Article supply device

Abstract

To provide an article supply device with improved convenience.SOLUTION: An article supply device 1 includes a body part 3, a first storage part 11 being mountable on the body part 3 and capable of storing first articles P1, a second storage part 12 capable of storing second articles P2, and a supply part 10 capable of supplying articles. The second storage part 12 is configured to adjust height positions of articles according to the number of the second articles P2 stored therein. This allows for a stable contact of the second article P2 with means for sorting and feeding the second article P2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an article supply device that can supply card-shaped articles as a vending machine. For example, in Patent Document 1, when a coin is inserted and a handle is operated in a card vending machine, the tip of a card pack containing a card protrudes from an external outlet in a state of being wrapped by a card cover. Therefore, before the protruding amount of the card tip is adjusted, the card tip is surely prohibited from being pinched by a finger and forcibly pulled out because it is guarded by the card cover, while when the protruding amount of the card tip is adjusted, the card cover immerses into the external outlet leaving the card tip. Therefore, a configuration is disclosed that allows the card tip to be pinched by a finger and pulled out thereafter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, it is the provision of card-shaped articles accompanied by handle operation, and the operation is troublesome. Further, in Patent Document 1, there is no mention of a configuration for improving the handleability of the device itself, and there are problems in its convenience such as the inability to provide a plurality of types of articles.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an article supply device with improved convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An article supply device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a main body portion, a storage portion that can be attached to the main body portion and can store articles, and a supply portion provided in the storage portion that can supply articles. The storage portion is configured to be able to adjust the height position of the articles according to the number of articles stored in the storage portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an article supply device with improved convenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an article supply device which is an aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the article supply device 1 and the game execution unit 100.

[0010] The article supply device 1 is installed in a game center or the like, and is incorporated inside the main body of a game execution unit (game machine) provided with, for example, a display 101, a game operation unit 102, etc. This game execution unit 100 can execute a game on condition that a predetermined cost is paid. For example, a card-shaped article P is supplied from the front side of the device (left front side in the figure) in relation to the result of the game in the game execution unit 100. Also, it is configured such that the article P can be supplied simply by paying the cost.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the article supply device 1 seen from the right side. The article supply device 1 is provided with a supply unit 10 that can supply the article P from its front side. This supply unit 10 is composed of a first supply unit 11A having an upper first supply port 11h and a second supply unit 12A having a lower second supply port 12h. And the first article P1 is supplied from the first supply unit 11A, and the second article P2 is supplied from the second supply unit 12A. Also, in the main body 3, as a storage unit for the article P (when collectively referring to the first article P1 and the second article P2, the symbol "P" is used), a first storage unit 11 for storing the first article P1 and a second storage unit 12 for storing the second article P2 are provided (see Fig. 3). This main body 3 has an integrated unit structure as shown in the figure, and is configured to be detachable from the main body of the game execution unit 100 as one unit in the illustrated state. Note that a plurality of the article supply devices 1 may be provided side by side in the horizontal direction or side by side in the vertical direction on the main body 3.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a side view of the internal structure of the article supply device 1 as viewed from the right side. As shown in Fig. 2, the first article P1 and the second article P2 have different storage numbers. For example, the lower second article P2 is a rare article with a small quantity, and more of the upper first article P1 is stored. This is because the supply opportunity of the second article P2 is set to be less than that of the first article P1.

[0013] Also, the main body 3 has a structure in which the first storage unit 11 is located directly above the second storage unit 12, and both storage units 11 and 12 are arranged vertically. The upper side of the first storage unit 11 has an open structure so that the first article P1 can be replenished from its upper part. And on the uppermost first article P1 stacked, an upper pressure applying part 11f capable of applying pressure downward to the first article P1 is provided. On the other hand, the second storage unit 12 is configured to be removable from the main body 3, for example, configured such that the discharge / supply direction (X1) of the article P and the pulling-out direction from the main body 3 are the same direction (configured to be pullable out from the front side). Therefore, the second storage unit 12 can be replenished with the second article P2 from its upper part in a state where it is removed from the main body 3 (see Fig. 9).

[0014] 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 is provided with a first delivery unit 21 on its upstream side and a third delivery unit 23 on its downstream side. Also, the second supply unit 12A is provided with 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 be able to select and deliver the first article P1 stored in the first storage unit 11. Also, the second delivery unit 22 is able to select and deliver the second article P2 stored in the second storage unit 12. Further, 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 (the direction of arrow X1).

[0015] In the first supply unit 11A, a first rotating roller unit 21a that forms the first delivery unit 21 and a third rotating roller unit 23a that forms the third delivery unit 23 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (toward the inner side and the front side of the apparatus). That is, the first rotating roller unit 21a is provided directly below the first article P1 stored in the first storage unit 11 on the upstream side of the delivery unit, and the third rotating roller unit 23a is arranged so as to form the first supply port 11h on the downstream side of the delivery unit. The first delivery unit 21 faces the first article P1 from below, and functions as a sorting unit that sends out the lowermost first article P1 one by one as will be described later. Also, the first article P1 sorted and delivered by the first delivery unit 21 is discharged and supplied from the first supply port 11h via the third delivery unit 23.

