Retention device and article supply device

Abstract

The present invention provides a coin holding device and an article supply device having a mechanism for processing and supplying articles with multiple coins inserted through multiple insertion ports. A holding device capable of holding the inserted coins, wherein the holding device includes: a first opening for inserting the coins; a second opening for inserting the coins; a first passage portion through which the coins inserted through the first opening can pass; a second passage portion through which the coins inserted through the second opening can pass; a first holding portion capable of holding the coins that have passed through the first passage portion; and a second holding portion capable of holding the coins that have passed through the second passage portion, the first passage portion and the second passage portion are arranged opposite to each other, and the first holding portion and the second holding portion are arranged opposite to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding device and an article supply device. Background Art

[0002] There is an article supply device that supplies articles according to payment of a price. Patent Document 1 discloses an article supply device that can make a payment of a price by inserting coins.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-27226 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In an article supply device, a mechanism is required for processing multiple coins inserted from multiple insertion ports and supplying articles.

[0008] Accordingly, provided is a coin holding device having a mechanism for processing multiple coins inserted from multiple insertion ports and supplying articles, and an article supply device equipped with the holding device.

[0009] Solutions to the Problems

[0010] The present invention is a holding device that can hold inserted coins, and the holding device includes: a first opening through which the coins are inserted; a second opening through which the coins are inserted; a first passage portion through which the coins inserted from the first opening can pass; a second passage portion through which the coins inserted from the second opening can pass; a first holding portion that can hold the coins that have passed through the first passage portion; and a second holding portion that can hold the coins that have passed through the second passage portion, the first passage portion and the second passage portion are provided opposite to each other, and the first holding portion and the second holding portion are provided opposite to each other.

[0011] The present invention is an article supply device that can supply articles, and the article supply device includes: the above-described holding device that can hold coins inserted into the article supply device; a storage portion that stores the articles; and a fourth operation portion, and by operating the fourth operation portion, the articles stored in the storage portion are supplied, and the first holding portion and the second holding portion are configured such that, according to the operation of the fourth operation portion, the lower sides of each other can move away from each other.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] A coin holding device capable of providing a mechanism for processing and supplying articles with multiple coins inserted through multiple inlets, and an article supply device equipped with the holding device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 FIG. is an example showing the appearance of the article supply device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 FIG. is an example showing the hardware structure of the holding device 102 according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 FIG. is an example showing the appearance of the holding mechanism 300 according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 FIG. is an example for explaining the structure of the holding part according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 FIG. is an example for explaining the external structure of the holding part according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 FIG. is an example showing the external structure of the discrimination part 310 according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 FIG. is an example showing the structure of the mounting part 311 of the discrimination part 310 in the holding mechanism 300 according to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 FIG. is an example showing the external structure of the discrimination part 310 according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 FIG. is an example showing the internal structure of the discrimination part 310 according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 FIG. is for explaining the transmission mechanism for transmitting power corresponding to the operation performed on the handle 103 according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the following embodiments do not limit the invention described in the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are necessarily required for the invention. Two or more of the multiple features described in the embodiments can also be arbitrarily combined. In addition, the same or similar structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0025] Next, with reference to Figure 1, the external structure of the article supply device 100 will be described. Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of the front external appearance of the article supply device 100 corresponding to the embodiment. In Figure 1 , the main body of the article supply device 100 is composed of a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls, and the article storage section 101 is a storage container (or bucket, box, etc.) for storing articles supplied by the article supply device 100. It is also possible that the article storage section 101 is made of transparent plastic and is configured to enable visual recognition of the articles stored inside from the outside. The articles are, for example, toys, electronic devices, dolls, etc., enclosed in capsules and stored in the article storage section 101. Alternatively, they may be stored without being enclosed in capsules.

[0026] The article storage section 101 is provided above the holding device 102, and an article conveying mechanism for taking out articles from the article storage section 101 and conveying them to the outlet 105 is arranged inside the holding device 102. A handle 103, an insertion port 104, an outlet 105, a return port 106, and a return button 107 are arranged on the front surface of the holding device 102. It is also possible to arrange a display 108 composed of a liquid crystal display panel or the like in at least one of the article storage section 101 and the holding device 102.

[0027] The handle 103 is an operation member configured to be rotatable in the arrow direction according to the payment of the price. By the user rotating the handle 103, articles are supplied to the outlet 105. For example, in a state where it is impossible to confirm the payment of the price with a specified number of coins, the rotation of the handle 103 is restricted by a locking mechanism, and when the payment of the price is confirmed, the locking mechanism is released and the handle 103 can be rotated.

[0028] The coin insertion port 104 is used for inserting coins when paying the price with coins, and may be multiple types of insertion ports according to the size and number of coins. Coins are configured as substantially disc-shaped articles having a specified thickness, and in addition to currency and metal coins, they also include coins, tokens, and medals that replace monetary value. The insertion port 104 has a first insertion port 104A and a second insertion port 104B. The first insertion port 104A and the second insertion port 104B are respectively preset with the number of coins that can be inserted. In this embodiment, when the total number of coins inserted into the two insertion ports reaches the preset specified number, the handle 103 can be rotated.

[0029] When inserting multiple coins, it is also possible to make the width or length of the opening of the insertion port with a larger number of inserted coins larger. Thus, when the number of coins inserted into each insertion port is different, it is possible to visually identify the insertion port with a larger number of inserted coins. In Figure 1In this case, the width of the second coin insertion slot 104B is greater than the width of the first coin insertion slot 104A, indicating that the second coin insertion slot 104B is for inserting a larger number of coins. Instead of increasing the width, the length can also be increased.

[0030] In addition, the coin insertion slot 104 can be switched between a state of accepting coin insertion and a state of not accepting coin insertion by controlling an internal mechanism. For example, when the amount of coins equivalent to the price has been inserted or when it is not the step of inserting coins, the opening / closing device of the coin insertion slot can be closed to not accept coin insertion. Specifically, when the first coin insertion slot 104A accepts coin insertion, the opening / closing device of the second coin insertion slot 104B is closed to not accept coin insertion. Moreover, after a specified number of coins have been inserted from the first coin insertion slot 104A, the first coin insertion slot 104A is closed by the opening / closing device, and the opening / closing device of the second coin insertion slot 104B is opened to enable insertion. When the remaining number of coins has been inserted from the second coin insertion slot 104B, the opening / closing device of the second coin insertion slot 104B is closed again, and it can be set to not accept the insertion of the remaining coins.

