Article supply device

Abstract

The present application provides an article supply device that improves convenience. The present application is an article supply device (1) that includes: a body portion (3); a housing portion that is attachable to the body portion (3) and that is capable of housing an article (P); a supply portion (10) that is provided to the housing portion and that is capable of supplying the article (P); a control portion (30) that is capable of controlling the supply of the article (P) by the supply portion (10); a sorting portion that is capable of sorting only one article (P) at a time when the article (P) is supplied by the supply portion (10); and a first detection portion (18, 19) that is capable of detecting the article (P) that is supplied by the supply portion (10); and the first detection portion (18, 19) is configured to be capable of detecting the article (P) that is sorted by the sorting portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, vending machines have included item supply devices capable of dispensing card-shaped items. For example, in Patent Document 1, when a coin is inserted and the handle is operated, the front end of the card packaging protrudes from the external dispensing port while covered by a card cover. Therefore, the following configuration is disclosed: until the card front end protrudes completely, the card front end is protected by the card cover, effectively preventing it from being forcibly pulled out with fingers; on the other hand, when the card front end protrudes completely, the card cover leaves the card front end submerged in the external dispensing port, subsequently allowing the card front end to be removed and pulled out with fingers.

[0003] [Background Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-182319 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Patent Document 1 provides a card-shaped item with a handle, which is cumbersome to operate. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not mention any configuration that improves the operability of the device itself, and it cannot provide multiple items, thus presenting a problem with its convenience.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a convenient item supply device.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] An article supply device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a main body; a receiving part that can be installed on the main body and can receive articles; a supply part that is provided in the receiving part and can supply articles; a control part that can control the supply of articles using the supply part; a sorting part that can sort one article at a time when the articles are supplied using the supply part; and a first detection part that can detect articles supplied by the supply part; and the first detection part is configured to detect articles sorted by the sorting part.

[0011] [The effects of the invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, an article supply device that is convenient for users to use can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an item supply device and a game execution unit according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the supply device viewed from the right side.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a side view of the internal structure of the material supply device as seen from the right side.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a side view showing the drive mechanism of the first and second delivery units.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a side view showing the drive mechanism of the third and fourth delivery units.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the first and second delivery units.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a block diagram of a control system that includes a control unit.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the pressurized structure of the second containment section.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the state of the second containment unit being removed from the main body.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the linkage structure in the state where the mounting part of the second housing section is raised.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the linkage structure in the state where the mounting part of the second housing section is lowered.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing another way of the operation unit of the second containment section.

[0025] Figure 13 (a) and (b) in the diagram are action illustrations showing the initial state of the first item being delivered in the first supply section.

[0026] Figure 14 (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the first item being delivered in the first supply section.

[0027] Figure 1 Figures (a) and (b) in 5 are action diagrams illustrating the final delivery state of the first item in the first supply section.

[0028] Figure 16 (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the state of the first item falling in the first supply section.

[0029] Figure 17 (a) and (b) in the diagram are action illustrations showing the initial state of the delivery of the second item in the second supply section.

[0030] Figure 1 Figures (a) and (b) in 8 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the second item being delivered in the middle stage of the second supply section.

[0031] Figure 19 (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the final delivery state of the second item in the second supply section.

[0032] Figure 20 (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the state of the second item falling in the second supply section. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, with reference to the figures, an article supply device of one aspect of the present invention will be described.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the item supply device 1 and the game execution unit 100.

[0035] The item supply device 1 is installed in a game center or similar facility, and includes, for example, a display 101 or a game control unit 102, and is assembled inside the main body of a game execution unit (game console). The game execution unit 100 can execute a game upon payment of a specified amount. For example, in conjunction with the outcome of the game in the game execution unit 100, a card-shaped item P is supplied from the front side of the device (left front side in the figure). Furthermore, it is configured to supply item P simply by accepting payment.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the item supply device 1 viewed from the right side.

[0037] The item supply device 1 is provided with a supply section 10 that can supply item P from its front side. The supply section 10 consists of a first supply section 11A having a first supply port 11h on the upper side and a second supply section 12A having a second supply port 12h on the lower side. Furthermore, a first item P1 is supplied from the first supply section 11A, and a second item P2 is supplied from the second supply section 12A. In addition, in the main body 3, as a receiving section for item P (hereinafter referred to as "P" in the case of collectively referred to as first item P1 and second item P2), a first receiving section 11 for receiving the first item P1 and a second receiving section 12 for receiving the second item P2 are provided (see reference). Figure 3 The main body 3 is a single unit structure as shown in the figure, configured to be detachable from the main body of the game execution unit 100 as a single unit in the illustrated state. Additionally, multiple item supply devices 1 may be provided on the main body 3 arranged horizontally or vertically.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a side view of the internal structure of the item supply device 1 as seen from the right side.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the containment quantities of item P1 and item P2 are different. For example, item P2 on the lower side is a rare item and therefore less abundant, while item P1 on the upper side is more abundant. This is because the supply opportunity for item P2 is set to be less than that for item P1.

[0040] Furthermore, the main body 3 is configured such that the first receiving section 11 is located directly above the second receiving section 12, and the two receiving sections 11 and 12 are arranged vertically. The upper side of the first receiving section 11 is open to allow the first item P1 to be added from above. Moreover, an upper pressure section 11f is provided above the first item P1 at the top of the stack, which can pressurize the first item P1 downwards. On the other hand, the second receiving section 12, as described later, is configured to be detached from the main body 3, for example, the discharge and supply direction (X1) of item P is the same as the pull-out direction from the main body 3 (configured to be able to be pulled out from the front). Therefore, the second receiving section 12 is in the detached state from the main body 3 (see reference). Figure 9 ), which can replenish the second item P2 from its top.

