the present invention> In the embodiments of the present invention, the case in which the first storage unit is a card dispenser 121-126 has been described. However, the first storage unit does not necessarily have to be a card dispenser. For example, it is sufficient if it can store capsules containing toys and, according to the instructions of the item supply control unit 103, supply one capsule to the guidance path 20 of the guide unit 14. In this case, the depth x of the guidance path 20 of the guide unit 14 is ensured to be long enough for the capsule to pass through.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

[0053] Furthermore, some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0054] [Note 1] The main body and A first storage section is provided within the main body and capable of accommodating articles of a first type, A second storage section is provided within the main body and capable of accommodating a second type of article, A supply control unit that controls the first storage unit and the second storage unit, and controls the supply of the first type of article and the second type of article, A first supply port for supplying the first type of article, A second supply port for supplying the second type of article, An article supply device equipped with the following features.

[0055] [Note 2] The first container allows the contained articles of the first type to fall by their own weight and supply them to the first supply port. The second storage section moves the second type of article stored therein horizontally and supplies it to the second supply port. The article supply device described in Appendix 1.

[0056] [Note 3] The first housing section is positioned higher than the first supply port in the height direction within the main body. The second housing section is positioned in the horizontal direction opposite to the second supply port. The article supply device described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0057] [Note 4] The first storage compartment is capable of accommodating a first-size article of a thin shape as the first type of article, The second storage compartment is capable of accommodating a second type of article, which is a second size article with a thinner shape and larger than the first size article. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3.

[0058] [Note 5] The first storage compartment stores, as articles of the first size, at least one of packaged articles and unpackaged articles. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4.

[0059] [Note 6] The first housing section is positioned above the second housing section in the height direction within the main body. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5.

[0060] [Note 7] The first supply port is formed above the second supply port in the height direction within the main body. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6.

[0061] [Note 8] The main body portion is provided with at least a first stage portion and a second stage portion. The first stage is provided at a higher position than the second stage. The first housing section is provided on the upper surface of the first step section, The second storage section is located on the upper surface of the second tier, An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7.

[0062] [Note 9] The aforementioned first stage is multiple, The second section above is singular, The number of the first storage compartments is greater than the number of the second storage compartments. The article supply device described in Appendix 8.

[0063] [Note 10] Multiple first housing sections are arranged on the upper surface of the first stage section. At least one of the second housing sections is provided on the upper surface of the second tier. The article supply device described in Appendix 8 or Appendix 9.

[0064] [Note 11] The first housing section is configured to be detachable from and slidable from the first step section. The second housing section is configured to be detachable from and slidable from the second stage section. An article supply device as described in any of the appendices 8 to 10.

[0065] [Note 12] The main body is equipped with a door that can be opened and closed, The display unit and the detection unit are provided in the door unit. The first supply port and the second supply port are formed in the door portion. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 11.

[0066] [Note 13] The aforementioned door section is A first guide section that guides the first type of article supplied from the first storage section to the first supply port, A second guide section that guides the second type of article supplied from the second storage section to the second supply port, An article supply device as described in Appendix 11, comprising the following features.

[0067] [Note 14] A display unit that displays an item selection screen on which the aforementioned items can be selected, A detection unit for detecting payment of the price of the aforementioned goods, Equipped with, The supply control unit controls the supply of the item selected on the item selection screen, conditional on the detection of payment of the price. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 13.

[0068] [Note 15] The front surface of the main body includes a flat portion and a recess below the flat portion. A display portion is provided on the flat portion, The first supply port and the second supply port are formed in the recess. The article supply device described in Appendix 14.

[0069] [Note 16] The first storage section is configured to store articles of the first type in a stacked state, with its top open, and to allow for replenishment of articles of the first type from the top. The second storage section is configured to store the second type of articles in a stacked state, with its top open, allowing for replenishment of the second type of articles from the top. An article supply device as described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 15.

[0070] [Note 17] The first supply port is formed to be longer in the height direction than the second supply port. An article supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 16.

[0071] [Note 18] The main body and A first storage section is provided within the main body, which is capable of storing and supplying articles of the first type, A second storage section is provided within the main body and is capable of storing and supplying articles of the second type, A supply control unit that controls the first storage unit and the second storage unit, and controls the supply of the first type of article and the second type of article, Within the main body, a first supply port is provided at a position lower than the first storage section in the height direction, for supplying the first type of article, A second supply port is provided in a position opposite to the second storage section for supplying the second type of article, A first guide unit that guides the first type of article, which is supplied from the first storage unit and falls due to its own weight, to the first supply port, A second guide unit guides the second type of article supplied horizontally from the second storage unit to the second supply port, An article supply device equipped with the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 1 Goods supply device 2 Main body 3. Opening and closing doors 4 Operation display section 5 1st supply port 6 2nd supply port 7 Panel section 10. First section 11. Second Section 121-126 First containment section 131,132 Second Detention Unit 14,15 Guide section 16,17 Inlet 20 Guidance paths 100 Price detection unit 102 Display Control Unit 103 Article Supply Control Unit

Claims

1. The main body and, The main body comprises a plurality of first storage compartments capable of storing and supplying articles of the first type, A second storage section is provided within the main body and is capable of storing and supplying articles of the second type, A supply control unit that controls the first storage unit and the second storage unit, and controls the supply of the first type of article and the second type of article, Within the main body, a first supply port is provided at a position lower than the first storage section in the height direction, for supplying the first type of article, A second supply port is provided in a position opposite to the second storage section for supplying the second type of article, The first guide section has a substantially inverted trapezoidal shape from the first storage section side toward the first supply port side, and guides the first type of article supplied from the first storage section and falling due to its own weight to the first supply port, A second guide unit guides the second type of article supplied horizontally from the second storage unit to the second supply port, An article supply device equipped with the following features.

2. The first storage section is capable of storing a first-size article of a thin shape as the first type of article, The second storage compartment is capable of accommodating a second type of article, which is a second size article with a thinner shape and larger than the first size article. The article supply device according to claim 1.

3. The first housing section is located above the second housing section in the height direction within the main body section. The article supply device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The first supply port is formed above the second supply port in the height direction within the main body, The article supply device according to claim 3.

5. The main body portion is provided with at least a first stage portion and a second stage portion, The first stage is provided at a higher position than the second stage. The first housing section is provided on the upper surface of the first step section, The second housing section is located on the upper surface of the second tier, The article supply device according to claim 3.

6. The first stage portion is a plurality of, The second section is singular, The number of the first storage compartments is greater than the number of the second storage compartments. The article supply device according to claim 5.

7. The front surface of the main body includes a flat portion and a recess below the flat portion, The flat portion is provided with a display section for displaying information relating to the first type of article and the second type of article. The first supply port and the second supply port are formed in the recess. The article supply device according to claim 3.

8. The first supply port is formed to be longer in the height direction than the second supply port. The article supply device according to claim 3.

Images