Article supply device

Abstract

To provide an article supply device capable of increasing user's interest.SOLUTION: An article supply device 1 comprises: a main body part 2; a housing part 10 which can be mounted on the main body part 2 and house an article P, and in which a front part 10f and a side part 10s are at least partially formed of light-transmissive members; a supply part 30 which can supply the article P housed in the housing part 10; and an operation part 4 which can be operated to supply the article P housed in the housing part 10, wherein the housing part 10 is constituted so that a covering part 40 which covers the front part 10f and the side part 10s from inside can be mounted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been an article supply device that supplies a capsule toy in which an article is stored in a spherical or substantially spherical capsule from the front side of the device. For example, in Patent Document 1, in a vending machine (article supply device) including a drum having a plurality of product holding holes for holding products, and rotating the drum by the operating power of a handle after a coin is inserted to discharge the product, rack teeth are formed on the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the drum, a recess for placing the drum is formed in a partition plate that defines a product accommodation space, a gear connected to the handle is exposed at the bottom of the recess, the drum is detachably placed in the recess, and a configuration in which the rack teeth and the gear mesh when the drum is placed is disclosed.

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, the structure of an article supply device for improving maintenance is described. However, the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the same appearance as the conventional one and is not a device that enhances the interest factor in terms of appearance.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an article supply device capable of improving the interest factor for users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An article supply device according to an aspect of the present invention is an article supply device, comprising: a main body; a storage unit that can be attached to the main body, can store articles, and at least a part of the front surface portion and the side surface portion is formed of a light-transmissive member; a supply unit that can supply the articles stored in the storage unit; and an operation unit that can be operated to supply the articles stored in the storage unit, wherein the storage unit is configured to be attachable with a covering unit that covers the front surface portion and the side surface portion from the inside.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an article supply device capable of enhancing the user's interest.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an article supply device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the article supply device 1, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of the article supply device 1 in FIG. 1.

[0010] The schematic configuration of the article supply device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the article supply device 1 includes a main body 2 which is a box-shaped housing, a storage unit 10 capable of accommodating a plurality of capsule toys P1 to be supplied in a random arrangement, a supply unit 30 capable of randomly selecting and supplying the capsule toys P1 from the storage unit 10 one by one, a lock unit (not shown) for locking the operation of the supply unit 30, an operation unit 4 capable of operating the supply unit 30 by releasing the lock of the lock unit on the condition that the cost paid from the coin insertion slot 5 is made, and a passage unit 9a for rolling and passing the capsule toy P1 from the storage unit 10 to the supply port 9. In addition, on the front surface 2f of the main body, in addition to the operation unit 4, a coin return button 7 and a return port 6 are provided.

[0011] The capsule toy P1 is, for example, made of synthetic resin and is a substantially spherical shape that can be divided into two parts, has appropriate rigidity, and is easy to roll. Thus, the capsule toy P1 is configured to be able to supply the product inside the capsule to the user's hand while avoiding separation, breakage, etc. during supply from the article supply device 1.

[0012] Here, the storage unit 10 can be attached to the main body 2 from the front side (see FIG. 3). And in the state where the storage unit 10 is attached to the main body 2, the portion formed of the light-transmissive member constitutes the front side and the upper side of the main body 2. The light-transmissive member constitutes a part of the front surface portion 10f and the side surface portion 10s, and inside the front surface portion 10f and a part of the side surface portion 10s, a covering portion 40 with a pattern (such as the first character C1 and the background Ba) drawn as shown in the figure, for example, is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the back surface of the covering portion 40 is arranged to be in contact with the capsule toy P1 accommodated in the storage unit 10.

