Article supply device

Abstract

This invention relates to an item supply device. An item supply device is provided that facilitates the discharge of surplus coins and improves convenience. An item supply device (1) includes: an insertion section (5) for inserting coins (C); a holding section (25) for holding the inserted coins (C); a setting section (28) for setting the number of coins (C) that can be held in the holding section; a discharge section (29) for discharging the inserted coins (C); and a control section for controlling whether to discharge the inserted coins (C), wherein the control section controls the discharge of additional inserted coins (C) to the discharge section (29) provided that the holding section holds a set number of coins (C).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Traditionally, various item dispensing devices (vending machines) exist for the purpose of automatically selling goods. These devices include a function to dispense any remaining coins (metal coins) from the coin bank used to pay for the purchased goods. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device for dispensing remaining coins from a change dispenser in a vending machine. This device dispenses overflowing coins to one side of the dispenser. By attaching an elastomer such as sponge rubber to the sliding bottom surface of the coin dispensing member, or by forming the sliding bottom surface itself with an elastomer, the sliding bottom surface of the coin dispensing member undergoes elastic deformation.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 48-34598 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In Patent Document 1, even if the coin deforms, the sliding bottom surface will deform accordingly, enabling the remaining coin ejection mechanism to operate. However, its drive component requires an electrical control component. Furthermore, in conventional article supply devices, there are various types of goods with different prices, and the remaining coin ejection settings differ for each price range. Therefore, a device that offers good convenience within such a setting is sought.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an item supply device that facilitates the discharge of surplus coins and improves convenience.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] An article supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: an insertion section capable of inserting coins; a holding section capable of holding the inserted coins; a setting section capable of setting the number of coins that can be held in the holding section; a discharge section capable of discharging the inserted coins; and a control section capable of controlling whether to discharge the inserted coins, wherein the control section performs the following control: discharging additional inserted coins to the discharge section if the holding section holds a set number of coins.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] According to the present invention, an item supply device is provided that facilitates the discharge of surplus coins and improves convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of an article supply device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the item supply device.

[0015] Figure 3 Viewed from the right side Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the coin insertion unit shown.

[0016] Figure 4 Viewed from the left side Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the coin insertion unit shown.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged perspective view of the distribution section is shown.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a rough cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the distribution section, viewed from the rear side of the device towards the front side.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram illustrating an example of coin ejection.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing another example of coin ejection.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] 1. Item supply device; 5. Input section; 20a. Passage section; 23. Movement restriction section; 25. Holding section; 25a. First holding section; 25b. Second holding section; 26. Dispensing section; 27. Switching section; 28. Setting section; 29. ​​Discharge section; 29b. Second discharge section; C. Coin; P1. First state; P2. Second state. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates one aspect of the article supply device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1 of this type. Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the article supply device 1.

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2The item supply device 1 shown is, for example, a device capable of supplying items P in spherical capsule shells containing toys or parts. More specifically, the item supply device 1 includes: a storage section 10 capable of storing multiple items P in a randomly arranged manner; a supply section 30 having a rotating disk 31 rotatably disposed at the bottom 10b of the storage section 10 and capable of randomly selecting and supplying items P one by one; and a locking section 41 that locks the supply section 30 in an inoperable state. The item supply device 1 unlocks the locking section 41 upon payment from the coin insertion section 5. Then, in the unlocked state, the operation section 4 provided on the front surface 2f is rotated. As a result, the gear train 4b provided at the top end of the shaft 4a of the operation section 4 rotates, and the rotating disk 31 rotates by means of its rack 31g. The article P held in the holding hole 31h of the rotating disk 31 falls at the position of the through hole 10bh provided at the bottom 10b and is supplied to the supply port 9 via the article passage section 9a.