[0016] On one hand, in the second supply unit 12A, the second rotating roller unit 22a that forms the second delivery unit 22 and the fourth rotating roller unit 24a that forms the fourth delivery unit 24 are arranged horizontally one behind the other. Also, the second rotating roller unit 22a is provided directly above the second article P2 stored in the second storage unit 12 on the upstream side of the delivery unit, and the fourth rotating roller unit 24a is arranged to form the second supply port 12h on the downstream side of the delivery unit. Also, as will be described later, the second article P2 sorted and delivered in the second delivery unit 22 that functions as a sorting unit is discharged and supplied from the second supply port 12h via the fourth delivery unit 24.

[0017] Here, the first rotating roller unit 21a is provided directly above the second rotating roller unit 22a, and the third rotating roller unit 23a is provided directly above the fourth rotating roller unit 24a. That is, the supply unit 10 for the article P is configured as a mechanism intensively arranged between the first storage unit 11 and the second storage unit 12. When sending out the first article P1, the first rotating roller unit 21a and the third rotating roller unit 23a rotate in the first direction which is the counterclockwise direction. On the other hand, the second rotating roller unit 22a and the fourth rotating roller unit 24a rotate in the second direction which is the clockwise direction different from the first direction to send out and supply the second article P2.

[0018] Also, an upper first detection unit 18 capable of detecting the first article P1 is provided at the first supply port 11h, and a lower first detection unit 19 capable of detecting the second article P2 is provided at the second supply port 12h. By these two first detection units 18 and 19, the article P discharged and supplied from each supply port 11h and 12h is detected. Also, a second detection unit 31 capable of detecting the first article P1 from below is provided on the first storage unit 11 side, and a second detection unit 32 capable of detecting the second article P2 from above is provided on the second storage unit 12 side. By these second detection units 31 and 32 arranged vertically, the presence or absence of both articles P1 and P2 can be detected.

[0019] The upper first detection unit 18 and the lower first detection unit 19 are arranged one above the other, and are attached to the main body 3 as an integrated structure as a pair of sensors with their detection parts facing in opposite vertical directions. Also, the upper and lower second detection units 31 and 32 are arranged one above the other, and are attached to the main body 3 as an integrated structure with their detection parts facing vertically. Note that for the upper and lower first detection units 18 and 19, although not particularly limited, for example, a non-contact optical sensor can be used for the article P. Also, for the upper and lower second detection units 31 and 32, for example, a contact type or non-contact type sensor can be used.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the drive mechanisms of the first delivery unit 21 and the second delivery unit 22. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the drive mechanisms of the third delivery unit 23 and the fourth delivery unit 24.

[0021] The rotation roller units are driven by two power application units arranged one in front of the other. For example, the first rotation roller unit 21a and the second rotation roller unit 22a are driven by the rotational force of the first power application unit 28m of the motor via the right gear train 28. On the other hand, the third rotation roller unit 23a and the fourth rotation roller unit 24a are similarly rotationally driven by the second power application unit 29m of the motor via the left gear train 29. The right gear train 28 is housed and arranged in the gear box 28c (see FIG. 2) on the right side surface of the main body 3, and the left gear train 29 is housed and arranged in the gear box 29c (see FIG. 2) on the left side surface of the main body 3.

[0022] Here, in the third rotation roller unit 23a and the fourth rotation roller unit 24a, when the second power application unit 29m is rotationally driven, the third rotation roller unit 23a is rotated in the counterclockwise direction (the direction when viewed from the right side surface), and the fourth rotation roller unit 24a is rotated in the clockwise direction (the direction when viewed from the right side surface). Also, the third rotation roller unit 23a and the fourth rotation roller unit 24a are always rotated simultaneously when the second power application unit 29m is driven. On the other hand, the first rotation roller unit 21a and the second rotation roller unit 22a are structured to be rotated separately and not simultaneously, as will be described later.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the first delivery unit 21 and the second delivery unit 22. The first rotating roller unit 21a of the first delivery unit 21 and the second rotating roller unit 22a of the second delivery unit 22 are driven by the right gear train 28. For example, the upper shaft end gear 21c fixed to the upper rotating shaft 21b of the first rotating roller unit 21a and the lower shaft end gear 22c fixed to the lower rotating shaft 22b of the second rotating roller unit 22a are simultaneously driven by the final gear 28a of the right gear train 28. Thereby, the upper and lower rotating shafts 21b, 22b are rotated in different directions from each other.

[0024] However, the rotational forces of the upper and lower rotating shafts 21b, 22b are transmitted to the outer peripheral portions 21d, 22d of the respective rollers via the first clutch mechanism 21g and the second clutch mechanism 22g. The first and second clutch mechanisms 21g, 22g are structured such that power transmission can be automatically switched between a case where power transmission is possible and a case where power transmission is not possible depending on their rotational directions. For example, when the final gear 28a rotates in the clockwise direction (arrow A direction in the figure), the first rotating roller unit 21a rotates as a whole in the first direction R1 counterclockwise along with the rotation of the upper rotating shaft 21b, and the rotational force can be transmitted to the lower surface bs of the first article P1. At this time, although the lower rotating shaft 22b rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the driving force is not transmitted to the outer peripheral portion 22d of the roller, and the entire second rotating roller unit 22a does not rotate.

[0025] On the other hand, when the final gear 28a rotates in the counterclockwise direction (arrow B direction in the figure), the second rotating roller unit 22a rotates as a whole in the second direction R2 clockwise along with the rotation of the lower rotating shaft 22b, and the rotational force can be transmitted to the upper surface as of the second article P2. In this way, the first delivery unit 21 and the second delivery unit 22 are controlled to operate separately. Thereby, the first article P1 and the second article P2 are sent out separately and are not sent out simultaneously.

