Item discharge device

Abstract

To provide an item discharge device that can reduce the installation space required. [Solution] The article discharge device comprises an outer wall member and a movable part. A connecting portion is formed on the movable part, and the movable part is movably attached to the outer wall member. When the movable part is in a first position, the connecting portion is exposed from the outer wall member, and when the movable part is in a second position, the length by which the movable part protrudes from the outer wall member is smaller than the length by which the movable part protrudes from the outer wall member when the movable part is in the first position.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an article discharging device that accommodates articles such as commodities and discharges the articles to the outside according to an operation has been known. As a typical example, there is one that discharges a capsule in which a commodity is enclosed in response to a purchaser inserting a coin and rotating a handle.

[0003] In order to prevent the article discharging device from tipping over, it may be fixed with a wire or the like. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for attaching a hook to a vending machine and hooking a chain on the hook to prevent the vending machine from tipping over.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the conventional technology, since the structure for engaging a wire or the like is fixed, there has been a problem that a large installation space is always required. That is, even when a wire or the like is not engaged (when tipping prevention is not necessary, etc.), the engaging structure remains protruding to the outside, and a large installation space is required.

[0006] <000003,The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an article discharging device capable of reducing the installation space

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The first means is an article discharge device comprising an outer wall member and movable parts, The aforementioned movable part has a connecting portion formed therein. The movable part is movably attached to the outer wall member. When the movable part is in the first position, the connecting portion is exposed from the outer wall member. When the movable part is in the second position, the length by which the movable part protrudes relative to the outer wall member is smaller than the length by which the movable part protrudes relative to the outer wall member when the movable part is in the first position. The movable part is rotatable relative to the outer wall member. It is an item discharge device.

[0008] The second means is the first means, The movable part and the outer wall member constitute a click mechanism. The movable part can be fixed in the first and second positions by the click mechanism.

[0009] The third means is the second means, A portion of the movable part forms a plane, and when the movable part is in the second position, the portion of the movable part is flush with the side surface of the outer wall member.

[0010] The fourth means is the third means, The article discharge device has a front and a back, The front of the item dispensing device is provided with at least one of the following: a coin slot for inserting coins, a handle for dispensing items, and an item discharge port. The aforementioned movable part is exposed on the rear side.

[0011] The fifth means is the fourth means, The aforementioned article discharge device includes an article storage space for storing articles, The movable part is provided above the article storage space.

[0012] The sixth means is the fifth means, The movable part includes a main body part and an arcuate part protruding from the main body part. The connecting part is formed between the main body part and the arcuate part. The main body part has a flat part on the side opposite to the arcuate part.

[0013] The seventh means is the fifth means, The movable part is configured such that a continuous elongated member can be inserted into a through hole formed in the connecting part in order to fix the article discharging device to a fixed structure.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the article discharging device according to the present invention, the required installation space can be reduced according to the situation.

[0015] The effects other than those described above are explained by the embodiments and modifications described in this specification and the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the appearance of the article discharging device 100 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Perspective view showing the appearance of the article discharging device 100 as seen from a direction different from that in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the article discharging device 100 with the lid 11 removed. [Figure 4] Plan view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the movable engagement mechanism 200 in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] Plan view showing the configuration of the movable part 210. [Figure 6] Perspective view showing the configuration of the movable part 210. [Figure 7] Enlarged perspective view showing the configuration of the movable part housing portion 250 of the outer wall member 10. [Figure 8] Plan view showing the state where the movable part 210 is in the second position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the attached drawings. [Embodiment 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the article discharge device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the article discharge device 100 from a different direction than that shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows the front 100a of the article discharge device 100, and Figure 2 shows the rear 100b of the article discharge device 100.

[0018] The article discharge device 100 is a device that stores articles and discharges the stored articles in accordance with the device's operation. The articles are, for example, capsules containing goods, but are not limited to these. The articles may not be contained in capsules, and may not be goods (for example, articles not for sale).

[0019] The article dispensing device 100 of Embodiment 1 comprises an outer wall member 10, an article storage section 20, a coin slot 30, a handle 40, and a discharge port 50. The outer wall member 10 constitutes at least a part of the outer wall of the article dispensing device 100. The article dispensing device 100 has a space for storing articles (article storage space), and the article storage section 20 constitutes this article storage space (Note that only some of the members constituting the article storage space are shown in Figures 1 and 2).

[0020] The coin slot 30 is a structure for inserting coins. The handle 40 is a component operated to discharge items. The discharge port 50 is a structure for discharging items from the item discharge device 100. When a purchaser first inserts coins into the coin slot 30 and then rotates the handle 40 in a predetermined direction, the item discharge device 100 discharges items from the discharge port 50.