[0031] A concave portion including a curved surface is formed in the coin insertion slot 104, and the coin insertion slot is provided near the bottom (the deepest part) of the concave portion. Thus, even a small child can easily insert a coin into the coin insertion slot 104 by sliding along the curved surface and groping.

[0032] The takeout port 105 is a part for taking out the supplied item by rotating the handle 103. The takeout port 105 is covered with a transparent or translucent cover, and the cover can be opened to take out the item. The coin return port 106 is configured to return the inserted coins according to the operation of the return button 107, and the returned coins can be taken out from the device. Here, it can also be set that the operation of the return button 107 is not accepted when the number of coins equivalent to the price of the item has been inserted. On the other hand, it can also be that the operation of the return button 107 is accepted when the number of coins equivalent to a part of the price of the item has been inserted, and when the operation is received, all the inserted coins are returned. In addition, it can also be that the operation of the return button 107 is accepted when the number of coins exceeding the price of the item has been inserted, and when the operation is received, a part or all of the inserted coins are returned. At this time, a part of the returned inserted coins can be set as the excess part.

[0033] In addition, when it is determined that the appropriate coins have not been inserted as a result of coin discrimination, the coin to be discriminated is returned from the return port 106. For example, when specific coins other than metallic currency are to be used, if a metallic currency is inserted, it is set as not an appropriate coin and returned. In addition, when a counterfeit coin or the like is inserted, it is also set as not an appropriate coin and returned.

[0034] Next, with reference to Figure 2 , an example of the hardware structure of at least a part of the holding device 102 of the article supply device 100 corresponding to the embodiment will be described. In Figure 2 , a control unit 201 is arranged in the holding device 102, and various modules described later are connected to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 controls the operations of the various modules, and based on the data (or information) provided by the module itself, or based on the processing result of the data, controls the operation of the module or other modules. In addition, power for operation is supplied from an external power source 210 to the holding device 102.

[0035] The discrimination unit 202 discriminates the coins supplied to the holding device 102, and discharges the coins after discrimination through the paths inside the article supply device 100 respectively associated with the coin insertion ports 104A and 104B. In addition, when the discrimination unit 202 detects a coin, it sends a detection notification to the control unit 201. This detection notification may also be sent when it is determined that the coin is an appropriate coin. When the discrimination unit 202 performs authenticity detection of the coin, if a counterfeit coin is detected, the coin is directly discharged to the return port 106. When the discrimination unit 202 performs authenticity detection of the coin, it notifies the control unit 201 of the detection result.

[0036] When the control unit 201 receives a detection notification from the discrimination unit 202, the control unit 201 counts the number of inserted coins by counting the number of times the detection notification is received or the number of times a genuine coin is detected in the authenticity detection. Here, when the discrimination unit 202 is removed from the holding device 102, the control unit 201 cannot obtain the detection notification, and thus the control unit 201 cannot count the number of inserted coins. When the number of coins counted by the control unit 201 based on the number of received detection notifications reaches a specified number, the locking of the locking mechanism 203 is released. When the handle 103 is rotated in response to the unlocking, the control unit 201 resets the counted number of coins to 0.

[0037] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case of using one type of coin is assumed for description, but the case of being able to use two types of coins is also included in the scope of the embodiment. In this case, for example, it may be set that the first coin is inserted from the first insertion port 104A and the second coin is inserted from the second insertion port 104B.

[0038] The locking mechanism 203 is a mechanism for suppressing the rotation of the (locking) handle 103 and has two states: a locked state and an unlocked state of the handle. The locking mechanism 203 is configured to operate in a manner that locks the rotation of the handle 103 in the normal state, and unlocks to enable the handle 103 to rotate when the control unit 201 detects that a specified number of specified types of coins have been inserted.

[0039] The opener / closer drive units 204 are respectively provided at the first insertion port 104A and the second insertion port 104B, and control the opening and closing of each insertion port according to commands from the control unit 201. Specifically, at the start of coin insertion, the control unit 201 controls to open the opener / closer of the first insertion port 104A and close the opener / closer of the second insertion port 104B. When coins are inserted into the first insertion port 104A and the number of inserted coins reaches the first specified number, for example, 4 coins, the control unit 201 closes the opener / closer of the first insertion port 104A and opens the opener / closer of the second insertion port 104B. Then, when the second specified number, for example, 5 coins, are inserted from the second insertion port 104B, it is controlled to also close the opener / closer of the second insertion port 104B and not allow further coin insertion. In the above example, the case where the locking of the handle is released when a total of 9 coins have been inserted is shown, but the number of coins to be inserted is not limited to this.

[0040] The display control unit 205 performs display control for displaying specified information on the display 108 according to the control of the control unit 201. The display control unit 205 displays the following main idea on the display 108 to the user: As a condition for rotating the handle 103, it is necessary to insert the second specified number of coins from the second insertion port 104B after inserting the first specified number of coins from the first insertion port 104A. Moreover, it displays to prompt the start of coin insertion from the first insertion port 104A among the two insertion ports. When coins are inserted into the first insertion port 104A, the display control unit 205 displays the count value of the number of inserted coins notified from the control unit 201 on the display 108. When receiving a notification from the control unit 201 of the main idea that the first specified number has been inserted, the display control unit 205 displays on the display 108 the main idea to prompt further coin insertion from the second insertion port 104B. Then, when receiving a notification from the control unit 201 of the main idea that the second specified number of coins have been inserted from the second insertion port 104B, the display control unit 205 displays on the display 108 the main idea that the handle 103 can be rotated. When the user rotates the handle 103, it further displays on the display 108 the main idea to prompt obtaining the supplied item from the outlet 105.