[0041] As described above, the supply unit 10 is provided with a first supply unit 11A and a second supply unit 12A. The first supply unit 11A has a first delivery unit 21 on its upstream side and a third delivery unit 23 on its downstream side. Furthermore, the second supply unit 12A has a second delivery unit 22 on its upstream side and a fourth delivery unit 24 on its downstream side. The first delivery unit 21 is configured to sort and deliver a first item P1 contained in the first storage unit 11. Furthermore, the second delivery unit 22 is configured to sort and deliver a second item P2 contained in the second storage unit 12. Moreover, the supply unit 10 is configured such that the supply direction of the first item P1 from the first storage unit 11 and the supply direction of the second item P2 from the second storage unit 12 are in the same direction (arrow X1 direction).

[0042] In the first supply section 11A, the first rotating roller section 21a forming the first delivery section 21 and the third rotating roller section 23a forming the third delivery section 23 are arranged horizontally in a front-to-back direction (inner side and front side of the device). That is, the first rotating roller section 21a is positioned upstream of the delivery section, directly below the first article P1 housed in the first receiving section 11, and the third rotating roller section 23a forms the first supply port 11h downstream of the delivery section. The first delivery section 21, facing the first article P1 from below, functions as a sorting section for sequentially delivering the bottommost first article P1, as described later. Furthermore, the first article P1 sorted and delivered in the first delivery section 21 is discharged and supplied from the first supply port 11h via the third delivery section 23.

[0043] On the other hand, in the second supply section 12A, the second rotating roller section 22a forming the second delivery section 22 and the fourth rotating roller section 24a forming the fourth delivery section 24 are arranged one after the other in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the second rotating roller section 22a is positioned upstream of the delivery section, directly above the second article P2 housed in the second receiving section 12, and the fourth rotating roller section 24a forms the second supply port 12h downstream of the delivery section. Moreover, as described later, the second article P2, sorted and delivered in the second delivery section 22 which functions as a sorting section, is discharged and supplied from the second supply port 12h via the fourth delivery section 24.

[0044] Here, the first rotating roller 21a is positioned directly above the second rotating roller 22a, and the third rotating roller 23a is positioned directly above the fourth rotating roller 24a. In other words, the article P supply unit 10 is configured as a mechanism centrally located between the first receiving unit 11 and the second receiving unit 12. When the first article P1 is delivered, the first rotating roller 21a and the third rotating roller 23a rotate counterclockwise, i.e., in the first direction. On the other hand, the second rotating roller 22a and the fourth rotating roller 24a rotate clockwise, i.e., in the second direction, to deliver and supply the second article P2.

[0045] Furthermore, a first detection unit 18 capable of detecting the upper side of the first item P1 is provided at the first supply port 11h, and a first detection unit 19 capable of detecting the lower side of the second item P2 is provided at the second supply port 12h. These two first detection units 18 and 19 detect the items P discharged or supplied from each supply port 11h and 12h. Additionally, a second detection unit 31 capable of detecting the first item P1 from below is provided on the side of the first receiving section 11, and a second detection unit 32 capable of detecting the second item P2 from above is provided on the side of the second receiving section 12. The presence or absence of both items P1 and P2 can be detected by these vertically arranged second detection units 31 and 32.

[0046] The upper first detection unit 18 and the lower first detection unit 19 are arranged vertically, forming a pair of sensors with their detection parts facing opposite directions, and are mounted as a single unit on the body 3. Similarly, the upper and lower second detection units 31 and 32 are also arranged vertically, with their detection parts facing vertically, and are mounted as a single unit on the body 3. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the two upper and lower first detection units 18 and 19; for example, a non-contact optical sensor can be used for the object P. Additionally, the upper and lower second detection units 31 and 32 can be, for example, contact or non-contact sensors.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a side view showing the drive mechanism of the first delivery unit 21 and the second delivery unit 22. Figure 5 This is a side view showing the drive mechanism of the third delivery unit 23 and the fourth delivery unit 24.

[0048] The rotating rollers are driven by two power supply units arranged in a front-to-back configuration. For example, the first rotating roller 21a and the second rotating roller 22a are driven by the rotational force of the first power supply unit 28m of the electric motor via the right-side gear train 28. On the other hand, the third rotating roller 23a and the fourth rotating roller 24a are similarly driven by the rotational force of the second power supply unit 29m of the electric motor via the left-side gear train 29. The right-side gear train 28 houses the gearbox 28c (see reference) located on the right side of the main body 3. Figure 2 The left gear train 29 houses the gearbox 29c, which is located on the left side of the main body 3 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0049] Here, in the third rotating roller section 23a and the fourth rotating roller section 24a, when driven by the second power supply section 29m, the third rotating roller section 23a rotates counterclockwise (the direction viewed from the right side), and the fourth rotating roller section 24a rotates clockwise (the direction viewed from the right side). Furthermore, when driven by the second power supply section 29m, the third rotating roller section 23a and the fourth rotating roller section 24a always rotate simultaneously. On the other hand, the first rotating roller section 21a and the second rotating roller section 22a, as described later, are configured not to be driven by simultaneous rotation, but to rotate separately.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the first delivery unit 21 and the second delivery unit 22.

[0051] The first rotating roller 21a of the first delivery section 21 and the second rotating roller 22a of the second delivery section 22 are driven by the right-side gear train 28. For example, the upper shaft end gear 21c fixed to the upper rotating shaft 21b of the first rotating roller 21a and the lower shaft end gear 22c fixed to the lower rotating shaft 22b of the second rotating roller 22a are simultaneously driven by the final gear 28a of the right-side gear train 28. As a result, the upper and lower rotating shafts 21b and 22b rotate in different directions.