[0026] The first rotating roller part 21a and the second rotating roller part 22a have cross-sectional shapes that are not perfect circles, unlike the third and fourth rotating roller parts 23a and 24a. For example, the first rotating roller part 21a and the second rotating roller part 22a each have an outer surface structure having a first peripheral surface 21aa, 22aa whose peripheral surface forms a part of a circular shape, and a non-circular second peripheral surface 21ab, 22ab whose radius is smaller than that of the first peripheral surface 21aa, 22aa. Thus, the article P can be sent out, and when the second peripheral surfaces 21ab, 22ab face each other, the article P is not moved without frictional contact.

[0027] Therefore, the first rotating roller part 21a and the second rotating roller part 22a can select the contacting article P among the stacked articles P for each rotation and send it out in the supply direction. In the case of the first article P1, the first rotating roller part 21a contacts the lower surface bs of the lowermost first article P1 from below. On the other hand, the second rotating roller part 22a contacts the upper surface as of the uppermost second article P2 from above.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control system including the control unit 30. The switching between the operation of the first sending unit 21 and the operation of the second sending unit 22 is switched by controlling the change in the rotation direction of the first power applying unit 28m. For example, when a game is executed in the game execution unit 100 and a predetermined signal is transmitted from the game execution unit 100 side in association with the result, if the signal at this time is to send out the first article P1, the first rotating roller part 21a is controlled to rotate. Also, the first article P1 selected in the first sending unit 21 is sent to the third sending unit 23. Then, the control for driving the second power applying unit 29m rotates the third rotating roller part 23a of the third sending unit 23 based on the detection by the first detection unit 18. Thereby, the first article P1 is discharged and supplied from the first supply port 11h. The control unit 30 may be configured to perform, for example, overall control related to the game of the game execution unit 100.

[0029] Further, the control unit 30 can perform control such as stopping the supply of the article P or transmitting a signal prompting replenishment of the article P based on signals from the second detection units (the upper second detection unit 31 and the lower second detection unit 32) that detect the presence or absence of the article P provided in each storage unit 11, 12.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing the pressure application structure of the second storage unit 12. The second storage unit 12 is provided with a placement unit 12a that holds the second article P2 so as to be vertically movable. Further, the placement unit 12a is biased upward by a lower pressure application part 12f of a compression spring provided below it. For example, the lower pressure application part 12f is provided between the placement unit bottom plate 12b and the placement surface 12as. Note that a circular recess 12c for accommodating the lower pressure application part 12f is provided in the placement unit bottom plate 12b. The lower pressure application part 12f is biased upward by, for example, a pair of front-side first pressure application parts 12ff provided on the left and right (in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction with respect to the feeding direction) and a pair of rear-side second pressure application parts 12fr also provided on the left and right. Therefore, in the first state where the second storage unit 12 is attached to the main body unit 3, the placement surface 12as presses the uppermost one of the second articles P2 held thereon against the second rotating roller unit 22a, and the height is adjusted according to the number of the second articles P2. For example, the placement surface 12as is configured such that the height position of the placement surface 12as increases as the number of the accommodated second articles P2 decreases.

[0031] The placement unit 12a is provided such that its placement surface 12as is vertically movable with respect to the placement unit bottom plate 12b. That is, the front side is pressure-applied by the first pressure application part 12ff and the rear side is pressure-applied by the second pressure application part 12fr, so that the placement surface 12as is in a state of being movable in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Further, the first pressure application part 12ff is provided directly below the second feeding unit 22 and is configured to be able to apply pressure to the second rotating roller unit 22a from directly below.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second storage unit 12 is taken out from the main body unit 3. When the second storage unit 12 is replenished when the second article P2 runs out, as described above, it is performed in the second state removed from the main body unit 3 by sliding it forward (in the X1 direction shown in FIG. 2) with respect to the main body unit 3 and pulling it out. As shown in FIG. 9, the second storage unit 12 in this removed state has a placement unit 12a provided with a rectangular placement surface 12as in a plan view on which the second article P2 was placed, at its upper part. That is, in a state where the second article P2 is not stored, the placement surface 12as of this placement unit 12a is located at the uppermost part as shown in the drawing.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the link mechanism 13 in a state where the placement unit 12a in the second storage unit 12 is raised. The placement unit 12a is configured to be vertically movable by a link mechanism 13 as shown in FIG. 10. This link mechanism 13 includes, for example, a pair of left and right front arms 13a, a pair of left and right rear arms 13b, a placement unit bottom plate 12b pivotally supported by a rear end support portion 13ad of the front arm 13a and a rear end support portion 13bd of the rear arm 13b, and an operation unit 14 provided with an engagement tooth 14g that can be rotated vertically on the front side of the second storage unit 12 and engages with a gear portion 13g at the front end of the front arm 13a.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the link mechanism 13 in a state where the placement unit 12a in the second storage unit 12 is lowered. As shown in Fig. 11, the operation unit 14 can be rotated about the rotation center axis 14c so as to open downward on the front side. By such rotation to open, the gear unit 13g meshing with the meshing teeth 14g rotates. As a result, the front arm 13a rotates in the clockwise direction with the rotation shaft portion 13ac as a fulcrum, and the rear arm 13b also rotates in the same direction with the rotation shaft portion 13bc as a fulcrum. As a result, the mounting portion bottom plate 12b moves to the bottom side of the second accommodating portion 12, so that the mounting portion 12a moves downward. In this state, the second article P2 is placed on the placement surface 12as and accommodated in the second accommodating portion 12. Then, the second accommodating portion 12 is inserted into the main body portion 3 (in the direction of arrow X2 in Fig. 2). Thereafter, by rotating the operation unit 14 upward to close it, it returns to the state as shown in Fig. 9 again and the setting is completed.