[0041] In the present embodiment, a structure for paying a price using coins has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and it may also be a structure for paying a price using cashless settlement (electronic settlement) such as electronic money. In the case of this structure, it is possible that unique identification information capable of identifying each article supply device is displayed on each article supply device 100, and by acquiring this identification information from the user terminal, electronic settlement can be performed. Making the completion of the electronic settlement a condition, it is possible to supply articles (it is possible to perform the rotation operation of the handle 103). The electronic settlement unit 206 is a processing unit that executes electronic settlement, and when the electronic settlement is completed, it notifies the control unit 201 of the completion. Only when the number of coins held in the first holding unit 303 and the second holding unit 304 does not reach the specified number, can the electronic settlement unit 206 perform electronic settlement. When the holding number reaches the specified number, the control unit 201 invalidates the electronic settlement performed by the electronic settlement unit 206 and only permits settlement using coins.

[0042] Next, with reference to Figure 3 , the structure inside the holding device 102 for holding the inserted coins corresponding to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 3 (A) of Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the holding mechanism 300 inside the holding device 102 as viewed from one side surface (the first surface), Figure 3 and (B) of Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the holding mechanism 300 as viewed from the opposite side surface (the second surface) of the side surface. Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 3 (A) of Figure 3 and (B) of

[0043] Figure 3 The holding mechanism 300 shown does not include a structure corresponding to the Figure 2 control unit 201. The control unit 201 is provided inside the holding device 102 independently of the holding mechanism 300, but the control unit 201 is connected to the discrimination unit 310 etc. of the holding mechanism 300 and controls their operations.

[0044] The holding mechanism 300 is configured with a first inclined portion 302, and the first inclined portion 302 forms a passage portion for conveying coins inserted from the insertion port 104 on the upper side of the main body portion 301 to the discrimination portion 310. The first inclined portion 302 is configured to include a first passage portion for conveying coins inserted from the first insertion port 104A and a second passage portion for conveying coins inserted from the second insertion port 104B. The first passage portion and the second passage portion are configured as passage portions having a size and length capable of conveying coins of multiple categories or the same kind, and are inclined so as to descend from each insertion port 104 toward the discrimination portion 310. In addition, the main body portion 301 has a fixing rod 306 for fixing the discrimination portion 310 that can be detached from the main body portion 301, and the discrimination portion 310 is fixed to the main body portion 301 using the fixing rod 306. In addition, by operating the fixing rod 306, the discrimination portion 310 can also be removed from the main body portion 301.

[0045] The discrimination portion 310 corresponds to Figure 2 the discrimination portion 202, discriminates whether the inserted coin is a coin of a specified category, and if it is a coin of a specified category, discharges the coin to the first holding portion 303 or the second holding portion 304 provided on the lower side of the main body portion 301. Here, the length of the discrimination portion 310 in the vertical direction is shorter than the shortest distance between the lower end of the first inclined portion 302 and the upper end of the first holding portion 303 or the second holding portion 304.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the first holding portion 303 and the second holding portion 304 are arranged to face each other. The first holding portion 303 holds the coins inserted from the first insertion port 104A. The first holding portion 303 is inclinedly provided in the main body portion 301 such that one end is located on the upper side (close to the discrimination portion 310) and the other end is located on the lower side. Thus, the inserted coins are sequentially held from the side of the other end. In addition, the first holding portion 303 includes a first track portion on which the coins can roll, and the first track portion has a length capable of holding a first specified number of coins. The number of coins that can be held in the first holding portion 303 can be set by moving the position of the first adjustment member 303a. The first holding portion 303 has a plurality of recesses 303b for positioning the position of the first adjustment member 303a, and the number of coins that can be held can be set by arranging the first adjustment member 303a at any position in the recess 303b.

[0047] The second holding unit 304 holds the coins inserted from the second insertion port 104B. The second holding unit 304 is inclinedly provided in the main body 301 such that one end is located on the upper side (close to the discrimination unit 310) and the other end is located on the lower side. Thus, the inserted coins are held in sequence from the other end side. In addition, the second holding unit 304 includes a second track portion on which the coins can roll, and the second track portion has a length capable of holding the second specified number of coins. The number of coins that can be held in the second holding unit 304 can be set by moving the position of the second adjustment member 304a. The second holding unit 304 has a plurality of concave portions 304b for positioning the position of the second adjustment member 304a, and the number of coins that can be held can be set by disposing the second adjustment member 304a at any position of the concave portion 304b.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the maximum number of coins that can be held in the first holding unit 303 and the maximum number of coins that can be held in the second holding unit 304 are such that the maximum number in the second holding unit 304 is larger. The concave portion in which the first adjustment member 303a can be disposed in the first holding unit 303 is disposed at a predetermined distance d from the other end of the first holding unit 303. On the other hand, the concave portion in which the second adjustment member 303b can be disposed in the second holding unit 304 is disposed near the other end of the second holding unit 304, without leaving a distance d as in the first holding unit 303. In addition, in the present embodiment, the maximum number is different between the first holding unit 303 and the second holding unit 304, but depending on the embodiment, the maximum number may be the same or the maximum number in the first holding unit 303 may be larger.

[0049] Figure 2 The control unit 201 unlocks the rotation unit 307 connected to the handle 103 and enables the handle 103 to rotate when it is determined that the specified number of coins have been inserted based on the number of detection notifications of the coins received from the discrimination unit 310 or the number of detected coins determined to be genuine in the authenticity detection. As the rotation unit 307 rotates, the first holding unit 303 and the second holding unit 304 are transferred from the state of being able to hold the held coins to the non-holding state. The first holding unit 303 is composed of an upper member 303c and a lower member 303d, and similarly, the second holding unit 304 is composed of an upper member 304c and a lower member 304d.

[0050] The upper side members 303c and 304c function as a first setting unit and a second setting unit respectively. The first setting unit and the second setting unit can set the number of coins held in the first holding unit 303 and the second holding unit 304 to be adjustable by changing the positions of the adjustment members 303a and 304a. When shifting to a non-holding state of the coins according to the rotation of the handle 103, the lower side ends of the lower side members 303d and 304d are opened in a shape of a Japanese katakana "ハ" in a direction away from each other. By this operation, the coins held in each holding unit are discharged to a coin storage unit (not shown) disposed below. After the coins held in each holding unit are discharged and become in a non-holding state, new coins can be held additionally.