[0052] However, the rotational force of the upper and lower rotating shafts 21b and 22b is transmitted to the outer peripheries 21d and 22d of each roller via the first clutch mechanism 21g and the second clutch mechanism 22g. The first and second clutch mechanisms 21g and 22g are configured to automatically switch between transmitting power and not transmitting power depending on their rotation direction. For example, when the final gear 28a rotates clockwise (arrow A in the diagram), together with the rotation of the upper rotating shaft 21b, the first rotating roller 21a rotates as a whole in the first counterclockwise direction R1, transmitting rotational force to the lower surface bs of the first item P1. At this time, although the lower rotating shaft 22b rotates counterclockwise, the driving force is not transmitted to the outer periphery 22d of the roller, and the second rotating roller 22a does not rotate as a whole.

[0053] On the other hand, when the final gear 28a rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow B in the diagram), together with the rotation of the lower rotating shaft 22b, the second rotating roller 22a rotates as a whole in a second clockwise direction R2, transmitting rotational force to the upper surface as of the second item P2. Thus, control is achieved by having the first delivery unit 21 and the second delivery unit 22 operate separately. Consequently, the first item P1 and the second item P2 are delivered separately rather than simultaneously.

[0054] Unlike the third and fourth rotating rollers 23a and 24a, the first rotating roller section 21a and the second rotating roller section 22a have non-circular cross-sections. For example, the first rotating roller section 21a and the second rotating roller section 22a have outer surface structures with a first circumferential surface 21aa and 22aa, each having a portion of its circumferential surface that is circular, and a second circumferential surface 21ab and 22ab, which are non-circular and have radii smaller than the first circumferential surface 21aa and 22aa. In order to deliver the article P, there will be no frictional contact when the second circumferential surfaces 21ab and 22ab face each other, preventing the article P from moving.

[0055] Therefore, the first rotating roller section 21a and the second rotating roller section 22a can sort the articles P that come into contact with each time they are stacked in rotation, and feed them out in the supply direction. Furthermore, when the contact is with the first article P1, the first rotating roller section 21a contacts the lower surface bs of the lowermost first article P1 from below. Similarly, the second rotating roller section 22a contacts the upper surface as from the uppermost second article P2 from above.

[0056] Figure 7 It is a block diagram of a control system including the control unit 30.

[0057] By controlling the rotation direction of the first power supply unit 28m, the operation of the first delivery unit 21 and the operation of the second delivery unit 22 are switched. For example, when a game is executed in the game execution unit 100, a correlation is established with the result, and a designated signal is sent from the game execution unit 100 to the control unit 30. In this case, the signal is controlled by rotating the first rotating roller 21a when the first item P1 is delivered. Furthermore, the first item P1 sorted in the first delivery unit 21 is sent to the third delivery unit 23. And, the control of driving the second power supply unit 29m is based on the detection of the first detection unit 18, causing the third rotating roller 23a of the third delivery unit 23 to rotate. As a result, the first item P1 is discharged and supplied from the first supply port 11h. In addition, the control unit 30 may also be configured to perform overall control of the game execution unit 100, for example, in relation to the game.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 30 can control the supply of item P or send signals urging the replenishment of item P based on signals from the second detection units (the upper second detection unit 31 and the lower second detection unit 32) installed in each of the receiving sections 11 and 12 to detect the presence or absence of item P.

[0059] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the pressurization structure of the second housing section 12.

[0060] The second receiving section 12 is equipped with a mounting section 12a that holds the second item P2, which is movably slidable up and down. Furthermore, the mounting section 12a is energized upwards by a lower pressure section 12f of a compression spring located below it. For example, the lower pressure section 12f is located between the mounting section base plate 12b and the mounting surface 12as. Additionally, a circular recess 12c is provided on the mounting section base plate 12b to accommodate the lower pressure section 12f. The lower pressure section 12f is energized upwards, for example, by a pair of first pressure sections 12ff on the front side (orthogonal to the horizontal direction relative to the delivery direction) and a pair of second pressure sections 12fr on the rear side. Therefore, in the first state where the second receiving section 12 is mounted on the main body 3, the mounting surface 12as presses against the second rotating roller section 22a, pressing down on the uppermost item of the second item P2 held thereon, and adjusting the height according to the number of the second items P2. For example, the mounting surface 12as is configured such that, as the number of the second item P2 contained therein decreases, the height of the mounting surface 12as increases.

[0061] The mounting section 12a is configured such that its mounting surface 12as can move vertically relative to the mounting section base plate 12b. That is, by applying pressure to the front side using the first pressure section 12ff and to the rear side using the second pressure section 12fr, the mounting surface 12as becomes capable of moving vertically relative to the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the first pressure section 12ff is located directly below the second delivery section 22, configured to apply pressure to the second rotating roller section 22a from directly below.

[0062] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the state of the second containment section 12 being removed from the main body section 3.

[0063] In the absence of a second item P2 for replenishment, the second containment section 12, as described above, proceeds in the direction of approach to the main body section 3 ( Figure 2 The second state, in which the body is detached from the main body 3 by sliding and pulling out in the X1 direction (as shown), is as follows. Figure 9 As shown, the mounting portion 12a, which has a rectangular mounting surface 12as when viewed from above, on which the second item P2 is mounted, is located above the second receiving portion 12 in the disassembled state. That is, when the second item P2 is not being received, the mounting surface 12as of the mounting portion 12a is located at the top as shown in the figure.

[0064] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the linkage mechanism 13 in the state where the mounting part 12a in the second housing part 12 is raised.

[0065] The mounting section 12a is configured to allow passage of, for example Figure 10The linkage mechanism 13 shown moves up and down. The linkage mechanism 13 includes, for example: a pair of left and right front arms 13a; a pair of left and right rear arms 13b; a mounting base plate 12b, which is axially supported by the rear end support portion 13ad of the front arm 13a and the rear end support portion 13bd of the rear arm 13b; and an operating portion 14, which has a meshing tooth 14g that can rotate up and down on the front side of the second receiving portion 12 and meshes with the gear portion 13g at the front end of the front arm 13a.