[0013] In addition, although a part of the front surface portion 10f and the side surface portion 10s of the storage unit 10 are formed of the light-transmissive member as described above, since the covering portion 40 of the non-light-transmissive member is provided, the capsule toy P1 inside the storage unit 10 cannot be visually recognized from the outside.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the state where the storage unit 10 is removed in the article supply device 1 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the main body portion 2 is provided with an opening 3 that is surrounded by an upper end wall 2u, left and right side walls 2s, and a rear wall 2r and is open toward the front side. Accordingly, the accommodating portion 10 is configured to be insertable and extractable in the front-rear direction with respect to the main body portion 2. A passage portion 9a for supplying the capsule toy P1 to the supply port 9 is provided at the bottom 2d of the opening 3, and a gear train 4b composed of a plurality of gears that mesh with the rack gear 31g (see FIG. 2) of the turntable 31 of the supply portion 30 is provided along the rear wall 2r. An operation shaft 4a for transmitting the rotational force of the operation portion 4 is connected to the gear train 4b. Although not shown, the locking portion for locking the operation of the supply portion 30 can be configured to lock any one of the gears of the gear train 4b, for example.

[0015] The accommodating portion 10 has a box shape with an upper end portion being open, including a front surface portion 10f, a rear surface portion 10a, left and right side surface portions 10s, and a bottom surface portion 10b. A supply portion 30 (see FIG. 2) configured to be rotatable is provided on the bottom surface portion 10b. Further, when the left and right side surface portions 10s are attached to the main body portion 2, they are divided into a portion (front side portion) that constitutes the outer surface of the main body portion 2 and a portion (rear side portion) that does not constitute the outer surface. For example, the left and right side surface portions 10s are configured with a rear side surface rear portion 10sr different from the front side portion 10sf of the light transmissive member, for example, a non-light transmissive member (colored member).

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface portion 10b of the accommodating portion 10. A supply portion 30 for dropping the capsule toys P1 one by one into the passage portion 9a is provided on the bottom surface portion 10b of the accommodating portion 10. The supply portion 30 has a turntable 31 provided on the rear side of the bottom surface portion 10b. The turntable 31 is provided with a plurality of holding holes 31h for holding the capsule toys P1 one by one, and is configured to be rotatable in the clockwise direction when viewed from above. The capsule toy P1 held in the holding hole 31h is supplied to the passage portion 9a through a circular communication hole 10bh provided on the left side and the rear side of the bottom surface portion 10b.

[0017] Note that a central convex portion 32 is provided at the center of the turntable 31, and for example, three stirring springs 31a are provided at the upper end of the central convex portion 32 to appropriately stir the capsule toy P1. Further, a regulating spring 10i is provided above the communication hole 10bh to separate and position-regulate the capsule toy P1 attempting to pass through the communication hole 10bh from others.

[0018] In addition, an inclined bottom plate 10u that slopes downward toward the rear is provided above the bottom surface portion 10b on the front side of the housing portion 10 to guide the capsule toy P1 toward the supply portion 30 side. Note that a link mechanism 50 (not shown in detail by a one-dot chain line) that drives a plate or the like for notifying the presence or absence of an article, and includes, for example, a detection pin 51a capable of detecting the presence or absence of the capsule toy P1, is provided below the inclined bottom plate 10u (on the bottom surface portion 10b).

[0019] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the covering portion 40. As shown in FIG. 5, the covering portion 40 is composed of a single horizontally long sheet having a first surface portion 41 in the central region, left and right second surface portions 42, and a curved surface portion 43 between the first surface portion 41 and the second surface portions 42. The covering portion 40 is not particularly limited, but can be composed of a member such as a resin film or paper on which a pattern can be easily printed, for example. Further, the lower end portions 45 of the left and right end portions 44 of the covering portion 40 are curved so as to correspond to the shape of the lower end side of the front side portion 10sf of the side surface of the housing portion 10.

[0020] The patterns (first character C1, second character C2, background Ba) formed on the covering portion 40 are formed as continuous integral patterns on the first surface portion 41 and the second surface portions 42. In particular, the position of the curved surface portion 43 can be set to a composition that takes into account the composition of the pattern, for example, so as to create a three-dimensional effect, considering the central first surface portion 41 and the side second surface portions 42. For example, in the curved surface portion 43, a focal point of perspective that can create a sense of perspective in the composition (see FIGS. 1 and 6) can be positioned.