[0051] The coin storage unit is disposed below the first holding unit 303 and the second holding unit 304, in other words, below the holding mechanism 300. The coin storage unit stores the coins held in the first holding unit 303 and the coins held in the second holding unit 304 together. In addition, when the types of the coins held in the first holding unit 303 and the coins held in the second holding unit 304 are different, the first storage unit and the second storage unit corresponding to each holding unit may be prepared separately. In this case, as long as the first storage unit and the second storage unit can store each type of coins separately, they may be integrally formed or independently formed.

[0052] The first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304 each have an inclined part for holding the coin discriminated in the discrimination part 310. The inclined part is inclined in such a way that it descends from the coin discharge port of the discrimination part 310 toward the front ends of the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304. The orientation of this inclination is different from the orientation of the inclination of the first inclined part 302. The inclination of the first inclined part 302 is from the upper side toward the lower side where the discrimination part 310 is located, and the inclinations of the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304 are from the lower side toward the upper side where the discrimination part 310 is located. A restricting member is disposed at the front ends of the inclined parts of the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304. The restricting member is for keeping the coins held in the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304 in a held state. The restricting member is integrated with the first adjusting member 303a and the second adjusting member 304a respectively, and the restricting member functions as a stopper to keep the coins in a held state within each holding part. When the refund button 107 is operated from the outside of the article supply device 100 while the coins are held in each holding part, the upper end portions of the upper side members 303c of the first holding part 303 and the upper end portions of the upper side members 304c of the second holding part 304 open in an inverted Japanese katakana "ハ" shape in a direction away from each other. By this operation, the restricted state of the restricting member that holds the coins in each holding part is released. Therefore, the coins roll forward along the inclination and are discharged from the refund port 106.

[0053] When the discrimination part 310 determines that the inserted coin is not a coin of a specified type, instead of discharging the inserted coin to the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304, it discharges the coin to the discharge path 305 or the like. The discharge path 305 is connected to the refund port 106, and the coins discharged to the discharge path 305 can be recovered from the refund port 106. In addition, when the refund button 107 is operated, the coins held by the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304 can also be released from the held state according to the operation of the refund button 107 and discharged to the refund port 106.

[0054] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of the first holding part 303. In Figure 4 it, an example is shown in which the first holding part 303 is disassembled into the first adjusting member 303a, the upper side member 303c, and the lower side member 303d. Figure 4In FIG. (A), the first adjustment member 303a is integrally configured such that an insertion member 402 is inserted into the inside of the cylindrical member 401, and the insertion member 402 is biased toward the inside of the cylindrical member 401 by a spring (not shown). This biasing force acts to mount the first adjustment member 303a in the recess 303b of the upper member 303c. The cylindrical member 401 is disposed on the side surface of the first holding member 303 so as to protrude outward (first direction). The insertion member 402 has a protrusion 402a that protrudes toward the side opposite to the cylindrical member 401 (second direction), and this protrusion 402a functions as a restricting member (stopper) for restricting the rolling of the coin when the first holding portion 303 is in the coin-holding state.

[0055] Figure 4 The upper member 303c shown in FIG. (B) has a plurality of ( Figure 4 in this case, five) recesses 303b, and the bottom surface portion of the cylindrical member 401 (in the Figure 4 cylindrical member 401 shown, the surface facing the insertion member 402 side) is received in this recess 303b. The recess 303b has an outer shape corresponding to the bottom surface portion of the cylindrical member 401. The upper member 303c also has an opening 404, and the first adjustment member 303a is mounted on the upper member 303c through this opening 404. The opening 404 is formed so as to penetrate the five recesses 303b formed in the upper member 303c, whereby the first adjustment member 303a can be moved and fixed to any position among the five recesses 303b.

[0056] The upper member 303c has a protrusion 405 and a rotation shaft 406 on its side surface. When a force is applied to the protrusion 405 in the direction indicated by the downward arrow according to the operation of the refund button 107, the upper side of the upper member 303c rotates about the rotation shaft 406 in the clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow and operates in an open manner. Here, the force applied by pressing the refund button 107 is converted into a force for pressing down the protrusion 405 through a power transmission mechanism (not shown) provided in the holding mechanism 300.

[0057] Figure 4The lower member 303d shown in (C) has a shaft portion 407, a protrusion portion 408 connected to the shaft portion 407 in an L shape, and a bottom surface portion 409 for holding a coin in the first holding portion 303. The shaft portion 407 of the lower member 303d uses a mechanism (not shown) of the holding mechanism 300 to maintain the bottom surface portion 409 in a posture capable of supporting the coin in such a manner that the coin does not fall downward. In contrast, when the locking of the rotating portion 307 is released on the condition that a predetermined number of coins are held and the handle 103 is rotated, a force is applied to the protrusion portion 408 in the downward direction indicated by the arrow by a power transmission mechanism (not shown) connected to the rotating portion 307. Thus, with the shaft portion 407 as the rotation axis, the lower member 303d rotates in the direction indicated by the counterclockwise arrow, and the support state of the bottom surface portion 409 for the coin is released, and the coin supported by the bottom surface portion 409 falls downward.

[0058] In Figure 4 it shows the structure of the first holding portion 303, but the second holding portion 304 can be configured in the same manner. However, there are five concave portions 303b in the first holding portion 303, while there are six concave portions 304b in the second holding portion 304, which is different in this regard. Additionally, in other embodiments, the number of concave portions 303b may be more than the number of concave portions 304b.

[0059] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the rotation of the upper member 303c and the lower member 303d. Figure 5 (A) shows a view of observing the upper member 303c and the lower member 303d from the left side direction of each member shown in Figure 4 . In Figure 5 (A), neither member is rotated, and in this state, the coin 501 can be held. Figure 5 (B) is a diagram showing the movement of the upper member 303c when the refund button 107 is operated. In Figure 5 the state of (A), when a force in the direction indicated by the downward arrow is applied to the protrusion 405 according to the operation of the refund button 107, the upper member 303c rotates around the rotation axis 406 as shown by the clockwise arrow, so that the upper member 303c opens upward and transfers to the state of Figure 5 (B). In Figure 5 the state of (B), since there is no protrusion portion 402a restricting the rolling of the coin 501, the coin 501 rolls following the inclination of the lower member 303d. At this time, the lower side of the front end portion of the protrusion portion 402a is partially cut off to reduce the rotation angle.