[0066] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the linkage mechanism 13 in the state where the mounting part 12a in the second housing part 12 is lowered.

[0067] like Figure 11 As shown, the operating part 14 can rotate in a manner that opens towards the front and downward with the rotation center axis 14c as the center. Through this opening rotation, the gear part 13g, which meshes with the meshing teeth 14g, rotates. Consequently, the front arm 13a rotates clockwise about the rotation axis 13ac, and the rear arm 13b also rotates in the same direction about the rotation axis 13bc. As a result, the mounting part 12a moves downward by moving the base plate 12b towards the bottom of the second receiving part 12. In this state, the second item P2 is placed on the mounting surface 12as and received within the second receiving part 12. Then, the second receiving part 12 is inserted into the main body part 3. Figure 2 (In the direction of arrow X2). Then, by rotating upwards in a manner that closes the operating unit 14, it returns to the position as shown in the image. Figure 9 The settings are complete as shown.

[0068] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing another configuration of the operation unit 14 of the second containment section 12.

[0069] In the second housing section 12, the configuration of its operating section 14 is not limited to the configuration described above; for example, it may also be as follows: Figure 13 The structure shown. In Figure 12 In the configuration shown, a connecting shaft 14a connecting the left and right front arms 13a is provided at the front end of the front arm 13a. Furthermore, a retaining plate 14b is provided at the center along the length of the connecting shaft 14a. Thus, the front arm 13a can rotate while retaining the retaining plate 14b. Moreover, the retaining plate 14b is capable of rotating relative to the connecting shaft 14a, and through this rotational movement, the front arm 13a can be locked in a designated position (as shown in the figure).

[0070] The following is for reference. Figures 13-16 This section describes the operation of sending out items to the first supply unit 11A.

[0071] like Figure 13As shown in (a), in the first supply section 11A, an opening 11bh is formed on the bottom surface 11b of the first receiving section 11 above the first rotating roller section 21a of the first delivery section 21. Through the opening 11bh, a portion of the back side of the bottommost item of the stacked first item P1 is exposed. Furthermore, an upper pressure section 11f, serving as a weight, is provided above the topmost part of the stacked first item P1.

[0072] In this state, prior to the rotation drive of the first delivery unit 21, the first rotating roller 21a is in a non-contact state relative to the first article P1. Then, a specified signal is input to the control unit 30, and the first rotating roller 21a rotates. Through this rotation, the first rotating roller 21a rotates to a state where its first circumferential surface 21aa contacts the lowermost part of the first article P1. Figure 13 As shown in (b), through the rotation in the contact state, only the bottommost item of the first item P1 moves in the delivery direction (leftward direction in the figure), with its front end abutting against the sorting section 11a. Additionally, during movement, the first item P1 directly above the bottommost item P1 also moves in the same direction due to friction between the items. However, the bottommost item P1 abuts against the inclined surface 11as below the sorting section 11a, while the front end of the top item P1 partially faces or abuts against the vertical surface of the sorting section 11a.

[0073] In the stated state, such as Figure 14 As shown in (a), the first rotating roller 21a continues to rotate, and the front end of the bottommost first item P1 is guided by the inclined surface 11as and passed between the sorting section 11a and the lower guide member 42, and is sent to the third delivery section 23. On the other hand, the first item P1 above the bottommost first item P1 is stopped by the sorting section 11a and is not sent out. In addition, there are cases where the upper first item P1 does not move with the bottommost item. In this way, the first rotating roller 21a functions as a sorting section that only sorts the bottommost first item P1, and reliably implements the delivery of items one by one.

[0074] like Figure 14 As shown in (b), the first article P1, fed to the third delivery section 23, is inserted between the third rotating roller section 23a and the driven upper roller 23b facing the third rotating roller section 23a, and then moves through the first rotating roller section 21a. At this time, the third rotating roller section 23a is not driven to rotate, and the third rotating roller section 23a and the driven upper roller 23b rotate due to friction with the moving first article P1. That is, the upstream first delivery section 21 performs a first action based on power input, while the downstream third delivery section 23 performs a second action based on friction without power input.

[0075] like Figure 15 As shown in (a), the front end of the first article P1, which is moving while being held by the third delivery unit 23, reaches the sensing area Sa of the upper first detection unit 18. Consequently, the upper first detection unit 18 sends a detection signal to the control unit 30, driving the second power delivery unit 29m. At this time, the first rotating roller 21a, which continues to be in contact with the first article P1 without being driven by the power delivery unit, rotates slightly through frictional contact with the first article P1, eventually stopping and becoming non-contact with the first article P1. Here, the third delivery unit 23 can also be driven during the driving of the first delivery unit 21, but it is preferable to control the driving of both units to be non-overlapping.

[0076] like Figure 15 As shown in (b), the third delivery unit 23 can be continuously driven to rotate while the first item P1 is detected by the first detection unit 18 on the upper side. However, it can also be driven for a constant time after item detection and then released, subsequently rotating together with the movement of the first item P1. In this way, by releasing the power-driven drive of the third delivery unit 23 before the item is completely discharged, the third delivery unit 23 can perform the minimum required drive.

[0077] Item 1, P1, is as follows: Figure 16 As shown in (a), when the rear end of the first article P1 is released from the clamp of the third delivery section 23, it becomes protruding outward from the first supply port 11h (left side in the figure), and thus begins to rotate with its front end facing downward. Consequently, the flat portion Pd on the lower surface of the first article P1 comes into contact with the second abutment portion 42a of the corner portion of the lower guide member 42, and in this state, it rotates further downward with its front end. Consequently, the side portion Pr of the rear end of the first article P1 abuts against the first abutment portion 41a of the upper guide member 41, as shown in (a). Figure 16 As shown in (b), it falls by offset descent from the second abutment portion 42a. Here, the supply of the first item P1 is detected as completed when the rear end of the first item P1 detaches from the sensing area Sa. In addition, as described above, the power supply to the third delivery portion 23 can also be stopped at the stage when the rear end of the first item P1 is detected to have detached from the sensing area Sa.