[0021] In addition, on the first surface portion 41, product information regarding the capsule toy P1 housed in the housing portion 10 is posted, such as the manufacturer name 41a, product title 41b, product type display 41c, a matrix-type two-dimensional code 41d for a mobile terminal, a bar-shaped array code 41e, and furthermore, the price 41g, etc. On the other hand, on the second surface portion 42, no product information regarding the capsule toy P1 in the housing portion 10 is described. That is, on the side surface side, an appearance effect is made solely by a pattern so that the effect by the pattern becomes effective.

[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the mounting form of the covering portion 40. As shown in FIG. 6, the covering portion 40 is detachable from the upper surface portion of the housing portion 10 in a state where the housing portion 10 is pulled out from the main body portion 2. And, as described above, the front portion 10f and the front side portion 10sf of the housing portion 10 are formed of a light-transmissive member, and a pattern (first character C1, second character C2, background Ba) disposed inside thereof is configured to be clearly visible from the outside.

[0023] The covering portion 40 is set in the housing portion 10 in a state where the left and right end portions of the front portion 10f are curved so as to extend the left and right ends rearward as shown in the drawing (a shape that does not cover the lower surface portion and the upper surface portion of the housing portion 10). And, the covering portion 40 set in the housing portion 10 has its front surface side in contact with the inner surfaces of the front portion 10f and the front side portion 10sf, and its lower end portion 45 in contact with the bottom surface portion 10b. In this way, for example, by arranging the lower end portion 45 in contact with the bottom surface portion 10b, the inclined bottom plate 10u and the link mechanism 50 are covered so as not to be visible from the front and the side.

[0024] The housing portion 10 is provided with a locking portion for holding the covering portion 40 on the front side portion 10sf. This locking portion has a configuration including a locking piece 10e on the rear end step portion 10d on the rear end side of the front side portion 10sf, the left and right end edges 10ue and the front end edge 10uf of the inclined bottom plate 10u, and a part of the bottom surface portion 10b. By the locking portion configured in this way, the covering portion 40 has its lower end portion 45, left and right end portions 44, and the back surface side position-regulated and locked at a predetermined position.

[0025] Further, when the covering portion 40 is attached, two locations on both end sides of the first surface portion 41 are curved so as not to have folds as shown in the drawing. As a result, a force in the direction of opening is acting on both the left and right end sides of the covering portion 40 such that they open toward the left and right sides. By utilizing this force in the opening direction, the covering portion 40 is held in a state of being pressed against the inner surfaces of the front surface portion 10f and the front side surface portion 10sf.

[0026] Also, a plurality of other covering portions 40 different from the pattern shown in FIG. 6 are prepared. That is, a plurality of covering portions with patterns corresponding to the types of capsule toys P1 accommodated in the accommodating portion 10 are prepared. Therefore, for example, when the capsule toy P1 is replaced with a different type, the covering portion 40 is also replaced accordingly.

[0027] As described above, in the article supply device 1 of the present embodiment, the accommodating portion 10 is provided with the covering portion 40 that covers the front surface portion 10f and the side surface portion 10s formed of a light-transmissive member from the inside, so that the article P inside the accommodating portion 10 can be hidden. As a result, it is not possible to peek inside from either the front surface portion 10f or the side surface portion 10s, and the type of the remaining article P cannot be seen. Thus, an enjoyable way of imagining what the article P that comes out (is supplied) is can be had. Also, since it is configured to cover the front surface portion 10f and the side surface portion 10s, the amount of information transmission by the covering portion 40 can be increased. Furthermore, a large pattern effect that three-dimensionally associates the front surface portion 10f and the side surface portion 10s is possible.

[0028] Also, in the article supply device 1 of the present embodiment, by attaching the covering portion 40 in a state adjacent to the inner surface of the accommodating portion 10, the information (pattern) of the covering portion 40 can be arranged to be clearly visible. Also, since the back surface of the covering portion 40 is configured to be able to contact the article P inside the accommodating portion 10, the volume inside the accommodating portion 10 can be made as large as possible.