[0021] The article discharge device 100 is equipped with a configuration for discharging articles in response to such operations. Since such a configuration can be appropriately designed by those skilled in the art based on well-known technologies, a detailed explanation is omitted. As an example, it is possible to provide a drum that guides articles in the article storage section 20 toward the discharge port 50 or a passage communicating therewith, a gear for transmitting the rotation of the handle 40 to the drum, a mechanism for making the handle 40 rotatable in response to the insertion of a predetermined amount of coins, and so on.

[0022] In the example shown in Figure 1, the outer wall member 10 constitutes at least a portion of the rear surface 100b and a portion of the side surface 100c of the article discharge device 100. The article discharge device 100 also includes a lid 11. The lid 11 is positioned on top of the outer wall member 10 and constitutes the top of the article discharge device 100.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the coin slot 30, handle 40, and discharge port 50 are provided on the front surface 100a of the item discharge device 100. The item discharge device 100 also has a movable engagement mechanism 200 on its rear surface 100b. The movable engagement mechanism 200 is a mechanism used to secure the item discharge device 100 to an external fixed structure (for example, a wall or column), and is configured to allow engagement with a wire or the like. This prevents the item discharge device 100 from tipping over.

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the article discharge device 100 with the lid 11 removed. The article storage section 20 is located at or near the upper end of the outer wall member 10. Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view of the area around the movable engagement mechanism 200 in Figure 3. The article discharge device 100 comprises a movable part 210 and a movable part storage section 250, and the movable engagement mechanism 200 is composed of the movable part 210 and the movable part storage section 250. The movable part storage section 250 is formed in the outer wall member 10 and houses the movable part 210. The movable part 210 constitutes a part of the outer wall of the article discharge device 100. The movable part 210 is also attached to the outer wall member 10 so as to be movable (rotatable in this embodiment). In this specification, "movement" includes "rotation" (i.e., displacement of position and / or orientation due to rotation around an axis).

[0025] Figures 5 and 6 are a plan view and a perspective view, respectively, showing the configuration of the movable part 210. The movable part 210 comprises a main body portion 220 and an arc-shaped portion 230. A through hole 231 is formed in the movable part 210. The arc-shaped portion 230 protrudes (is exposed) from the main body portion 220, thereby forming a through hole 231 between the main body portion 220 and the arc-shaped portion 230. In this embodiment, the through hole 231 penetrates the movable part 210 in a vertical up-and-down direction (a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 5). The main body portion 220 also has a flat portion 222 that forms a plane on the opposite side of the arc-shaped portion 230. As a result, the arc-shaped portion 230 forms a connecting portion through which a wire or the like can be inserted into the through hole 231. As an example of a connecting portion, an arc-shaped portion 230 with a through hole 231 is described, but it may also be a hook with a part cut out, and any configuration that allows for the attachment of string-like members such as wires, ropes, and chains, as well as fixing members such as padlocks, snap hooks, and cable ties, is acceptable.

[0026] The movable part 210 can be manufactured from any suitable material. For example, it can be made from resin, metal, or a combination thereof, but the material is not limited to these.

[0027] The movable part 210 may have a structure for rotatably attaching the movable part 210 to the outer wall member 10. In this embodiment, an axial hole 221 is formed in the main body 220, and the movable part 210 is attached to the outer wall member 10 via the axial hole 221 and moves by rotating around the axial hole 221. Hereinafter, with respect to the movable part 210 and the movable part housing 250, the axial direction means the direction parallel to this rotation axis, and the radial direction means the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0028] The movable part 210 comprises a click elastic section 223, two click connecting sections 224, and a click projection 225. The two click connecting sections 224 connect both ends of the click elastic section 223 to the main body section 220, thereby forming a click through hole 226 between the main body section 220 and the click elastic section 223. The click projection 225 is provided to protrude radially outward from the click elastic section 223. When a radially inward force is applied to the click projection 225, the click elastic section 223 bends inward due to its elasticity, thereby displacing the click projection 225 inward. A boss 222a may be formed on the flat section 222. That is, the boss 222a formed on the flat section 222 can hold a finger that presses against the flat section 222 when rotating the movable part 210.

[0029] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing the configuration of the movable part housing section 250 of the exterior wall member 10. This figure shows the movable part 210 removed. The movable part housing section 250 includes a latch 251 and a shaft 252. The shaft 252 (and optionally the latch 251) defines the axis of rotation when the movable part 210 rotates.