[0078] The following is for reference. Figures 17-20 Instructions for the operation of sending out items in the second supply unit 12A.

[0079] like Figure 17As shown in (a), in the second supply section 12A, an opening 43h is formed at the lower part of the second rotating roller section 22a on the upper guide member 43 of the second receiving section 12 from the upper side. Below the opening 43h, a portion of the front face of the uppermost part of the second article P2 stacked on the mounting surface 12as is exposed. Furthermore, the stacked second article P2 is pressed upwards by the lower pressing section 12f.

[0080] In this state, prior to the rotation drive of the second delivery unit 22, the second rotating roller 22a is in a non-contact state relative to the second article P2. Then, a specified signal is input to the control unit 30, and the second rotating roller 22a rotates. Through this rotation, the second rotating roller 22a rotates to a state where its first circumferential surface 22aa contacts the uppermost part of the second article P2. Figure 17 As shown in (b), through the rotation in the contact state, the second article P2 is pressed downward together with the mounting surface 12as and moves in the delivery direction (leftward in the figure). Moreover, the front end of the second article P2 abuts against the sorting section 12d.

[0081] In the stated state, such as Figure 18 As shown in (a), the first rotating roller 21a continues to rotate, causing the mounting section 12a to tilt so that the front side (left side) is higher. As a result, the front end of the second item P2 moves upward on the inclined surface 12ds. Furthermore, the front end of the second item P2 passes over the inclined surface 12ds and is conveyed towards the fourth delivery section 24 between the sorting section 12d and the upper guide member 43. Thus, the second rotating roller 22a and the sorting section 12d cooperate to function as a sorting section that only sorts the uppermost second item P2.

[0082] like Figure 18 As shown in (b), the second article P2, fed to the fourth delivery unit 24, is inserted between the fourth rotating roller unit 24a and the driven lower roller 24b facing the fourth rotating roller unit 24a, and then moves via the second rotating roller unit 22a. At this time, the fourth rotating roller unit 24a does not perform rotational drive based on power. That is, the fourth rotating roller unit 24a and the driven lower roller 24b rotate by friction with the moving second article P2. This is because while the upstream second delivery unit 22 performs the first action based on power, the downstream fourth delivery unit 24 performs the second action based on frictional contact with the article, regardless of power.

[0083] like Figure 19As shown in (a), the front end of the second article P2, which is moving while being held by the fourth delivery unit 24, reaches the sensing area Sa of the lower first detection unit 19. Consequently, the lower first detection unit 19 sends a detection signal to the control unit 30. This drives the second power delivery unit 29m. At this time, the second rotating roller 22a, which continues to be in contact with the second article P2 without being driven by power delivery, rotates slightly through frictional contact with the second article P2, eventually stopping and becoming non-contact with the second article P2. Here, the fourth delivery unit 24 can also be driven during the driving of the second delivery unit 22, but it is preferable to control the driving of both units to not overlap.

[0084] like Figure 19 As shown in (b), the fourth delivery unit 24 can be continuously driven to rotate while the second item P2 is detected by the first detection unit 19 on the lower side. However, it can also be driven for a constant time after item detection and then released, subsequently rotating together with the movement of the second item P2. In this way, by releasing the power-driven drive of the fourth delivery unit 24 before the item is completely discharged, the fourth delivery unit 24 can perform the minimum required drive.

[0085] Item 2, P2, is as follows Figure 20 As shown in (a), when the rear end of the second article P2 is released from the clamp of the fourth delivery section 24, it becomes protruding outward from the second supply port 12h (left side in the figure), and thus begins to rotate with the front end facing downward. Consequently, the flat portion Pd on the lower surface of the second article P2 comes into contact with the fourth abutment portion 44a at the corner of the lower guide member 44, and in this state, it rotates further downward with its front end. Consequently, the side portion Pr at the rear end of the second article P2 abuts against the third abutment portion 43a of the upper guide member 43, as shown in (a). Figure 20 As shown in (b), it falls by offset descent from the fourth abutment part 44a. Here, the supply of the second item P2 is detected as completed when the rear end of the second item P2 detaches from the sensing area Sa. In addition, as described above, the power supply to the fourth delivery part 24 can also be stopped at the stage when the rear end of the second item P2 is detected to have detached from the sensing area Sa.

[0086] As described above, in the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the first receiving section 11 for receiving the first article P1 and the second receiving section 12 for receiving the second article P2 are configured as an integral unit, thereby enabling the delivery mechanisms for supplying the two articles to be centrally located in the same position both vertically. This facilitates the sharing of the drive system for the delivery mechanism.

[0087] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the first receiving section 11 and the second receiving section 12 are configured as a unit, thereby allowing for integral loading and unloading relative to the mounting section, resulting in good operability.

[0088] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the first receiving section 11 is located directly above the second receiving section 12, thereby allowing the first article P1 to be placed from above and easily replenished. Furthermore, the first receiving section 11 can hold a greater number of first articles P1 than the second receiving section 12. Moreover, the second receiving section 12 is configured such that, even when detached from the main body 3, a second article P2 can be replenished from its upper part; thus, even with a configuration where the first article P1 delivery mechanism is located above the second receiving section 12, the second article P2 can be easily replenished.

[0089] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the supply unit 10 is configured such that the supply direction of the first article P1 from the first storage unit 11 and the supply direction of the second article P2 from the second storage unit 12 are the same direction. As a result, the article retrieval area can be set to one, which simplifies the configuration.