[0029] In addition, in the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, by having a locking portion (rear end step portion 10d, locking piece 10e, left and right both end edges 10ue, front edge 10uf, bottom surface portion 10b) that holds the covering portion 40 on the inner surface of the accommodating portion 10, the covering portion 40 is firmly locked in place. Further, the covering portion 40 is made of a material having a certain degree of elasticity and is attached in a curved state without creases. Also, since the left and right both end portions 44 and the back surface side of the covering portion 40 are locked by the locking portion, the covering portion 40 is held so that its front surface side (the side having the pattern) is in close contact with the front surface portion 10f and the side surface portions 10s.

[0030] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, since the upper surface portion of the accommodating portion 10 is open, the attachment and detachment of the covering portion 40 are easily configured. And since the locking structure of the covering portion 40 is an engaging structure for the lower end portion 45 and the left and right both end portions 44 of the covering portion 40, the covering portion 40 can be attached and detached extremely easily by moving it in the vertical direction.

[0031] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, since the covering portion 40 is constituted by a single sheet, the continuity of the pattern of the entire sheet can be ensured.

[0032] Also, in the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, since the covering portion 40 is provided in a bent state so as not to have creases, a three-dimensional image of a continuous and integral pattern can be expressed by its curved surface. Also, in the case of a configuration in which it is bent at two places on the left and right, an effective three-dimensional image effect can be produced on both the left and right. Furthermore, by not having creases, the visibility of the pattern can be improved.

[0033] According to the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, since product information regarding the article P accommodated in the accommodating portion 10 is described on the first surface portion 41 on the front (front side), it is easy to grasp the product information when purchasing the product. On the other hand, since no product information regarding the article P accommodated in the accommodating portion 10 is described on the second surface portions 42 on the left and right sides, the effect of the three-dimensional image production of the pattern can be enhanced.

[0034] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained, but the present invention can be appropriately modified within the scope of its technical idea. For example, in the above embodiments, examples of product information have been given, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various displays are possible.

[0035] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification.

[0036] (1) An article supply device, comprising: a main body portion; a storage portion that can be attached to the main body portion, can accommodate articles, and at least a part of the front surface portion and the side surface portion is constituted by a light-transmissive member; a supply portion capable of supplying the articles accommodated in the storage portion; an operation portion operable to supply the articles accommodated in the storage portion; and the storage portion is configured to be attachable with a covering portion that covers the front surface portion and the side surface portion from the inside, the article supply device.

[0037] (2) The article supply device according to (1), wherein in a state where the storage portion is attached to the main body portion, a portion constituted by the light-transmissive member constitutes the outer surface of the main body portion, the article supply device.

[0038] (3) The article supply device according to (1) or (2), wherein in a state where the storage portion is attached to the main body portion, a portion that does not constitute the outer surface of the main body portion is constituted by a member different from the light-transmissive member, the article supply device.

[0039] (4) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the supply portion is capable of randomly supplying the articles accommodated in the storage portion, the article supply device.

[0040] (5) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the covering portion is composed of a non-light-transmissive member, and in a state of being attached to the accommodating portion, the article in the accommodating portion is made invisible from the outside. The article supply device.

[0041] (6) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the accommodating portion is configured to be able to attach the covering portion in a state of being adjacent to its inner surface. The article supply device.

[0042] (7) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the covering portion is configured such that its back surface can come into contact with the article in the accommodating portion in a state of being attached to the accommodating portion. The article supply device.

[0043] (8) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the accommodating portion includes a locking portion capable of locking the covering portion on its inner surface. The article supply device.

[0044] (9) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the covering portion is configured not to cover the upper surface portion and the lower surface portion of the accommodating portion. The article supply device.

[0045] (10) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the accommodating portion is configured to be pullable out with respect to the main body portion, and the covering portion is configured to be detachable in a state where the accommodating portion is pulled out from the main body portion. The article supply device.

[0046] (11) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (10), The above-described covering part is configured to be attachable to the above-described housing part so as to be replaceable with other covering parts, an article supply device.

[0047] (12) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (11), The above-described covering part is composed of a single sheet, an article supply device.

[0048] (13) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (12), The above-described covering part is configured to be attachable to the above-described housing part in a bent state without creases, an article supply device.