[0060] Next, Figure 5Figure (C) shows the operation of the lower member 303d when the locking of the rotating portion 307 is released and the handle 103 is rotated. In Figure 5 In the state of (A), when a force in the direction indicated by the downward arrow is applied to the protrusion 408 according to the operation of the handle 103, the lower member 303d rotates about the shaft portion 407 in the counterclockwise direction as shown by the arrow, so that the lower member 303d opens downward, and Figure 5 transfers to the state of (C). In Figure 5 In the state of (C), since there is no bottom surface portion 409 of the lower member 303d that supports the coin 501, the coin 501 falls downward. At this time, unlike the protrusion 402a, the front end of the front end portion of the bottom surface portion 409 is not partially cut off.

[0061] In Figure 5 , only the first holding portion 303 is shown, but the second holding portion 304 has the same structure. Moreover, forces are applied to the first holding portion 303 and the second holding portion 304 simultaneously, so that the upper member 303c and the upper member 304c move simultaneously in the directions away from each other upward. In addition, the lower member 303d and the lower member 304d also move simultaneously in the directions away from each other downward.

[0062] Next, referring to Figure 6 , the structures of the first holding portion 303 and the second holding portion 304 will be described from another perspective. Figure 6 Figure (A) is an example of the structure when observing the first holding portion 303 and the second holding portion 304 from above. Figure 6 Figure (A) shows the positional relationship between the two when the first holding portion 303 and the second holding portion 304 are actually mounted on the holding mechanism 300. Rotating shafts are respectively installed on the first holding portion 303 and the second holding portion 304, but for the position of the front end portion of the upper member other than the rotating shaft, in Figure 6 Figure (A), the position of the first holding portion 303 is indicated by a dashed line, and the position of the second holding portion 304 is indicated by a one-dot chain line. From Figure 6 Figure (A), it can be seen that the second holding portion 304 protrudes more than the first holding portion 303 in one end toward the coin discharge direction (the front surface side of the article supply device 100). This is because the upper member 303c of the first holding portion 303 and the upper member 304c of the second holding portion 304 are arranged in an offset state.

[0063] In addition, Figure 6 Figure (B) is an example of the structure when observing the first holding portion 303 and the second holding portion 304 from below. Figure 6The (B) shows the positional relationship between the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304 when they are actually mounted on the holding mechanism 300. Figure 6 In the (B), the part indicated by reference numeral 601 is a notch provided at one end of the lower member 304d of the second holding part 304, specifically, at the end on the coin discharge direction side (the front surface side of the article supply device 100). This notch 601 is provided only on the side of the second holding part 304 and not on the side of the first holding part 303. In addition, in the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304, this notch is not provided at the other end on the side opposite to one end.

[0064] Figure 6 The (C) is an example of the structure showing the state of observing the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304 from the upper oblique side. Figure 6 The (C) also shows the positional relationship between the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304 when they are actually mounted on the holding mechanism 300. In Figure 6 In the (C), the dotted line indicates the center position of the concave part 303b provided in the first holding part 303, and the dashed-dotted line indicates the center position of the concave part 304b provided in the second holding part 304. As Figure 6 As shown in the (C), the concave part 303b and the concave part 304b are arranged in a manner that their positions are offset from each other. At this time, the concave part 304b of the second holding part 304 is offset toward the coin discharge direction side (the front surface side of the article supply device 100) compared to the concave part 303b of the first holding part 303. Thus, in the present embodiment, the coin holding positions in the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304 are different.

[0065] As described above, in the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304, the end of the second holding part 304 protrudes toward the coin discharge direction (the front surface side of the article supply device 100) compared to the end of the first holding part 303, and a notch is provided on the end side of the lower member 304d. Moreover, regarding the positions of the concave parts 303b and 304b for positioning the first adjusting member 303a and the second adjusting member 304a, the concave part 304b is also offset toward the coin discharge direction side (the front surface side of the article supply device 100). According to this structure, when coins are discharged from the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304, the coins are discharged alternately from the first holding part 303 and the second holding part 304, and it is possible to prevent the following situation: the coins collide with each other and fly out of the article supply device 100.

[0066] As other embodiments, the relationship between the above-described first holding portion 303 and the second holding portion 304 may be reversed, such that the end portion of the first holding portion 303 protrudes in the coin discharge direction more than the end portion of the second holding portion 304, and a notch is provided on the end portion side of the lower member 303d. Further, regarding the positions of the concave portions 303b and 304b, the concave portion 303b is also shifted toward the coin discharge direction side (the front surface side of the article supply device 100).

[0067] Figure 7 An example of the structure of the holding mechanism 300 showing a state where the discrimination portion 310 is removed is shown. The holding mechanism 300 has a first opening 701 and a second opening 702. The first opening 701 communicates with the first insertion port 104A, and the second opening 702 communicates with the second insertion port 104B. The sizes of the first opening 701 and the second opening 702 correspond to the sizes of the first insertion port 104 and the second insertion port 104B, and they are different in size. In Figure 7 this case, the width of the second opening 702 is larger than the width of the first opening 701. Coins inserted through these openings are respectively supplied to the discrimination portion 310 via a first passage portion 302A and a second passage portion 302B provided in the first inclined portion 302. The first passage portion 302A and the second passage portion 302B are provided opposite to each other. In Figure 7 this case, the structures other than the discrimination portion 310 will be described with reference to Figure 8 the discrimination portion 310 described later.

[0068] An installation portion 311 capable of installing the discrimination portion 310 is provided in the main body portion 301. The installation portion 311 has a concave portion corresponding to the outer shape of the discrimination portion 310. An opening 305a connected to the discharge path 305 is provided below the installation portion 311. When the coin inserted through the first insertion port 104A is not discriminated as an appropriate coin by the discrimination portion 310, the coin is discharged to the discharge path 305 through this opening and discharged from the opening 305b to the refund port 106 via the discharge path 305.