[0090] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the supply unit 10 includes a first delivery unit 21 capable of sorting and storing a first article P1 stored in a first storage unit 11, and a second delivery unit 22 capable of sorting and storing a second article P2 stored in a second storage unit 12, thereby enabling the sorting and supply of the first article P1 and the second article P2 respectively.

[0091] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the first delivery unit 21 is configured to contact the lower surface of the first article P1 to deliver the first article P1, and the second delivery unit 22 is configured to contact the upper surface of the second article P2 to deliver the second article P2. Thus, the first delivery unit 21 and the second delivery unit 22 can be arranged between the first receiving unit 11 and the second receiving unit 12, and furthermore, when supplying two articles P1 and P2, the upper surface can be set to face upwards for supply.

[0092] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the first article P1 and the second article P2 are configured such that the first supply section 11A, with horizontally arranged first rotating rollers 21a and third rotating rollers 23a, and the second supply section 12A, with horizontally arranged second rotating rollers 22a and fourth rotating rollers 24a, can move in the same direction in the horizontal direction. This allows the first article P1 and the second article P2 to fall to the same position and be discharged.

[0093] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the first rotating roller 21a on the upstream side of the first supply unit 11A and the second rotating roller 22a on the upstream side of the second supply unit 12A are arranged vertically, it is easy to drive them using the first power supply unit 28m. Furthermore, since the third rotating roller 23a on the downstream side of the first supply unit 11A and the fourth rotating roller 24a on the downstream side of the second supply unit 12A are arranged vertically, it is easy to drive them using the second power supply unit 29m.

[0094] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the mounting part 12a is configured to be adjusted so that the height of its mounting surface 12as increases as the number of second articles P2 contained decreases, the second rotating roller part 22a can be stably contacted with the uppermost second article P2, and the sorting and delivery of the second article P2 can be reliably performed.

[0095] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, because the pressure section is provided in the first receiving section 11 with an upper pressure section 11f that presses the first article P1 toward the first rotating roller section 21a, the contact pressure between the first article P1 and the first rotating roller section 21a is stable, enabling reliable sorting and delivery. Furthermore, because the second receiving section 12 is provided in the second receiving section 12 with a lower pressure section 12f that presses the second article P2 toward the second rotating roller section 22a, the second article P2 can be stably pushed toward the second rotating roller section 22a, enabling reliable sorting and delivery.

[0096] According to the article supply device 1 of this aspect, when the first supply unit 11A and the second supply unit 12A discharge the article P from the first supply port 11h and the second supply port 12h, the front end of the article P can be set downwards so that it can be discharged by its own weight, thus supplying the article P with minimal power. In addition, since the front end of the article P can be set directly downwards and allowed to fall by its own weight when it is discharged, it can be discharged, for example, in a state where the front of the article P can be seen from the front and in an upright state.

[0097] Furthermore, in the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the first detection units 18 and 19 are configured to detect the discharge of one article P selected by the sorting unit, it is possible to confirm, based on the detection signals of the first detection units 18 and 19, that the article P is discharged and supplied one by one in the supply process.

[0098] According to the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the supply unit 10 is a two-stage delivery mechanism with an upstream delivery unit and a downstream delivery unit, the downstream delivery unit can have a discharge function, and on the other hand, the upstream delivery unit can have a sorting function, so that reliable sorting and reliable discharge can be carried out in a stable state.

[0099] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the upstream delivery unit and the downstream delivery unit are configured to perform a first action based on power supplied by the power supply unit and a second action based on friction with the article, thereby enabling smooth transfer of articles between the upstream and downstream delivery units. For example, by having a second action that is not driven after the first action (after the driving action) on the upstream side, even if the delivery speed of the first power supply unit 28m and the delivery speed of the second power supply unit 29m are significantly different, it is possible to avoid simultaneously supplying different driving speeds to the article P. Thus, the driving speeds of the upstream delivery unit and the downstream delivery unit can be freely set.

[0100] More specifically, after the second operation of the upstream delivery unit (first rotating roller 21a and second rotating roller 22a) begins, the downstream delivery unit is controlled to perform the first operation after the item P is detected by the first detection unit 18 and 19. This enables the drive of the downstream delivery unit to function as an operation that is completely separated from the sorting unit of the item on the upstream side.

[0101] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the first rotating roller 21a and the second rotating roller 22a respectively have a first circumferential surface 21aa and 22aa that can abut against the perfect circle of the article and a second circumferential surface 21ab and 22ab that do not abut against the perfect circle of the article P, thereby enabling them to function as sorting sections for the article P in each rotation.

[0102] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, there are second detection units 31 and 32 capable of detecting the presence or absence of article P contained in the first storage section 11 and the second storage section 12, thereby enabling the detection of the presence or absence of article P in the first storage section 11 and the second storage section 12. In addition, the control unit 30 is capable of detecting the absence of article P in each storage section, thereby enabling control to urge the replenishment of article P in the section without article P.

[0103] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the pressurizing unit includes a first pressurizing unit 12ff and a second pressurizing unit 12fr arranged front to back along the feeding direction of the second article P2, thereby enabling independent front and rear pressures to be applied to the second article P2 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, by arranging different pressurizing units at the front and back, the second article P2 can be tilted in the height direction in accordance with the operation of the second rotating roller 22a used for sorting during the sorting operation, enabling auxiliary operations such as easy article sorting.

[0104] Furthermore, by providing the second pressure section 12ff directly below the second delivery section 22, the second article P2 can be steadily pressed relative to the second rotating roller section 22a.

[0105] In the item supply device 1 of this aspect, since the second receiving section 12 is configured to be detachable from the main body section 3, it is easy to replenish the second item P2. In addition, since the height of the mounting section 12a of the second item P2 can be adjusted by the operating section 14, the second item P2 can be easily replenished even in the second state when it is not installed on the main body section 3.