[0026] In the item supply device 1, a coin insertion unit 20 is provided on the right side of the operation section 4 (the right side when facing the device). This coin insertion unit 20 is connected to the insertion section 5 provided on the front surface 2f of the main body section 2. Furthermore, the coin C inserted from the insertion section 5 falls through the passage section 20a formed in the coin insertion unit 20 and is held by the holding section 25 on the lower side of the unit. In addition, when a regular coin is inserted, and a predetermined amount is inserted and a prescribed operation is performed, the coin C held in the holding section 25 is stored in the coin storage section 19 provided, for example, below the holding section 25. On the other hand, the item supply device 1 has the following structure: when a coin C that is not a regular coin, such as a counterfeit coin, is inserted, the coin C is attracted and captured by the movement restriction section 23 provided in the passage section 20a. That is, it is configured to hold only appropriate regular coins in the first holding section 25a and the second holding section 25b, and not to hold inappropriate counterfeit coins.

[0027] Figure 3 Viewed from the right side Figure 2 A perspective view of the coin insertion unit 20 shown. Figure 4 Viewed from the left side Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the coin insertion unit shown.

[0028] like Figure 3As shown, the coin insertion unit 20 is a thin unit in which a left half-shell 21 and a right half-shell 22 are combined from left to right, and the left and right sidewalls, namely the first sidewall portion 21w and the second sidewall portion 22w, face each other closely to form an internal space. The right half-shell 22, including the second sidewall portion 22w, is different from the left half-shell 21, including the first sidewall portion 21w. As shown, the right half-shell 22 is, for example, made of a light-transmitting material so that the interior of the unit can be seen.

[0029] The coin insertion unit 20 has a passage 20a inside, extending from the initial end 20as (upper right side in the figure) connected to the insertion part 5 where the coin C is inserted, to the opening 20ae at the end. The passage 20a is a structure that allows the coin C to move under the influence of gravity. For example, the initial coin inlet including the initial end 20as has an inclined part 20ab that tilts in a way that causes the coin C to roll, and a dropping part 20ac is provided behind the inclined part 20ab. In the dropping part 20ac, a first swing plate 20ag is provided at the top and a second swing plate 20ah is provided at the bottom. Both swing plates 20ag and 20ah rotate by carrying the coin C, assisting the coin C in falling and guiding the direction of movement of the coin C.

[0030] The opening 20ae at the end of the passage section 20a becomes the entrance to the holding section 25 that holds the coin C. (As follows) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the holding part 25 has a first holding part 25a on the front side of the unit (the right side when viewed from the front of the device), and a second holding part 25b with the same structure on the back side of the unit (the left side when viewed from the front of the device), positioned opposite the front and back sides. Both the first holding part 25a and the second holding part 25b are configured to hold the coin C. Furthermore, a distribution part 26, provided across the opening 20ae and above it, distributes the coin C to the first holding part 25a and the second holding part 25b.

[0031] As shown in the figure, the first retaining part 25a and the second retaining part 25b are provided to face the front surface 2f side (refer to...). Figure 2 The first passage section 251 and the second passage section 252 are tilted (relative to the horizontal direction) in a downward manner. That is, the structure is such that the coin C falling from the opening 20ae can move towards the front surface 2f side in the first passage section 251 and the second passage section 252 by its own weight.

[0032] Furthermore, the number of coins C held in the first passage section 251 and the second passage section 252 can be determined using a setting part 28 that can lock the movement of the coins C in the tilt direction. For example, the setting part 28 is formed with a slit-shaped sliding opening 28b that opens along the outer surface of the first passage section 251 and the second passage section 252, and is provided with a position setting pin 28a that can move within the sliding opening 28b and protrude into the two passage sections 251, 252.