[0030] The latch 251 is elastic and is formed to bend when a force is applied in the direction of the shaft 252. When attaching the movable part 210 to the movable part housing 250, the movable part 210 is moved from the top to the bottom of the movable part housing 250 so that the latch 251 and the shaft 252 are inserted into the shaft hole 221. During insertion, the latch 251 bends inward, allowing it to pass through the shaft hole 221. Once insertion is complete, the upper end of the latch 251 protrudes above the upper end of the shaft hole 221, the bending of the latch 251 is released, and it engages with the upper end of the shaft hole 221. This restricts the upward movement of the movable part 210 and prevents the movable part 210 from coming out of the movable part housing 250.

[0031] After inserting the latch 251 and shaft 252 into the shaft hole 221 in this manner, the bolt 253 is screwed in via the washer 254 as shown in Figure 4. The washer 254 also restricts the upward movement of the movable part 210. Furthermore, the washer 254 restricts the radial inward deflection of the latch 251, preventing the latch 251 from disengaging from the upper end of the shaft hole 221.

[0032] The rotation of the movable part 210 will be described below. In the state shown in Figure 4, the movable part 210 is in the first position. Figure 8 shows the state in which the movable part 210 is in the second position. The movable part 210 can rotate between the first position and the second position. In this embodiment, the first and second positions are at both ends of the rotatable range, but one or both of these may be in the middle of the rotatable range.

[0033] The movable part housing 250 includes a restricting part 255 that restricts the rotation of the movable part 210. When the movable part 210 is in the first position (Figure 4), one of the click connection parts 224 (click connection part 224a) and the click projection 225 are in contact with one of the restricting parts 255 (restricting part 255a) and one of the click projections 256 (click projection 256a), respectively. That is, the portion of the movable part 210 from the click connection part 224a to the click projection 225 is held between the restricting part 255a and the click projection 256a, thereby fixing the movable part 210 in the first position.

[0034] In this state, both the upper and lower ends of the through-hole 231 are open, allowing a wire or the like to be inserted through the through-hole 231 in the vertical direction. This allows the item discharge device 100 to be fixed to an external fixing structure (wall or column, etc.) via the wire or the like and the movable part 210. Thus, the movable part 210 is configured to allow a wire or the like to be inserted through the through-hole 231 in order to fix the item discharge device 100 to the fixing structure.

[0035] Furthermore, when fixing the article discharge device 100 to an external structure, "fixing" is not limited to fixing in a manner that does not allow any change in position or orientation, but also includes tying it in a manner that allows changes in position and / or orientation within a limited range. For example, if the wire is flexible, the fixing may be in a manner that allows the article discharge device 100 to move and / or rotate within a certain distance range from the fixing structure.

[0036] In the state shown in Figure 4, if a force is applied to the movable part 210 (for example, to the arc-shaped portion 230) in the direction of arrow A, the rotation of the click connection portion 224a in that direction is restricted by the restricting portion 255a, so the movable part 210 does not rotate.

[0037] On the other hand, when a force is applied to the movable part 210 (for example, to the arc-shaped portion 230) in the direction of arrow B, the click projection 225 interferes with the click projection 256a and is pushed radially inward. As a result, the click projection 225 overcomes the click projection 256a (click action), and the movable part 210 becomes rotatable in the direction of arrow B.

[0038] Furthermore, if force continues to be applied in the direction of arrow B, the click projection 225 will reach the other click projection 256 (click projection 256b), interfere with click projection 256b, be pushed radially inward, overcome click projection 256b (click action), and stop at or near the position where it overcame it (Figure 8). In the example in Figure 8, click projection 225 is in contact with click projection 256b.

[0039] In this way, the movable part 210 reaches the second position and is fixed there. Specifically, the portion of the movable part 210 from the other click connection portion 224 (click connection portion 224b) to the click projection 225 is held between the other restricting portion 255 (restricting portion 255b) and the click projection 256b, thereby fixing the movable part 210 in the second position.

[0040] In the second position (Figure 8), if an additional force is applied to the movable part 210 (for example, to the arc-shaped portion 230 or the main body portion 220) in the direction of arrow B, the rotation of the click connection portion 224b in that direction is restricted by the restricting portion 255b, so the movable part 210 does not rotate.