[0069] An opening 703 is also provided below the installation portion 311. This opening 703 discharges the coin when the coin inserted through the second insertion port 104B is not discriminated as an appropriate coin by the discrimination portion 310. The coin is discharged through this opening 703 to a discharge path (not shown) and discharged from the opening 704 to the refund port 106 via the discharge path. In addition to these, the openings communicating with the refund port 106 also include an opening 705 and an opening 706. The opening 705 is an opening for discharging when the holding state of the coin held in the first holding portion 303 is released and becomes a non-holding state. The opening 706 is an opening for discharging when the holding state of the coin held in the second holding portion 304 is released and becomes a non-holding state.

[0070] Below the installation section 311, there are also openings 707 and 708. When the coins inserted from the first insertion port 104A and the second insertion port 104B are determined to be proper coins in the discrimination section 310, the coins are discharged through these openings 707 and 708. The coins discharged through the opening 707 are held by the first holding section 303, and the coins discharged through the opening 708 are held by the second holding section 304.

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 8 to describe the discrimination section 310. Figure 8 An example of the external structure of the discrimination section 310 is shown. Figure 8 (A) of is a diagram showing the structure of the upper surface side of the discrimination section 310, Figure 8 (B) of is a diagram showing the structure of the bottom surface side of the discrimination section 310. As shown here, the discrimination section 310 is formed with: a first opening 310a that receives the coins inserted from the first insertion port 104A and supplied to the discrimination section 310 via the first passage section 302A; and a second opening 310b that receives the coins inserted from the second insertion port 104B and supplied to the discrimination section 310 via the second passage section 302B.

[0072] When the discrimination section 310 detects the insertion of a coin during coin reception, it notifies the control section 201 of the main idea. When the control section 201 receives this notification, it updates the coin count value. In addition, the discrimination section 310 is configured to discriminate the authenticity of the inserted coin. When it is determined that the coin is a proper coin, it is discharged through the third opening 310c or the fourth opening 310d formed on the bottom surface through a passage connected to the first holding section 303 or the second holding section 304 to the opening 707 connected to the first holding section 303 or the opening 708 connected to the second holding section 304.

[0073] In this way, in the holding mechanism 300, there are formed: a first passage section in which the coins inserted from the first insertion port 104A are connected from the first passage section 302A through the discrimination section 310 to the first holding section 303; and a second passage section in which the coins inserted from the second insertion port 104B are connected from the second passage section 302B through the discrimination section 310 to the second holding section 304.

[0074] In the discriminating unit 310, when the coin inserted from the first inlet 104A is not discriminated as a proper coin, the coin is configured to be discharged from the fifth opening 310e to the opening 305a. Similarly, the coin inserted from the second inlet 104B is configured to be discharged from the sixth opening 310f to the opening 703. When the discriminating unit 310 discriminates that the inserted coin is an improper coin, the discriminating unit 310 notifies the control unit 201 of the subject matter. When receiving the notification, the control unit 201 does not update the coin count value. In the fifth opening 310e and the sixth opening 310f, proper coins cannot pass through, but other coins can pass through. In addition, when the electronic settlement is completed using the electronic settlement unit 206, the control unit 201 can control the discriminating unit 310 so that the inserted coin passes through the fifth opening 310e and the sixth opening 310f even if a proper coin is inserted.

[0075] In this way, the retaining mechanism 300 is formed with: a third passage portion, in which coins inserted from the first input port 104A pass from the first passage portion 302A through the discrimination portion 310 and are connected to the return port 106 from the opening 305a; and a fourth passage portion, in which coins inserted from the second input port 104B pass from the second passage portion 302B through the discrimination portion 310 and are connected to the return port 106 from the opening 703.

[0076] Next, refer to Figure 9 , describing the internal structure of the determination unit 310. Figure 9 (A) and Figure 9 (B) shows an example of the structure of a portion of the discrimination unit 310 that discriminates a coin inserted from the first insertion port 104A. Figure 9 (C) and Figure 9 (D) shows an example of the structure of a portion of the discrimination unit 310 that discriminates a coin inserted from the second insertion port 104B.

[0077] The discriminating unit 310 has a discriminating mechanism 920 for discriminating whether the inserted coin is a proper coin. The structure of the discriminating mechanism 920 may be mechanically constructed or electrically constructed. Alternatively, it may be a combination of mechanical and electrical structures. The description of the specific structure of the discriminating mechanism 920 is not the subject of the present invention and is therefore omitted in this specification. As the discriminating mechanism 920, a known mechanism that can discriminate whether a coin is a proper coin can be used.

[0078] The discriminating unit 310 includes a swinging unit 901, which switches between a path (first path) for discharging coins to the first holding unit 303 and a path (third path) for discharging coins to the return port 106 according to the discriminating result of the discriminating mechanism 920. The swinging unit 901 switches between a path (first path) for discharging coins to the first holding unit 303 and a path (third path) for discharging coins to the return port 106 according to the discriminating result of the discriminating mechanism 920.Figure 9 is arranged at the position shown in (A) to discharge the coin toward the first holding portion 303, or is arranged at the position shown in (B) to discharge the coin toward the return opening 106. The swing portion 901 is connected to a control mechanism (controlled by the control portion 201 or the discrimination mechanism 920) (not shown) via the openings 906 and 907, and can swing along the shape of the openings 906 and 907. Figure 9 is arranged at the position shown in (B) to discharge the coin toward the return opening 106. The swing portion 901 is connected to a control mechanism (controlled by the control portion 201 or the discrimination mechanism 920) (not shown) via the openings 906 and 907, and can swing along the shape of the openings 906 and 907.