[0049] (14) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (13), The above-described covering part is configured to be attachable to the above-described housing part in a bent state at two locations, an article supply device.

[0050] (15) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (14), The above-described covering part includes one first surface part and two second surface parts, In a state where the above-described covering part is attached to the above-described housing part, the first surface part is configured to cover the front surface part of the housing part from the inside, and the second surface part is configured to cover the side surface part of the housing part from the inside, an article supply device.

[0051] (16) The article supply device according to (15), On the above-described covering part, a continuous and integral pattern is formed on the first surface part and the second surface part, an article supply device.

[0052] (17) The article supply device according to (15) or (16), On the first surface part, product information regarding the article accommodated in the housing part is described, An article supply device in which product information regarding the article accommodated in the accommodation section is not described on the second surface portion.

Explanation of Signs

[0053] 1 Article supply device 2 Main body portion 4 Operation portion 10 Accommodation section 10d Rear end step portion (locking portion) 10e Locking piece (locking portion) 10ue Left and right both end edges of the inclined bottom plate (locking portion) 10uf Front end edge of the inclined bottom plate (locking portion) 10f Front surface portion 10s Side surface portion 30 Supply portion 40 Covering portion 41 First surface portion 42 Second surface portion Ba Background (pattern) C1 First character (pattern) C2 Second character (pattern) P1 Capsule toy (article)

Claims

1. An article supply device, comprising: a main body portion; a storage portion that can be attached to the main body portion, can accommodate articles, and at least a part of the front surface portion and the side surface portion is constituted by a light-transmissive member; a supply portion that can supply the articles accommodated in the storage portion; an operation portion that can be operated to supply the articles accommodated in the storage portion; and the storage portion is configured to be able to attach a covering portion; the covering portion includes one first surface portion and two second surface portions with a single sheet, and is configured to be attachable to the storage portion in a bent state at two locations without creases. In a state of being attached to the storage portion, the first surface portion covers the front surface portion of the storage portion from the inside, and the second surface portion covers the side surface portion of the storage portion from the inside. An article supply device.

2. The article supply device according to Claim 1, wherein, in a state of being attached to the main body portion, a portion constituted by the light-transmissive member constitutes the outer surface of the main body portion in the storage portion. An article supply device.

3. The article supply device according to Claim 2, wherein, in a state of being attached to the main body portion, a portion that does not constitute the outer surface of the main body portion in the storage portion is constituted by a member different from the light-transmissive member. An article supply device.

4. The article supply device according to Claim 3, wherein the supply portion can randomly supply the articles accommodated in the storage portion. An article supply device.

5. The article supply device according to Claim 4, wherein the covering portion is constituted by a non-light-transmissive member, and in a state of being attached to the storage portion, the articles in the storage portion are made invisible from the outside. An article supply device.

6. The article supply device according to Claim 5, wherein the storage portion is configured to be able to attach the covering portion in a state of being adjacent to its inner surface. An article supply device.

7. The article supply device according to Claim 6, wherein, in a state of being attached to the storage portion, the back surface thereof is configured to be able to contact the articles in the storage portion. An article supply device.

8. The article supply device according to Claim 7, wherein the storage portion includes a locking portion that can lock the covering portion to its inner surface. An article supply device.

9. The article supply device according to Claim 8, wherein the covering portion is configured not to cover the upper surface portion and the lower surface portion of the storage portion. An article supply device.

10. The article supply device according to claim 9, wherein the storage part is configured to be pullable out relative to the main body part, the covering part is configured to be detachable in a state where the storage part is pulled out from the main body part. An article supply device.

11. The article supply device according to claim 10, wherein the covering part is configured to be attachable to the storage part so as to be replaceable with another covering part. An article supply device.

12. The article supply device according to claim 1, wherein a continuous integral pattern is formed on the first surface part and the second surface part of the covering part. An article supply device.

13. The article supply device according to claim 12, wherein product information regarding the article stored in the storage part is described on the first surface part, product information regarding the article stored in the storage part is not described on the second surface part. An article supply device.

Images