[0106] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the second receiving part 12 can move the height of the mounting part 12a by means of the operating part 14, it is easy to perform the operation of pulling out the second receiving part 12 from the main body part 3 and the operation of further installing it on the main body part 3.

[0107] Furthermore, since the second containment section 12 is configured such that the pull-out direction from the main body section 3 and the supply direction of the item P from the supply section 10 are in the same direction, the pull-out and installation openings and the item supply openings of the second containment section 12 can be shared.

[0108] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the first power supply unit 28m is configured to simultaneously supply power to the first delivery unit 21 that delivers the first article P1 and the second delivery unit 22 that delivers the second article P2, the power transmission mechanism can be set to one, and the number of its power sources can be set to one.

[0109] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the control is performed such that when the first article P1 is delivered using the first delivery unit 21, the delivery of the second article P2 using the second delivery unit 22 is not performed. Furthermore, the control is performed such that when the second article P2 is delivered using the second delivery unit 22, the delivery of the first article P1 using the first delivery unit 21 is not performed. As a result, the first article P1 and the second article P2 can be delivered in different timing sequences.

[0110] According to the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the first delivery unit 21 and the second delivery unit arranged vertically are configured to rotate only in a specified rotation direction (first direction and second direction) through the clutch mechanism of their respective rotating rollers (first rotating roller 21a and second rotating roller 22a), the delivery of the first article P1 and the second article P2 can be switched by controlling the rotation of the first power supply unit 28m (motor) to rotate in the forward and reverse directions.

[0111] According to the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the first delivery unit 21 and the second delivery unit 22 are arranged vertically and the third delivery unit 23 and the fourth delivery unit 24 are arranged vertically and close to each other, it is easy to drive the vertically arranged delivery units to each other by the same power supply unit (first power supply unit 28m and second power supply unit 29m).

[0112] According to the article supply device 1 of this aspect, by not providing a clutch mechanism for controlling power transmission between the third delivery section 23 and the fourth delivery section 24 and the second power supply section 29m, the structure for transmitting driving force can be simplified.

[0113] While aspects of the present invention have been described above, the invention can be appropriately modified within its technical concept. For example, in the described aspect, the lower pressure part 12f is configured to have four compression springs, but it is not limited to this configuration; for example, it may also be configured with two compression springs at the front and rear, or five or more compression springs.

[0114] As stated above, this specification discloses the following matters. (1)

[0116] A product supply device comprising:

[0117] Body part;

[0118] A containment section, which can be installed on the main body and can contain items;

[0119] A supply unit, located in the receiving unit, is capable of supplying the items;

[0120] The control unit is capable of controlling the supply of the articles using the supply unit;

[0121] The sorting unit, when supplying the articles using the supply unit, can only sort one article at a time; and

[0122] The first detection unit is capable of detecting the articles supplied by the supply unit; and

[0123] The first detection unit is configured to detect the items selected by the sorting unit. (2)

[0125] According to the article supply device described in (1), in which

[0126] The sorting section is configured to sort only the bottommost or topmost item among the multiple items stacked in the receiving section. (3)

[0128] According to the article supply device described in (1) or (2), wherein

[0129] The supply unit includes a delivery unit located upstream in the delivery direction and a delivery unit located downstream, capable of delivering the article contained within the receiving unit; and

[0130] The downstream delivery section is configured to deliver the items delivered by the upstream delivery section and selected by the sorting section. (4)

[0132] According to the article supply device described in (3), it also includes:

[0133] The power supply unit can supply power to both the upstream delivery unit and the downstream delivery unit; and

[0134] The upstream delivery section and the downstream delivery section are configured to perform a first action based on power delivery from the power delivery section and a second action not based on power delivery. (5)

[0136] According to the article supply device described in (4), in which

[0137] The upstream delivery section and the downstream delivery section are configured to perform the second action after the first action. (6)

[0139] According to the article supply device described in (4) or (5), wherein

[0140] The second action is based on the frictional force between the object being delivered and the object. (7)

[0142] According to any one of (4) to (6), the article supply device, wherein

[0143] After the first detection unit detects the article, the control unit controls the downstream delivery unit to perform the first action. (8)

[0145] According to any one of (4) to (7), the article supply device, wherein

[0146] The downstream delivery unit is configured to perform the first operation after the upstream delivery unit begins the second operation. (9)

[0148] According to any one of (3) to (8), the article supply device, wherein

[0149] The containment section includes a first containment section and a second containment section; and

[0150] The first receiving section is configured to be located directly above the second receiving section. (10)

[0152] According to the article supply device described in (9), in which

[0153] The upstream and downstream feeding sections are respectively rotary roller sections; and

[0154] The upstream delivery section includes a first rotating roller section capable of delivering the article housed in the first receiving section and a second rotating roller section capable of delivering the article housed in the second receiving section;

[0155] The downstream delivery section includes a third rotating roller section capable of further delivering the article delivered by the first rotating roller section, and a fourth rotating roller section capable of further delivering the article delivered by the second rotating roller section. (11)

[0157] According to the article supply device described in (10), in which

[0158] The first rotating roller section and the third rotating roller section are configured to rotate in the first direction; and

[0159] The second rotating roller section and the fourth rotating roller section are configured to rotate in a second direction that is different from the first direction. (12)

[0161] According to the article supply device described in (10) or (11), wherein

[0162] The cross-sections of the first rotating roller section and the second rotating roller section are non-circular; and

[0163] The cross-sections of the third rotating roller section and the fourth rotating roller section are circular. (13)

[0165] According to any one of (10) to (12), the article supply device, wherein

[0166] The peripheral surfaces of the first rotating roller section and the second rotating roller section each include a first peripheral surface and a second peripheral surface; and

[0167] The first peripheral surface is configured to be in contact with the article;

[0168] The second peripheral surface is configured not to contact the article. (14)

[0170] The article supply device described in any of (9) to (13) further comprises:

[0171] The second detection unit is capable of detecting the presence or absence of the items contained in the first and second storage units; and

[0172] The second detection unit can detect the presence or absence of the item from the lower part of the first receiving part and from the upper part of the second receiving part. (15)

[0174] According to any one of (1) to (14), the article supply device, wherein

[0175] If the control unit detects that the containment unit does not contain the item, it will prevent the item from being supplied. (16)

[0177] The article supply device described in any one of (1) to (15) further comprises:

[0178] Game Execution Department; and

[0179] The game execution unit can execute the game on the condition of payment. (17)

[0181] According to any of (1) to (16) the article supply device, wherein

[0182] The supply department can supply one item in exchange for payment.