[0041] In this state, the arc-shaped portion 230 is housed in the movable part housing portion 250 of the outer wall member 10 and does not protrude (expose) to the outer wall member 10. In particular, in this embodiment, a part of the movable part 210 (i.e., the flat portion 222) is flush with the side surface of the outer wall member 10. In other words, the flat portion 222 forms the same plane as the side surface of the outer wall member 10. Also, when the item discharge device 100 is viewed from above, the flat portion 222 forms the same straight line as the side surface of the outer wall member 10. Therefore, when fixing by wire or the like is not required, the installation space required for the item discharge device 100 can be reduced by arranging the movable part 210 in this second position. For example, it is possible to arrange the item discharge device 100 so that the back surface 100b of the item discharge device 100 is in contact with the wall without any gaps.

[0042] The rotation from the second position to the first position is the reverse of the above. That is, in the second position (Figure 8), when a force is applied to the movable part 210 (for example, to the flat part 222) in the direction of arrow A, the click projection 225 moves over the click projection 256b (click action). Furthermore, if the force continues to be applied to the movable part 210 (for example, to the flat part 222 or the main body part 220) in the direction of arrow A, the click projection 225 reaches the click projection 256a, moves over the click projection 256a (click action), and stops at or near the position where it moved over (Figure 4). In the example in Figure 4, the click projection 225 is in contact with the click projection 256a. In this way, the movable part 210 reaches the first position and is fixed there.

[0043] As described above, the movable part 210 and the outer wall member 10 (particularly the movable part housing 250) constitute a click mechanism. More specifically, the click mechanism includes a click projection 256, a click projection 225 that contacts the click projection 256, and a click elastic part 223 that allows the click projection 225 to move radially. The movable part 210 can be fixed in the first and second positions by this click mechanism.

[0044] Here, by adjusting the strength (flexibility) of the click elastic part 223, the force required for the operation of the click mechanism can be appropriately adjusted. In this way, the click mechanism allows the movable part 210 to be fixed in the first or second position under normal circumstances, while being easily rotated as needed.

[0045] As described above, the item discharge device 100 has a front 100a and a rear 100b, and the movable part 210 is exposed on the rear 100b side. Therefore, fixing via the movable part 210 can be easily achieved. When arranging the item discharge device 100, it is likely that the rear 100b will often be placed close to a fixed structure, in which case the movable part 210 can be easily attached to the fixed structure (for example, with a shorter wire).

[0046] In both the first and second positions, the movable engagement mechanism 200 does not have a recess that is open to the outside, so no dirt or debris accumulates in the recess. That is, the through hole 231 that is open in the first position (Figure 4) is a through hole that is open at both ends, so no dirt or debris accumulates in it. Also, in the second position (Figure 8), the flat portion 222 and the outer wall member 10 are flush, and there is virtually no gap between the flat portion 222 and the outer wall member 10, so no recess is formed, and no dirt or debris accumulates in it. As a result, the article discharge device 100 is kept clean. In conventional fixed structures, it is conceivable to form a recess on the outer surface of the article discharge device and place a bar or hook in the recess to engage a wire or the like, but in such a structure there is a risk of dirt and debris accumulating in the recess, and in this respect the article discharge device 100 according to this embodiment is cleaner. Furthermore, in the second position (Figure 8), the arc-shaped portion 230 of the movable engagement mechanism 200 is housed in the movable parts housing portion 250 of the exterior wall member 10, so it is not exposed to wind, rain, or ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Therefore, deterioration of the arc-shaped portion 230 of the movable engagement mechanism 200 is suppressed.

[0047] In this embodiment, the movable engagement mechanism 200 is provided on the upper part of the article discharge device 100. In particular, the movable part 210 is provided above the article storage space formed by the article storage section 20. Here, "the movable part 210 is provided above the article storage space" means that in a plan view, the movable part 210 and the article storage space overlap at least partially, and the article storage space does not exist at a position higher than the upper end of the movable part 210. With this positional relationship, the movable part 210 and the article storage space overlap in a plan view, so the footprint of the article discharge device 100 can be reduced. In addition, the dead space of the article storage space can be efficiently utilized, and the entire article discharge device 100 can be made smaller. That is, articles accumulate at the bottom of the article storage space due to the action of gravity, and the part near the upper end of the article storage space becomes dead space, but it is possible to efficiently utilize the space by placing the movable part 210 in such dead space.

[0048] Those skilled in the art can optionally add, modify, or delete components in each of the embodiments described above. Specific modifications are described below.

[0049] In Embodiment 1, the operation for dispensing an item from the item dispensing device 100 includes the operation of the purchaser inserting a coin into the coin slot 30 and the subsequent operation of the purchaser rotating the handle 40, but this operation can be modified as appropriate. The operation for dispensing an item may not include inserting a coin; for example, the item dispensing device may distribute items free of charge. Furthermore, the operation for dispensing an item may not include operations related to the handle 40; for example, it may include operations of operating members other than the handle 40 (levers, buttons, etc.). In addition, the item dispensing device may dispense an item immediately upon insertion of a coin.