[0035] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing another form of the operation unit 14 of the second accommodating portion 12. In the second accommodating portion 12, the configuration of the operation unit 14 is not limited to the above-described one, and for example, it may have a structure as shown in Fig. 13. In the case of the configuration shown in Fig. 12, a connecting shaft 14a for connecting the left and right front arms 13a is provided on the front end side of the front arm 13a. Further, a gripping plate 14b is provided at the longitudinal center of the connecting shaft 14a. Thereby, the front arm 13a can rotate by gripping the gripping plate 14b. Further, the gripping plate 14b itself can be rotated with respect to the connecting shaft 14a, and the front arm 13a can be locked in a predetermined position (the state shown in the figure) by this rotational movement.

[0036] Hereinafter, the operation of feeding out the article of the first supply unit 11A will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 16. In the first supply unit 11A, as shown in Fig. 13(a), an opening 11bh is formed in the bottom surface 11b of the first accommodating portion 11 above the first rotating roller portion 21a of the first sending-out unit 21, and a part of the back surface of the lowermost one of the stacked first articles P1 is exposed in this opening 11bh. Further, an upper pressing portion 11f as a weight is provided on the uppermost part of the stacked first articles P1.

[0037] In this state, before the first delivery unit 21 is rotationally driven, the first rotating roller unit 21a is in a non-contact state with respect to the first article P1. Then, a predetermined signal is input to the control unit 30 to rotate the first rotating roller unit 21a. By this rotation, the first rotating roller unit 21a rotates with its first peripheral surface 21aa in contact with the lowermost first article P1. Due to the rotation in this contact state, as shown in FIG. 13(b), only the lowermost first article P1 is moved in the delivery direction (left direction in the figure), and its tip abuts against the sorting unit 11a. Note that during the movement, the upper first article P1 directly above the lowermost first article P1 may also be moved in the same direction by the frictional force between the articles. However, while the lowermost first article P1 abuts against the inclined surface 11as on the lower side of the sorting unit 11a, the tip of the upper first article P1 faces or abuts against the vertical surface portion of the sorting unit 11a.

[0038] In the above state, when the first rotating roller unit 21a further continues to rotate, as shown in FIG. 14(a), the tip of the lowermost first article P1 is guided by the inclined surface 11as and passes between the sorting unit 11a and the lower guide 42, and is sent out toward the third delivery unit 23 side. On the other hand, the first article P1 above the sent-out lowermost first article P1 is locked by the sorting unit 11a and is not sent out. Note that the upper first article P1 may not move together with the lowermost one. In this way, the first rotating roller unit 21a functions as a sorting unit that sorts only the lowermost first article P1, and reliable delivery one by one is carried out.

[0039] The first article P1 sent to the third delivery unit 23 side is inserted between the third rotating roller unit 23a and the driven upper roller 23b facing the third rotating roller unit 23a as shown in FIG. 14(b), and is subsequently moved by the first rotating roller unit 21a. At this time, the third rotating roller unit 23a is not rotationally driven, and the third rotating roller unit 23a and the driven upper roller 23b are rotated by the friction with the moving first article P1. That is, the first delivery unit 21 on the upstream side performs the first operation based on power application, while the third delivery unit 23 on the downstream side performs the second operation by frictional force not based on power application.

[0040] The first article P1 moving while being sandwiched by the third delivery unit 23 reaches the sensing area Sa of the upper first detection unit 18 with its tip as shown in FIG. 15(a). As a result, the upper first detection unit 18 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 30, and the second power application unit 29m is driven. At this time, if the first rotating roller unit 21a has not been driven by the power application and the contact with the first article P1 continues, it is slightly rotated by the frictional contact with the first article P1 and finally stops in a non-contact state with the first article P1. Here, while the first delivery unit 21 is being driven, the third delivery unit 23 may be driven, but it is preferable to perform control so that the driving of both does not overlap.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 15(b), the third delivery unit 23 may be continuously rotationally driven in a state where the first article P1 is detected by the upper first detection unit 18. However, after being driven for a certain time after the article is detected, the driving is released, and then it may rotate along with the movement of the first article P1. By releasing the driving by the power application of the third delivery unit 23 before the article discharge is completed in this way, the third delivery unit 23 can manage with the minimum necessary driving.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 16(a), when the rear end of the first article P1 is released from the clamping of the third delivery unit 23, it protrudes outward (to the left in the figure) from the first supply port 11h, so it begins to rotate so that its tip faces downward. As a result, the flat portion Pd on the lower surface side of the first article P1 comes into contact with the second contact portion 42a at the corner of the lower guide 42, and in this state, it rotates so that the tip further drops downward. As a result, the side portion Pr at the rear end of the first article P1 abuts against the first contact portion 41a of the upper guide 41 and drops so as to deviate from the second contact portion 42a as shown in Fig. 16(b). Here, when the rear end of the first article P1 moves out of the sensing area Sa, it is detected that the supply of the first article P1 is completed. As described above, the power supply to the third delivery unit 23 may be stopped at the stage when it is detected that the rear end of the first article P1 has moved out of the sensing area Sa.