[0079] In addition, ribs 902, 903, 904, and 905 for setting the path of the coin are formed in the discrimination portion 310. Based on the position of the swing portion 901 and the ribs 902 to 905, the path of the coin in the discrimination portion 310 is determined. Figure 9 The circle 921 shown by the dotted line or solid line in represents the trajectory of the coin. First, in Figure 9 In (A), the coin determined to be appropriate abuts against the swing portion 901 when discharged from the discrimination mechanism 920, changes its traveling direction, and travels between the ribs 904 and 905. In this path, the coin is discharged from Figure 8 the third opening portion 310c of to Figure 7 the opening 707 of and is held at the first holding portion 303. Next, in Figure 9 In (B), the coin determined to be inappropriate is not changed in its traveling direction by the swing portion 901 when discharged from the discrimination mechanism 920, and travels on the right side of the rib 904. In this path, the coin is discharged from Figure 8 the fifth opening portion 310e of to the opening 305a and is discharged from the return opening 106.

[0080] In addition, the discrimination portion 310 further includes a swing portion 911 that switches between a path (second passage portion) for discharging the coin to the second holding portion 304 and a path (fourth passage portion) for discharging the coin to the return opening 106 according to the discrimination result of the discrimination mechanism 920. Here, the swing portion 911 and the swing portion 901 are independently controlled. This is because coins are not simultaneously inserted from the first insertion port 104A and the second insertion port 104B.

[0081] The swing portion 911 is arranged at the position shown in (C) to discharge the coin toward the second holding portion 304, or is arranged at the position shown in (D) to discharge the coin toward the return opening 106 according to the discrimination result of the discrimination mechanism 920. The swing portion 911 is connected to a control mechanism (controlled by the control portion 201 or the discrimination mechanism 920) (not shown) via the openings 916 and 917, and can swing along the shape of the openings 916 and 917. Figure 9 is arranged at the position shown in (C) to discharge the coin toward the second holding portion 304, or is arranged at the position shown in (D) to discharge the coin toward the return opening 106. The swing portion 911 is connected to a control mechanism (controlled by the control portion 201 or the discrimination mechanism 920) (not shown) via the openings 916 and 917, and can swing along the shape of the openings 916 and 917. Figure 9 is arranged at the position shown in (D) to discharge the coin toward the return opening 106. The swing portion 911 is connected to a control mechanism (controlled by the control portion 201 or the discrimination mechanism 920) (not shown) via the openings 916 and 917, and can swing along the shape of the openings 916 and 917.

[0082] In addition, the swing range of the swing part 911 is larger than that of the swing part 901. This is because the length of the rib 903 is configured to be longer than that of the rib 913 and extends near the swing part 901, and the swing range of the swing part 901 is restricted by the rib 903. The rib 913 is shorter because, when multiple coins pass through simultaneously, it prevents jams caused by the rib 913 obstructing the progress of the coins. Additionally, as another embodiment, the rib 903 can be shortened to make the swing range of the swing part 901 larger than that of the swing part 911, or the swing ranges of the swing part 901 and the swing part 911 can be made equal.

[0083] In addition, ribs 912, 913, 914, and 915 for setting the path of the coin are formed within the discrimination unit 310, and based on the position of the swing part 911 and the ribs 912 - 915, the path of the coin within the discrimination unit 310 is determined. First, in Figure 9 (C), the coin determined to be appropriate, the coin discharged from the discrimination mechanism 920 abuts against the swing part 911 and changes its traveling direction, and travels between the ribs 914 and 915. In this path, the coin travels from Figure 8 the fourth opening 310d of Figure 7 to the opening 708 of Figure 9 and is held by the second holding part 304. Then, in Figure 8 (D), the coin determined to be inappropriate, the coin discharged from the discrimination mechanism 920 does not have its traveling direction changed by the swing part 911 and travels to the left of the rib 914. In this path, the coin travels from Figure 8 the sixth opening 310f of

[0084] Next, referring to Figure 10 , the power transmission mechanism for transmitting the power corresponding to the operation performed on the handle 103 will be described. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining this power transmission mechanism. In Figure 10 , one end of the main shaft body 1001 that forms part of the gear linkage mechanism is installed at the rotation center axis of the handle 103. A spur gear 1002 is fixed to the other end of the main shaft body 1001. Above the spur gear 1002, a pinion gear 1003 meshing with the spur gear 1002 is rotatably supported by a shaft. Moreover, above the pinion gear 1003, a spur gear 1004 meshing with the pinion gear 1003 is rotatably supported by a shaft. A gear part 1004A with the same central axis is integrally formed on the spur gear 1004.

[0085] Above the intermediate wall forming the bottom wall of the article storage section 101, a rotating table 1005 is provided rotatably. A tooth pattern 1006 is formed on the bottom surface of the rotating table 1005, and the gear section 1004A meshes with the tooth pattern 1006. Thus, when the handle 103 is manually rotated in the direction of arrow T1, the rotational force is transmitted via the main shaft body 1001 to the spur gear 1002, and via the pinion 1003 meshing with the spur gear 1002 and the spur gear 1004 to the rotating table 1005 in the direction of arrow T2. Then, by continuously operating the handle 103, the rotating table 1005 rotates by a specified angle. When one of the notches 1007 in the notch 1007 of the rotating table 1005 aligns with the take-out hole 1008 of the intermediate wall of the article storage section 101, one of the stored articles A stored in the article storage section 101 passes through the notch 1007 of the rotating table 1005 and is sent out to the take-out port 105 and taken out from the take-out port 105. In addition, diagonally below the spur gear 1002, a spur gear 1009 meshing with the spur gear 1002 is rotatably supported by a shaft. Below the spur gear 1009, an intermediate shaft 1011 is rotatably supported by a shaft. A pinion 1010 meshing with the spur gear 1009 is mounted at one end of the intermediate shaft 1011. In addition, a bevel gear 1012 is mounted at approximately the central portion of the intermediate shaft 1011.

[0086] When the user rotates the handle 103, the main shaft body 1001 rotates to rotate the spur gear 1002. Thus, on the one hand, the rotating table 1005 is rotated via the pinion 1003, the spur gear 1004, and the gear section 1004A. On the other hand, by the rotation of the spur gear 1002, the intermediate shaft 1011 is rotated via the spur gear 1009 and the pinion 1010, and the bevel gear 1012 is rotated. Therefore, when the rotation of the bevel gear 1012 is blocked, the rotation of the handle 103 and the rotation of the rotating table 1005 are also blocked.