[0033] Furthermore, the position setting pin 28a is configured to engage with a large-diameter opening 28c, of which multiple large-diameter openings 28c are formed at predetermined intervals in the sliding opening 28b. That is, by engaging the position setting pin 28a with a predetermined large-diameter opening 28c, the number of coins C can be set to a predetermined number. Additionally, in the first holding part 25a, the last coin C of this predetermined number is located at the lower part of the dispensing part 26 and is configured to contact the lower part of the dispensing part 26 as described later (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged perspective view of the distribution section 26 shown.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, the distribution section 26 includes: a rectangular plate section 26a; a shaft section 26b that supports the plate section 26a so that it can rotate; a counterweight 26g that is held in place by an arm 26m that protrudes from the end face of the plate section 26a; and an inclined surface 26e for guiding, which is formed on the upper part of the plate section 26a.

[0036] The dispensing unit 26 includes a first facet 26c for contacting a coin C falling from above and dispensing the coin C to the left and right, and a second facet 26d on the opposite side of the first facet 26c. The first facet 26c guides the coin C contacting it to the side of the first holding portion 25a. On the other hand, the second facet 26d guides the coin C contacting it to the side of the second holding portion 25b. For example, in a free state, the dispensing unit 26 is tilted so that the first facet 26c is tilted upwards using a counterweight 26g. Figure 6 (Left side in the middle), guide the falling coin C towards the first holding part 25a. On the other hand, under the conditions specified later (refer to...) Figure 6 ) down, so that the second face 26d becomes the upper side ( Figure 6 The coin is rotated in a manner that is on the right side (in the middle), thereby guiding the falling coin C toward the second holding part 25b.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the distribution section 26, viewed from the rear side of the device towards the front side.

[0038] The distribution unit 26 is directed to the counterweight 26g. Figure 6 When a counterclockwise force is applied, the upper part of the dispensing portion 26 is tilted in a free state where no external force is applied, so that the upper part of the dispensing portion 26 contacts the first side wall portion 21w. In this state, the coin C falling from above abuts against the first face portion 26c and falls into the first passage portion 251 through the opening 20ae.

[0039] As shown in the figure, among the coins C that fall into the first passage section 251, the last coin C of a predetermined number is held directly below the dispensing section 26. Therefore, due to this last held coin C, the dispensing section 26 is maintained in a state where it is rotated clockwise against the force of the counterweight 26g. That is, by the upper part of the coin C abutting against the lower part 26f of the dispensing section 26, the dispensing section 26 is maintained with its upper part close to the second sidewall 22w side. In this state, the coin C can be dispensed towards the second holding section 25b side.

[0040] Furthermore, in order to allow coin C to contact the lower end 26f, the structure that restricts the position of coin C in its width direction is shown in the figure as having a protrusion on the second side wall 22w side. However, this position-restricting structure is not particularly limited as long as it can restrict the position of coin C to the left side of the first passage 251 in the figure.

[0041] Furthermore, when the upper end of the distribution section 26 is rotated to the second sidewall 22w side, its tilt angle becomes nearly vertical compared to the state when it is tilted towards the first sidewall 21w side. However, an inclined surface 26e is formed at the upper end to guide the coin C towards the second face 26d side, thereby allowing the coin C to move smoothly.

[0042] The lower end portion 26f of the distribution portion 26 has a shape that protrudes toward the first passage portion 251 at a position lower than the shaft portion 26b. For example, as shown in the figure, it may be a protruding shape that protrudes toward the first passage portion 251 or a structure that is bent in a way that protrudes toward the first passage portion 251.

[0043] In addition, in the distribution section 26, the force is applied using a counterweight of 26g, but it could also be a structure that uses the force of a magnet instead of the counterweight of 26g.

[0044] Additionally, a switching section 27 is provided on the second holding section 25b side, which is configured to open and close the opening 20ae to restrict distribution. This switching section 27 includes a flat horizontal plate 27a that opens and closes the second holding section 25b side of the opening 20ae, and an operating piece 27b that protrudes upwards and laterally (to the left) from the horizontal plate 27a. Furthermore, the switching section 27 is designed to slide (reciprocate) from the back side of the unit in the unit thickness direction. The horizontal plate 27a of the switching section 27 is located within the second passage section 252 directly below the opening 20ae, and can open and close the second passage section 252 side of the opening 20ae. For example, as shown in the figure, when the switching section 27 is in the first state P1 (left side in the figure) away from the first holding section 25a, the opening 20ae is open, allowing the inserted coin C to be distributed to both the first holding section 25a and the second holding section 25b. On the other hand, when the switching unit 27 is in the second state P2 (right side in the figure) close to the first holding unit 25a, the second passage 252 side of the opening 20ae is closed, and the inserted coin C is only distributed to the first passage 251 and not to the second passage 252.