[0043] Hereinafter, the operation of feeding the article by the second supply unit 12A will be described with reference to Figs. 17 to 20. In the second supply unit 12A, as shown in Fig. 17(a), an opening 43h is formed in the upper guide 43 that faces the second storage unit 12 from above below the lower part of the second rotating roller unit 22a, and a part of the surface of the uppermost one of the second articles P2 stacked on the placement surface 12as is exposed below this opening 43h. Also, the stacked second articles P2 are pressed upward by the aforementioned lower pressing portion 12f.

[0044] In this state, before the second delivery unit 22 is rotationally driven, the second rotating roller unit 22a is in a non-contact state with respect to the second article P2. Then, a predetermined signal is input to the control unit 30 and the second rotating roller unit 22a is rotated. By this rotation, the second rotating roller unit 22a rotates in a state where its first circumferential surface 22aa is in contact with the uppermost second article P2. By this rotation in the contact state, as shown in Fig. 17(b), the second article P2 is pushed downward together with the placement surface 12as and moved in the delivery direction (left direction in the figure). Then, the tip of the second article P2 abuts against the sorting unit 12d.

[0045] In this state, as the first rotating roller unit 21a continues to rotate, as shown in Fig. 18(a), the placement unit 12a is in a state of tilting such that the front side (left side) becomes higher. As a result, the tip of the second article P2 moves upward on the inclined surface 12ds. Then, the tip of the second article P2 crosses the inclined surface 12ds, passes between the sorting unit 12d and the upper guide 43, and is sent out toward the fourth delivery unit 24 side. In this way, the second rotating roller unit 22a functions as a sorting unit that cooperates with the sorting unit 12d to sort only the uppermost second article P2.

[0046] The second article P2 sent out 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, as shown in Fig. 18(b), and is continuously moved by the second rotating roller unit 22a. At this time, the fourth rotating roller unit 24a is not rotationally driven by power application. That is, the fourth rotating roller unit 24a and the driven lower roller 24b are rotated by the friction with the moving second article P2. This is because when the first operation based on power application is performed in the upstream second delivery unit 22, the second operation based on friction contact with the article is performed in the downstream fourth delivery unit 24 without power application.

[0047] The second article P2 moving while being sandwiched by the fourth delivery unit 24 reaches the sensing area Sa of the lower first detection unit 19 with its tip, as shown in Fig. 19(a). As a result, the lower first detection unit 19 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 30. Thereby, the second power application unit 29m is driven. At this time, if the second rotating roller unit 22a has not been rotationally driven by power application and the contact with the second article P2 continues, it is slightly rotated by the friction contact with the second article P2 and finally stops in a state of being non-contact with the second article P2. Here, it is possible to drive the fourth delivery unit 24 while the second delivery unit 22 is being driven, but it is preferable to perform control such that the driving of both does not overlap.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 19(b), the fourth delivery unit 24 may be continuously rotationally driven when the second article P2 is detected by the lower first detection unit 19. However, after being driven for a certain period of time after the article is detected, the driving may be released, and then it may rotate along with the movement of the second article P2. By releasing the driving by applying power to the fourth delivery unit 24 before the discharge of the article is completed in this way, the fourth delivery unit 24 can manage with the minimum necessary driving.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 20(a), when the rear end of the second article P2 is released from the clamping of the fourth delivery unit 24, the second article P2 protrudes outward (to the left in the figure) from the second supply port 12h, so it starts to rotate so that the front end faces downward. As a result, the flat portion Pd on the lower surface side of the second article P2 comes into contact with the fourth contact portion 44a at the corner of the lower guide 44, and in this state, the front end rotates further downward. Thereby, the side portion Pr at the rear end of the second article P2 comes into contact with the third contact portion 43a of the upper guide 43, and as shown in Fig. 20(b), it drops so as to deviate from the fourth contact portion 44a. Here, when the rear end of the second article P2 has moved out of the sensing area Sa, it is detected that the supply of the second article P2 has been completed. As described above, the application of power to the fourth delivery unit 24 may be stopped at the stage when it is detected that the rear end of the second article P2 has moved out of the sensing area Sa.

[0050] As described above, in the article supply device 1 of this aspect, in the article supply device 1, the first storage unit 11 for storing the first article P1 and the second storage unit 12 for storing the second article P2 are configured integrally up and down, so that the delivery mechanisms for supplying both articles can be concentrated and arranged at the same position vertically. Thereby, it is easy to share the drive system of the delivery mechanism.

[0051] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the first storage unit 11 and the second storage unit 12 are configured as one unit, so that they can be detachably attached to and detached from the mounting portion integrally, and the handling property is good.

[0052] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, the first storage unit 11 is located directly above the second storage unit 12, so that the first article P1 can be put in from the upper side, and replenishment can be facilitated. Further, the first storage unit 11 can store a larger number of the first articles P1 than the second storage unit 12. Further, the second storage unit 12 is configured to be able to replenish the second article P2 from its upper part in a state of being removed from the main body unit 3. Thus, even in a structure where the delivery mechanism of the first article P1 is located above the second storage unit 12, the second article P2 can be easily replenished.

[0053] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, 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. Thus, the article extraction area can be made into one, and the configuration can be simplified.