[0183] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0184] 1. Supply device

[0185] 3 Main body part

[0186] 10. Supply Department

[0187] 11 First Containment Department

[0188] 11A First Supply Department

[0189] 11f Upper pressurization section (pressurization section)

[0190] 12 Second Containment Department

[0191] 12A Second Supply Department

[0192] 12a Mounting section

[0193] 12as mounting surface

[0194] 12f Lower pressurization section (pressurization section)

[0195] 12ff First pressurization section (pressurization section)

[0196] 12fr Second pressurization section (pressurization section)

[0197] 14 Operations Department

[0198] 18, 19, First Inspection Department

[0199] 21 First delivery unit (upstream delivery unit)

[0200] 21a First Rotating Roller Section (Rotating Roller Section)

[0201] 21aa Week 1

[0202] 21ab Week 2

[0203] 21g First Clutch Mechanism

[0204] 22 Second delivery unit (upstream side delivery unit)

[0205] 22a Second Rotating Roller Section (Rotating Roller Section)

[0206] 22aa Week 1

[0207] 22ab Week 2

[0208] 22g Second Clutch Mechanism

[0209] 23 Third delivery unit (downstream delivery unit)

[0210] 23a Third Rotating Roller Section (Rotating Roller Section)

[0211] 24 Fourth delivery unit (downstream delivery unit)

[0212] 24a Fourth Rotating Roller Section (Rotating Roller Section)

[0213] 28m First Power Supply Unit (Power Supply Unit)

[0214] 29m Second Power Supply Unit (Power Supply Unit)

[0215] 30 Control Department

[0216] 31, 32, Second Inspection Department

[0217] 41a First contact section

[0218] 42a Second contact section

[0219] 43a Third contact section

[0220] 44a Fourth contact section

[0221] P items

[0222] P1 Item 1 (item)

[0223] P2 Item 2 (item)

[0224] Pr The side of the item

[0225] Pd is the flat surface of an object.

Claims

1. A product supply device, comprising: Body part; A containment section is provided in the main body and is capable of containing items; A supply unit is provided in the receiving unit, comprising a delivery unit located upstream in the delivery direction and capable of delivering the article received in the receiving unit, and a delivery unit located downstream, thereby supplying the article. The control unit is capable of controlling the supply of the articles using the supply unit; The sorting unit, when supplying the articles using the supply unit, can sort only one of the articles located at the bottom or top of the multiple articles stacked in the receiving unit at a time; The first inspection unit is capable of inspecting the articles supplied by the supply unit and selected by the sorting unit; and The power supply unit can supply power to both the upstream delivery unit and the downstream delivery unit; and The downstream delivery section is configured to deliver the items delivered by the upstream delivery section and selected by the sorting section; The upstream delivery section and the downstream delivery section are configured to perform a first action based on power delivery from the power delivery section and a second action not based on power delivery.

2. The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein The upstream delivery section and the downstream delivery section are configured to perform the second action after the first action.

3. The article supply device according to claim 2, wherein The second action is based on the frictional force between the object being delivered and the object.

4. The article supply device according to claim 3, wherein After the first detection unit detects the article, the control unit controls the downstream delivery unit to perform the first action.

5. The article supply device according to claim 4, wherein The downstream delivery unit is configured to perform the first operation after the upstream delivery unit begins the second operation.

6. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The containment section includes a first containment section and a second containment section; and The first receiving section is configured to be located directly above the second receiving section.

7. The article supply device according to claim 6, wherein The upstream and downstream feeding sections are respectively rotary roller sections; and The upstream delivery section includes a first rotating roller section capable of delivering the article housed in the first receiving section and a second rotating roller section capable of delivering the article housed in the second receiving section; The downstream delivery section includes a third rotating roller section capable of further delivering the article delivered by the first rotating roller section, and a fourth rotating roller section capable of further delivering the article delivered by the second rotating roller section.

8. The article supply device according to claim 7, wherein The first rotating roller section and the third rotating roller section are configured to rotate in the first direction; and The second rotating roller section and the fourth rotating roller section are configured to rotate in a second direction that is different from the first direction.

9. The article supply device according to claim 8, wherein The cross-sections of the first rotating roller section and the second rotating roller section are non-circular; and The cross-sections of the third rotating roller section and the fourth rotating roller section are circular.

10. The article supply device according to claim 9, wherein The peripheral surfaces of the first rotating roller section and the second rotating roller section each include a first peripheral surface and a second peripheral surface; and The first peripheral surface is configured to be in contact with the article; The second peripheral surface is configured not to contact the article.

11. The article supply device according to claim 10, further comprising: The second detection unit is capable of detecting the presence or absence of the items contained in the first and second storage units; and The second detection unit can detect the presence or absence of the item from the lower part of the first receiving part and from the upper part of the second receiving part.

12. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein If the control unit detects that the containment unit does not contain the item, it will prevent the item from being supplied.

13. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The supply department can supply one item in exchange for payment.

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