[0045] Furthermore, a discharge section 29 (29b) is provided above the second passage section 252 (second holding section 25b). This discharge section 29 (29b) is configured to be parallel to the second passage section 252 and open at both its upper and lower ends. That is, the discharge section 29 (29b) forms an inclined passage that opens from the space where the distribution section 26 is located toward the front of the unit (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram representing an example of coin C being ejected.

[0047] When coin C is discharged from discharge section 29 (29b), for example, when switching section 27 is set to hold coin C in the first state P1 only by first holding section 25a, as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the horizontal plate portion 27a of the switching unit 27 closes the second holding portion 25b side of the opening 20ae. In this case, a predetermined number of coins C are held in the first holding portion 25a, thereby using the last coin C to maintain the dispensing unit 26 in a state of being rotated clockwise. Figure 6 (Refer to). In this state, when an additional coin C is inserted, the coin C is distributed by the dispensing section 26 to the second holding section 25b. However, since the opening 20ae is closed by the horizontal plate section 27a, the coin C comes into contact with the horizontal plate section 27a and is discharged through the discharge section 29 (29b) to the return port 6.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram representing another example of coin C being ejected.

[0049] This describes another scenario where coin C is discharged from discharge section 29 (29b). In this scenario, for example, switching section 27 is configured to hold coin C in both the first holding section 25a and the second holding section 25b, forming a second state P2. In this scenario, after a predetermined number of coins C are held in the first holding section 25a, coins C are held in the second holding section 25b. Then, when a predetermined number of coins C are held in the second holding section 25b, as... Figure 8 As shown, the last coin C is located at the opening 20ae. That is, the upper part Ct of the last coin C functions as part of the passage by blocking the opening 20ae, so that the additional coin C is in contact with the upper part Ct of the coin C and discharged through the second discharge part 29b to the return port 6.

[0050] Furthermore, a first discharge section 29a, identical to the second discharge section 29b, is also provided above the first passage section 251 (first holding section 25a). Additionally, a return button 7 is provided below the insertion section 5. For example, when a user wants to return an inserted coin C, pressing the return button 7 will cause the coin C held in the first holding section 25a and the second holding section 25b to be discharged into the return port 6.

[0051] As described above, the item supply device 1 of this form has a discharge section 29 that can discharge the inserted coins C, so that the remaining coins C that are added can be discharged from the discharge section 29 to the outside of the device, provided that a predetermined number of coins C are held in the holding section by the setting section 28.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when discharging the remaining coins C, the coin holding mode switching unit 27 of the holding unit 25, the coin dispensing unit 26, and the coin holding quantity setting unit 28 can function as control units in a mutually related manner. Therefore, an article supply device 1 with a mechanism that can discharge remaining coins using a simple structure without requiring electrical control can be provided.

[0053] In this type of item supply device 1, since the holding part 25 that holds the inserted coin C has a first holding part 25a and a second holding part 25b, the coin C can be held in multiple parts, the coin holding method can be diversified, and the number of coins held can be increased.

[0054] In the item supply device 1 of this form, the second holding part 25b is configured to hold additionally inserted coins C on the condition that the first holding part 25a holds a number of coins C set in the first holding part 25a, thereby enabling the setting of a price that cannot be fully held by the first holding part 25a.