[0054] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, the supply unit 10 includes a first delivery unit 21 capable of selecting the first article P1 stored in the first storage unit 11 and a second delivery unit 22 capable of selecting the second article P2 stored in the second storage unit 12. Thus, the first article P1 and the second article P2 can be separately selected and supplied.

[0055] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, the first delivery unit 21 is configured to be able to deliver the first article P1 in contact with the lower surface of the first article P1, and the second delivery unit 22 is configured to be able to deliver the second article P2 in contact with the upper surface of the second article P2. Thereby, the first delivery unit 21 and the second delivery unit 22 can be arranged between the first storage unit 11 and the second storage unit 12. Further, when supplying both articles P1 and P2, they can be supplied with the upper surface facing up.

[0056] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, a first supply unit 11A in which a first rotating roller unit 21a and a third rotating roller unit 23a are arranged horizontally, and a second supply unit 12A in which a second rotating roller unit 22a and a fourth rotating roller unit 24a are arranged horizontally are provided, such that both the first article P1 and the second article P2 can be moved horizontally in the same direction. As a result, the first article P1 and the second article P2 can be dropped and discharged at the same location.

[0057] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the first rotating roller unit 21a upstream of the first supply unit 11A and the second rotating roller unit 22a upstream of the second supply unit 12A are arranged vertically, driving by the first power applying unit 28m can be easily performed. Further, since the third rotating roller unit 23a downstream of the first supply unit 11A and the fourth rotating roller unit 24a downstream of the second supply unit 12A are arranged vertically, driving by the second power applying unit 29m can be easily performed.

[0058] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the placement unit 12a is configured to be adjustable such that the height position of the placement surface 12as increases as the number of the second articles P2 accommodated therein decreases. Thus, stable contact between the second rotating roller unit 22a and the uppermost second article P2 can be achieved, and sorting and feeding of the second article P2 can be reliably performed.

[0059] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, in the first accommodating unit 11, an upper pressure applying unit 11f for pressing the first article P1 toward the first rotating roller unit 21a is provided as the pressure applying unit. Therefore, the contact pressure between the first rotating roller unit 21a when the first article P1 is sorted is stabilized, and reliable sorting and feeding can be performed. Further, in the second accommodating unit 12, a lower pressure applying unit 12f for pressing the second article P2 toward the second rotating roller unit 22a is provided as the pressure applying unit. Therefore, the second article P2 can be stably pressed against the second rotating roller unit 22a, enabling reliable sorting and feeding.

[0060] According to the article supply device 1 of this aspect, when discharging the article P from the first supply port 11h and the second supply port 12h, the first supply unit 11A and the second supply unit 12A can discharge the article P with the tip side downward so as to fall by its own weight. Therefore, the article P can be supplied with minimal power. In addition, when the article P is discharged, it can fall with its tip directly downward due to its own weight. Therefore, for example, it is possible to discharge the article P in a state where the surface of the article P can be seen from the front and in an upright state.

[0061] Further, in the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the first detection units 18 and 19 are configured to be able to detect the discharge of one article P selected by the selection unit, based on the detection signals of the first detection units 18 and 19, it is possible to confirm the completion of discharge and supply one by one in the supply of the article P.

[0062] According to the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the supply unit 10 is a two-stage feeding mechanism of an upstream feeding unit and a downstream feeding unit, while the downstream feeding unit can be provided with a discharging function, the upstream feeding unit can be provided with the function of the selection unit, and reliable selection and reliable discharging can be performed in a stable state.

[0063] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the upstream feeding unit and the downstream feeding unit are configured to enable a first operation based on the application of power from the power application unit and a second operation based on the frictional force with the article, so that the transfer of the article upstream and downstream of the feeding unit can be smoothly performed. For example, due to the presence of the second operation that is not driven after the first operation (driving operation) on the upstream side, even when the feeding speed by the first power application unit 28m and the feeding speed by the second power application unit 29m are greatly different, it is possible to avoid applying different driving speeds to the article P at the same time. Thereby, the driving speeds of the upstream feeding unit and the downstream feeding unit can be freely set.

[0064] More specifically, after the start of the second operation of the upstream delivery units (the first rotating roller unit 21a and the second rotating roller unit 22a), by controlling the downstream delivery unit to perform the first operation after the detection of the article P by the first detection units 18 and 19, the driving of the downstream delivery unit can be made to function as an operation completely separated from the sorting unit of the upstream articles.

[0065] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, the first rotating roller unit 21a and the second rotating roller unit 22a each have a perfect circular first peripheral surface 21aa, 22aa whose peripheral surface can contact the article and a non-perfect circular second peripheral surface 21ab, 22ab that does not contact the article P, enabling the function as a sorting unit for the article P for each rotation.

[0066] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, by providing second detection units 31 and 32 capable of detecting the presence or absence of the article P stored in the first storage unit 11 and the second storage unit 12, the presence or absence of the article P in the first storage unit 11 and the second storage unit 12 can be detected. Further, since the control unit 30 can detect that there is no article P for each storage unit, it can perform control to prompt the replenishment of the missing article P.

[0067] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, since the pressure applying unit includes a first pressure applying unit 12ff and a second pressure applying unit 12fr arranged in series along the delivery direction of the second article P2, independent pressures can be applied in the front - rear direction of the second article P2. Also, since the pressure applying units are separately arranged in the front - rear direction, a state where the second article P2 is inclined in the height direction can be formed corresponding to the movement of the second rotating roller unit 22a for sorting during the sorting operation, and an auxiliary operation that facilitates article sorting can be performed.