[0087] A bevel gear 1013 meshes with the bevel gear 1012. Thus, when the bevel gear 1012 rotates along with the rotation of the handle 103, the bevel gear 1013 also tends to rotate, but the gear 1013 is integrated with the rotating portion 307. Thus, when the rotation of the rotating portion 307 is locked, the bevel gear 1013 cannot rotate. As a result, the rotation of the handle 103 can be blocked. In this way, in the locked state of the rotating portion 307, the bevel gear 1012 and the bevel gear 1013 are also blocked from rotating, and the handle 103 cannot rotate. Therefore, the rotating table 1005 does not rotate, and the stored article A cannot be taken out.

[0088] In addition, in Figure 10In [the invention], the main shaft body 1001 directly connected to the handle 103 and the intermediate shaft 1011 on which the bevel gear 1012 interlocked with the rotating portion 307 is mounted are independent, but the bevel gear 1012 may also be provided on the main shaft body 1001.

[0089] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the invention.

Claims

1. A holding device capable of holding inserted coins, wherein the holding device includes: a first opening through which the coins are inserted; a second opening through which the coins are inserted; a first passage portion through which the coins inserted through the first opening can pass; a second passage portion provided opposite to the first passage portion through which the coins inserted through the second opening can pass; a first holding portion capable of holding the coins that have passed through the first passage portion; a second holding portion provided opposite to the first holding portion capable of holding the coins that have passed through the second passage portion; a first setting portion provided along the first holding portion for setting the number of coins that can be held by the first holding portion to be adjustable; and a second setting portion provided along the second holding portion opposite to the first setting portion for setting the number of coins that can be held by the second holding portion to be adjustable, and one end portion of the second setting portion protrudes toward the front surface side of the holding device more than one end portion of the first setting portion, the first holding portion and the second holding portion are offset from each other in the holding positions of the respective coins by the positions where the holding of the coins starts with respect to the front surface of the holding device being offset from each other, the holding device further includes a first operation portion for returning the coins held in the first holding portion and the second holding portion, the first setting portion and the second setting portion are configured to move away from each other in the upper side direction according to the operation of the first operation portion, and according to the offset of the holding positions of the respective coins of the first holding portion and the second holding portion with respect to the front surface of the holding device, the coins are discharged alternately from the first holding portion and the second holding portion.

2. The holding device according to claim 1, wherein the first setting portion includes: a first protruding portion including a first adjustment member capable of adjusting the position along the first setting portion, the first adjustment member protruding in a first direction; and a second protruding portion integrally formed with the first protruding portion and protruding in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the first protruding portion is configured to be able to change the position at the first setting portion as a second operation portion, and the second protruding portion is configured to be able to restrict the travel of the coins held in the first holding portion, the second setting portion includes: a third protruding portion including a second adjustment member capable of adjusting the position along the second setting portion, the second adjustment member protruding in the second direction; and a fourth protruding portion integrally formed with the third protruding portion and protruding in the first direction, the third protruding portion is configured to be able to change the position at the second setting portion as a third operation portion, and the fourth protruding portion is configured to be able to restrict the travel of the coins held in the second holding portion.

3. The holding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first holding part and the second holding part are configured such that the maximum number of coins that can be held in the first holding part is different from the maximum number of coins that can be held in the second holding part.

4. The holding device according to claim 3, wherein, The first holding part is configured such that when holding the maximum number of coins that can be held in the first holding part, the coin first inserted through the first opening is held at a position separated from one end of the first holding part by a predetermined distance, The second holding part is configured such that when holding the maximum number of coins that can be held in the second holding part, the coin first inserted through the second opening is held at a position near one end of the second holding part.

5. The holding device according to claim 3, wherein, The maximum number of coins that can be held in the first holding part is 4, and the maximum number of coins that can be held in the second holding part is 5.

6. The holding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The holding device further includes a discrimination part, which is detachably provided below the first passage part and the second passage part and above the first holding part and the second holding part, and the discrimination part is used to discriminate the coins inserted through the first opening and the second opening, The discrimination part includes: a first swinging part, with which the coin inserted through the first opening abuts; and a second swinging part, with which the coin inserted through the second opening abuts.

7. The holding device according to claim 6, wherein, The discrimination part is configured such that the swinging range of the first swinging part is different from the swinging range of the second swinging part.

8. The holding device according to claim 6, wherein, The first swinging part and the second swinging part are configured to be able to change the traveling directions of the coins inserted through the first opening and the second opening.

9. The holding device according to claim 6, wherein, The discrimination part is configured such that when the discrimination part is installed in the holding device, the coins inserted through the first opening and the second opening can respectively travel to the first holding part and the second holding part.

10. The holding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A notch is formed at the lower end of one end of either the first holding part or the second holding part.

11. The holding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first opening and the second opening are configured to have different opening sizes.

12. The holding device according to claim 11, wherein, The opening size of the first opening is smaller than the opening size of the second opening.

13. The holding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first holding part and the second holding part are configured such that on the condition that a predetermined number of coins are held, their lower sides can move away from each other.

14. An article supply device that can supply articles, wherein, The article supply device includes: The holding device according to claim 2, which is capable of holding coins inserted into the article supply device; A storage section that stores the articles; and A fourth operation section, by operating the fourth operation section, to supply the articles stored in the storage section, The first holding section and the second holding section are configured such that, according to the operation of the fourth operation section, the lower sides of each other can move away from each other.

15. The article supply device according to claim 14, wherein The first operation section and the fourth operation section are arranged so as to be operable from the outside of the article supply device, The second operation section and the third operation section are arranged so as not to be operable from the outside of the article supply device.

16. The article supply device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein The article supply device further includes a first insertion port and a second insertion port through which the coins can be inserted, The first insertion port communicates with the first opening of the holding device, and the second insertion port communicates with the second opening of the holding device.

17. The article supply device according to claim 16, wherein The first insertion port and the second insertion port are formed in the curved surface portion of the front surface of the article supply device.

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