[0055] In this type of item supply device 1, the operation of the switching unit 27 can be used to switch between a first state P1 in which only the first holding part 25a holds the coin C and a second state P2 in which both the first holding part 25a and the second holding part 25b hold the coin C, thus easily switching the coin holding method and the number of coins held.

[0056] In this type of article supply device 1, the first holding part 25a and the second holding part 25b are provided at opposite positions on the front and back of the unit, thus facilitating the configuration of the switching part 27. Furthermore, the two holding parts are inclined in the longitudinal direction relative to the horizontal, thereby enabling the coin C to move downwards.

[0057] In the article supply device 1 of this form, a discharge section 29 (second discharge section 29b) is provided on the upper side of the second holding section 25b (the upper side in the falling direction of the coin C), so that the coin C can be discharged from the second discharge section 29b before it falls onto the second holding section 25b.

[0058] In this type of item supply device 1, when the switching unit 27 is in the first state P1 and a predetermined number of coins C are held in the first holding unit 25a, the coin C is distributed to the second holding unit 25b by the dispensing unit 26. Since the inlet (opening 20ae) of the second holding unit 25b is closed, the additional remaining coins C can be discharged from the second discharge unit 29b.

[0059] In the article supply device 1 of this form, when a predetermined number of coins C are stored in the first holding part 25a and the second holding part 25b, the last coin C in the second holding part 25b blocks the entrance (opening 20ae) of the second holding part 25b and forms a passage (bottom part of the passage) in the second discharge part 29b. Thus, after the additionally inserted coin C is distributed to the side of the second holding part 25b, it can come into contact with the last coin C held by the second holding part 25b and be discharged from the second discharge part 29b.

[0060] In this type of article supply device 1, the counterfeit coin C (inappropriate coin C) is captured by the movement restriction part 23 provided in the passage part 20a for the movement of coin C, so that the counterfeit coin C can be prevented from being held in the first holding part 25a and the second holding part 25b.

[0061] The above describes the form of the present invention, but the present invention can be appropriately modified within the scope of its technical concept. For example, in the above description, the structure of the article supply device 1 provided on the article P for selling capsule shells has been described, but it is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be applied to various articles for sale devices.

[0062] As explained above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification. (1)

[0064] An article supply device, wherein,

[0065] The item supply device is equipped with:

[0066] The insertion section is for accepting coins;

[0067] A retaining section that holds the inserted coins;

[0068] The setting unit is capable of setting the number of coins that can be held in the aforementioned holding unit;

[0069] The discharge section is capable of discharging the inserted coins; and

[0070] The control unit is capable of controlling whether the inserted coins are ejected.

[0071] The control unit performs the following control: if the holding unit holds a set number of the coins, the additional coins are discharged to the discharge unit. (2)

[0073] According to the article supply device described in (1), wherein,

[0074] The aforementioned holding part includes a first holding part and a second holding part.

[0075] The first holding part and the second holding part are each configured to hold a plurality of the coins. (3)

[0077] According to the article supply device described in (2), wherein,

[0078] The second holding section is configured to hold additional coins inserted, provided that the first holding section already holds a number of coins set in the first holding section. (4)

[0080] According to the article supply device described in (2) or (3), wherein,

[0081] The first holding part is configured such that, if the number of coins that can be held, as set in the second holding part, is zero, only the first holding part holds the coins. (5)

[0083] The article supply device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein,

[0084] The second holding section is configured such that it does not hold the coins if the number of coins that can be held in the first holding section is zero. (6)

[0086] The article supply device according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein,

[0087] The item supply device also includes a switching unit that can switch between a first state in which only the first holding part holds the coin and a second state in which both the first holding part and the second holding part hold the coin. (7)

[0089] According to the article supply device described in (6), wherein,

[0090] The first holding part and the second holding part are arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal in the length direction. (8)

[0092] According to the article supply device described in (6) or (7), wherein,

[0093] The discharge section includes a second discharge section, which is located on the side of the second holding section. (9)