[0068] Moreover, since the second pressure applying unit 12ff is provided directly below the second delivery unit 22, the second article P2 can be firmly pressed against the second rotating roller unit 22a.

[0069] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the second storage unit 12 is configured to be detachable from the main body unit 3, it is easy to replenish the second article P2. Further, since the height of the placement unit 12a of the second article P2 can be adjusted by the operation unit 14, replenishment of the second article P2 can be facilitated in the second state where it is not mounted on the main body unit 3.

[0070] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the height of the placement unit 12a can be moved by the operation unit 14 in the second storage unit 12, the operation when pulling out the second storage unit 12 from the main body unit 3 and further the operation when mounting it on the main body unit 3 can be facilitated.

[0071] Further, since the second storage unit 12 is configured such that the pulling-out direction from the main body unit 3 is the same as the supply direction of the article P from the supply unit 10, it is possible to share the opening for pulling out and mounting the second storage unit 12 and the opening for article supply.

[0072] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since the first power application unit 28m is configured to be able to simultaneously apply 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 made into one and the number of its power sources can be made one.

[0073] In the article supply device 1 of this aspect, when the first delivery unit 21 performs the delivery operation of the first article P1, it is controlled so that the second delivery unit 22 does not perform the delivery operation of the second article P2, and when the second delivery unit 22 performs the delivery operation of the second article P2, it is controlled so that the first delivery unit 21 does not perform the delivery operation of the first article P1. Thus, the first article P1 and the second article P2 can be delivered at different timings.

[0074] According to the article supply device 1 of this aspect, the first delivery unit 21 and the second delivery unit arranged vertically are configured to rotate only in their respective predetermined rotation directions (the first direction, the second direction) by the clutch mechanisms of their respective rotary roller units (the first rotary roller unit 21a, the second rotary roller unit 22a). Therefore, by controlling only the forward and reverse rotation of the rotation direction of the first power application unit 28m (motor), it is possible to switch the delivery of the first article P1 and the second article P2.

[0075] 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 closely, it is easy to drive those arranged vertically by the same power application unit (the first power application unit 28m, the second power application unit 29m).

[0076] According to the article supply device 1 of this aspect, since no clutch mechanism for controlling the transmission of power is provided between the third delivery unit 23, the fourth delivery unit 24, and the second power application unit 29m, the driving force transmission structure can be simplified.

[0077] As described above, the aspects of the present invention have been explained, but the present invention can be appropriately changed within the scope of its technical idea. For example, in the above aspect, the lower pressure application unit 12f is configured to be provided with four compression springs, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration with two front and rear compression springs or five or more compression springs may be used.

[0078] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification.

[0079] (1) An article supply device, a main body part, a storage part that can be attached to the main body part and can store articles, a supply part provided in the storage part and capable of supplying the articles, and comprising The above storage unit is an article supply device configured to be able to adjust the height position of the above article according to the number of the above articles stored in the above storage unit.

[0080] (2) The article supply device according to (1), wherein the above storage unit includes a pressure-applying unit capable of applying pressure to the above article, The pressure-applying unit is an article supply device configured to be able to apply pressure to the above article stored in the above storage unit from its lower part.

[0081] (3) The article supply device according to (2), wherein the above pressure-applying unit includes a first pressure-applying unit and a second pressure-applying unit, the above first pressure-applying unit is capable of applying pressure to the front in the supply direction of the above article by the above supply unit among the above articles stored in the above storage unit, the above second pressure-applying unit is an article supply device configured to be able to apply pressure to the rear in the above supply direction of the above article stored in the above storage unit.

[0082] (4) The article supply device according to (3), wherein the above first pressure-applying unit and the above second pressure-applying unit are constituted by elastic members.

[0083] (5) The article supply device according to (3) or (4), wherein the above supply unit is configured to be able to supply the above article located at the top among the plurality of the above articles stored in the above storage unit.

[0084] (6) The article supply device according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein the above supply unit includes a sending unit capable of sending out the above article, the above sending unit is an article supply device configured to be able to send out the above article stored in the above storage unit and located at the top.

[0085] (7) The article supply device according to (6), The first pressure applying part is provided directly below the sending part, and the article supply device.

[0086] (8) The article supply device according to (6) or (7), The sending part is configured as a rotating roller part, The rotating roller part is configured to be able to send out the articles accommodated in the accommodating part in the horizontal direction, and the article supply device.

[0087] (9) The article supply device according to (8), The rotating roller part has a shape whose cross-section is not a perfect circle, and is configured to include a first circumferential surface that can contact the article and a second circumferential surface that does not contact the article, and the article supply device.

[0088] (10) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (9), The accommodating part is configured to be able to take a first state in which it is mounted on the main body part and a second state in which it is not mounted on the main body part, In the second state, the article supply device is configured to be able to replenish the articles.

[0089] (11) The article supply device according to (10), The accommodating part includes a mounting part on which the articles can be mounted, The mounting part is configured to be able to move up and down, and the article supply device.

[0090] (12) The article supply device according to (11), The mounting part is configured to be able to take an upper position in the first state and a lower position in the second state, and the article supply device.

[0091] (13) The article supply device according to (11) or (12), The housing unit includes an operating unit that operates the placement unit so as to be vertically movable. An article supply device.