[0095] According to the article supply device described in (8), wherein,

[0096] The control unit performs the following control: when the switching unit is in the first state and the first holding unit holds a set number of coins, the additional coins are discharged from the second discharge unit. (10)

[0098] According to the article supply device described in (8) or (9), wherein,

[0099] The control unit performs the following control: when the switching unit is in the second state, the first holding unit holds a set number of coins, and the second holding unit holds a set number of coins, the additional coins are discharged from the second discharge unit. (11)

[0101] According to the article supply device described in (10), wherein,

[0102] The control unit performs the following control: when the switching unit is in the second state, the first holding unit holds a set number of coins, and the second holding unit holds a set number of coins, the additional coin is discharged from the second discharge unit after contacting the coin held in the second holding unit. (12)

[0104] The article supply device according to any one of (8) to (11), wherein,

[0105] The control unit performs the following control: the coin discharged from the second discharge section is discharged from the second discharge section without contacting the coin held in the first holding section. (13)

[0107] The article supply device according to any one of (2) to (12), wherein,

[0108] The coin held in the second holding part is configured as part of a passage through which additional coins can be inserted. (14)

[0110] The article supply device according to any one of (2) to (13), wherein,

[0111] The above-mentioned coins include both appropriate and inappropriate coins.

[0112] The first holding part and the second holding part are configured to hold the appropriate coin and not hold the inappropriate coin. (15)

[0114] According to the article supply device described in (14), wherein,

[0115] The item supply device also includes a passageway for the inserted coins to move.

[0116] The aforementioned passageway includes a movement restriction section that restricts the movement of the aforementioned inappropriate coin that has been inserted.

Claims

1. A product supply device, wherein, The item supply device is equipped with: The insertion section is for accepting coins; The holding part, which is capable of holding the inserted coin, includes a first holding part and a second holding part, each of the first holding part and the second holding part being configured to hold a plurality of the coins, and being arranged at opposite positions at an angle relative to the horizontal in the length direction; A setting unit that can set the number of coins that can be held in the holding unit; The discharge section, which is capable of discharging the inserted coin, includes a second discharge section disposed on the side of the second holding section; A control unit, capable of controlling whether the inserted coin is ejected; and The switching unit is capable of switching between a first state in which only the first holding part holds the coin and a second state in which both the first holding part and the second holding part hold the coin. The control unit performs the following control: when the switching unit is in the first state and the first holding unit holds a set number of coins, the additional coins are discharged from the second discharge unit.

2. The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein, The second holding part is configured to hold the additionally inserted coin when the switching part is in the second state and the first holding part holds a number of the coins set in the first holding part.

3. The article supply device according to claim 2, wherein, The first holding part is configured such that, when the switching part is in the first state, only the first holding part holds the coin.

4. The article supply device according to claim 3, wherein, The second holding part is configured such that, when the switching part is in the first state, it does not hold the coin.

5. The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit performs the following control: when the switching unit is in the second state, the first holding unit holds a set number of coins, and the second holding unit holds a set number of coins, the additionally inserted coins are discharged from the second discharge unit.

6. The article supply device according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit performs the following control: under the condition that the switching unit is in the second state, the first holding unit holds a set number of coins, and the second holding unit holds a set number of coins, the additionally inserted coin is discharged from the second discharge unit after contacting the coin held in the second holding unit.

7. The article supply device according to claim 6, wherein, The control unit performs the following control: the coin discharged from the second discharge section is discharged from the second discharge section without contacting the coin held in the first holding section.

8. The article supply device according to claim 7, wherein, The coin held in the second holding part is configured as part of a passage through which additional coins can be inserted.

9. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The coins include both appropriate and inappropriate coins. The first holding part and the second holding part are configured to hold the appropriate coin but not the inappropriate coin.

10. The article supply device according to claim 9, wherein, The item supply device also includes a passageway for the inserted coin to move. The passageway includes a movement restriction section that restricts the movement of the inserted inappropriate coin.

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