[0092] (14) The article supply device according to any one of (10) to (13), The housing unit is configured to be pullable out from the main body unit. An article supply device.

[0093] (15) The article supply device according to (14), The housing unit assumes the second state when pulled out from the main body unit. An article supply device.

[0094] (16) The article supply device according to (14) or (15), The housing unit is configured such that the supply direction of the article from the supply unit and the pulling-out direction from the main body unit are the same direction. An article supply device.

[0095] (17) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (16), When supplying the article by the supply unit, it further includes a sorting unit capable of sorting only one of the articles at a time, The sorting unit is configured to be able to sort only the article located at the top among the plurality of articles stacked in the housing unit. An article supply device.

[0096] (18) The article supply device according to (17), The supply unit is configured to be able to supply the article sorted by the sorting unit. An article supply device.

[0097] (19) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (18), It further includes a game execution unit, The game execution unit is capable of executing a game on the condition of paying a cost. An article supply device.

[0098] (20) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (19), wherein the supply unit is capable of supplying one of the articles on the condition of payment of a price.

Explanation of symbols

[0099] 1 Article supply device 3 Main body 10 Supply unit 11 First storage unit 11A First supply unit 11f Upper pressure applying unit (pressure applying unit) 12 Second storage unit 12A Second supply unit 12a Placing unit 12as Placing surface 12f Lower pressure applying unit (pressure applying unit) 12ff First pressure applying unit (pressure applying unit) 12fr Second pressure applying unit (pressure applying unit) 14 Operation unit 18, 19 First detection unit 21 First delivery unit (upstream delivery unit) 21a First rotating roller unit (rotating roller unit) 21aa First peripheral surface 21ab Second peripheral surface 21g First clutch mechanism 22 Second delivery unit (upstream delivery unit) 22a Second rotating roller unit (rotating roller unit) 22aa First peripheral surface 22ab Second peripheral surface 22g Second clutch mechanism 23 Third delivery unit (downstream delivery unit) 23a Third rotating roller unit (rotating roller unit) 24 Fourth delivery unit (downstream delivery unit) 24a Fourth rotating roller unit (rotating roller unit) 28m First power applying unit (power applying unit) 29m Second power applying unit (power applying unit) 30 Control Unit 31, 32 Second Detection Unit 41a First Contact Portion 42a Second Contact Portion 43a Third Contact Portion 44a Fourth Contact Portion P Article P1 First Article (Article) P2 Second Article (Article) Pr Side Portion of the Article Pd Planar Portion of the Article

Claims

1. An article supply device comprising: a main body portion; a storage portion capable of storing articles and attachable to the main body portion, and configured to be capable of taking a first state in which it is attached to the main body portion and a second state in which it is removed from the main body portion; a supply portion provided in the main body portion and capable of supplying the articles; wherein the storage portion includes a placement portion on which the articles can be placed and an operation portion, the placement portion is configured to be vertically movable between an upper position and a lower position while maintaining a horizontal state based on an operation of the operation portion, and is configured to be able to adjust the height position of the articles according to the number of the articles stored in the storage portion, and is configured to be pullable out from the main body portion on the condition that the placement portion is in the upper position, and the supply portion is configured to be able to supply the articles on the condition that the storage portion is in the first state. An article supply device.

2. The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein the storage portion includes a pressure applying portion capable of applying pressure to the articles; the pressure applying portion is configured to be able to apply pressure to the articles stored in the storage portion from below thereof. An article supply device.

3. The article supply device according to claim 2, wherein the pressure applying portion includes a first pressure applying portion and a second pressure applying portion; the first pressure applying portion is capable of applying pressure to the front of the articles stored in the storage portion in the supply direction by the supply portion; the second pressure applying portion is configured to be able to apply pressure to the rear of the articles stored in the storage portion in the supply direction. An article supply device.

4. The article supply device according to claim 3, wherein the first pressure applying portion and the second pressure applying portion are constituted by elastic members. An article supply device.

5. The article supply device according to claim 4, wherein the supply portion is configured to be able to supply the uppermost one of the plurality of articles stored in the storage portion. An article supply device.

6. The article supply device according to claim 5, wherein the supply portion includes a delivery portion capable of delivering the articles; the delivery portion is configured to be able to deliver the uppermost one of the articles stored in the storage portion. An article supply device.

7. The article supply device according to claim 6, wherein the first pressure applying portion is provided immediately below the delivery portion. An article supply device.

8. The article supply device according to claim 7, wherein the delivery portion is configured as a rotary roller portion. The rotating roller unit is an article supply device configured to be able to horizontally feed the article accommodated in the accommodating unit.

9. The article supply device according to claim 8, wherein the rotating roller unit has a shape whose cross section is not a perfect circle, and is configured to include a first circumferential surface that can contact the article and a second circumferential surface that does not contact the article.

10. The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein the accommodating unit is configured such that the supply direction of the article from the supply unit and the pulling-out direction from the main body unit are the same direction.

11. The article supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further including a sorting unit capable of sorting only one of the articles at a time when supplying the articles by the supply unit, wherein the sorting unit is configured to be able to sort only the article located at the top among the plurality of articles stacked in the accommodating unit.

12. The article supply device according to claim 11, wherein the supply unit is configured to be able to supply the article sorted by the sorting unit.

13. The article supply device according to claim 12, wherein the supply unit is capable of supplying one of the articles on the condition of paying a price.

Images