[0050] In Embodiment 1, the arc-shaped portion 230 is connected to the main body portion 220 at both ends, thereby forming a closed ring around the through hole 231 (see Figure 5, etc.). As a variation, a closed ring may not be formed; for example, the arc-shaped portion may be connected to the main body portion 220 at only one end, with a gap existing between it and the main body portion 220 at the other end. Even in such a case, the arc-shaped portion can act as a hook and engage a wire or the like. Alternatively, a structure of another shape (e.g., straight, planar, bent, etc.) may form the through hole 231 instead of the arc-shaped portion.

[0051] In Embodiment 1, the movable part 210 is rotatably attached to the outer wall member 10. Therefore, compared to cases where the movable part 210 moves in parallel, the volume of the movable part 210's range of motion is reduced, making it possible to miniaturize the article discharge device 100. However, as a modification, the movable mode of the movable part 210 is not limited to rotation, but may also be rotation, parallel movement, or a combination of these movements, as long as it moves relative to the outer wall member 10. For example, the movable part may be slidable relative to the outer wall member, and it may be configured so that a through hole is exposed when the movable part is pulled out, allowing a wire or the like to be inserted.

[0052] In Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 8, the movable part 210 does not protrude at all from the outer wall member 10 in the second position. As a modification, it is also possible to configure the movable part to protrude to some extent from the outer wall member 10. For example, instead of the flat portion 222, a convex surface having a certain height may be provided, or a structure may be provided that protrudes outward from the flat portion 222 by a certain distance. Even in such cases, as long as the protrusion length in the second position is smaller than the protrusion length in the first position, the installation space required for the article discharge device 100 can be reduced by that difference. That is, the length to which the movable part protrudes from the outer wall member 10 when the movable part is in the second position is smaller than the length to which the movable part protrudes from the outer wall member 10 when the movable part is in the first position.

[0053] In Embodiment 1, the movable part 210 is exposed on the rear side 100b of the item dispensing device 100. "Rear side" means, for example, the side opposite to the front side. Here, "front side" in Embodiment 1 is the side on which the coin slot 30, handle 40, and discharge port 50 are all located, but if these are located on different sides, any of them can be defined as the front side. In other words, the front side of the item dispensing device 100 can be said to be the side on which at least one of the coin slot 30, handle 40, and discharge port 50 is located, and the movable part 210 is exposed on the side opposite to this front side.

[0054] The position of the movable part 210 is not limited to the position shown in Embodiment 1, but can be any position. For example, it may be provided on a surface other than the back surface 100b, or it may be provided below the article storage space.

[0055] In Embodiment 1, "wire, etc." is not limited to a wire, but includes any elongated member (continuous elongated member) with a continuous shape that has sufficient strength to secure the article discharge device 100. "Elongated" means a shape that is thin and long enough to be inserted through the through hole 231. For example, it may be a rope or a chain. Furthermore, it is not limited to members with a flexible structure, but is also possible to use, for example, a rigid rod-shaped member or a curved member. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 10…Exterior wall components 20…Storage section 30... Coin slot 40... Handle 50…Discharge port 100…article discharge device 100a...Front 100b…back 210…Movable parts (click mechanism) 220...Main body 222... Flat section (part of the movable parts) 223...Click elastic part (click mechanism) 225... Click protrusion (click mechanism) 230...Arc-shaped part (connection part) 231…Through hole 256, 256a, 256b... Click protrusion (click mechanism)

Claims

1. An article discharge device comprising an exterior wall member and movable parts, The aforementioned movable part has a connecting portion formed therein. The movable part is movably attached to the outer wall member. When the movable part is in the first position, the connecting portion is exposed from the outer wall member. When the movable part is in the second position, the length by which the movable part protrudes relative to the outer wall member is smaller than the length by which the movable part protrudes relative to the outer wall member when the movable part is in the first position. The movable part is rotatable relative to the outer wall member. Goods discharge device.

2. The movable part and the outer wall member constitute a click mechanism. The movable part can be fixed in the first and second positions by the click mechanism. The article discharge device according to claim 1.

3. A portion of the movable part forms a plane, and when the movable part is in the second position, the portion of the movable part is flush with the side surface of the outer wall member. The article discharge device according to claim 2.

4. The article discharge device has a front and a back, The front of the item dispensing device is provided with at least one of the following: a coin slot for inserting coins, a handle for dispensing items, and an item discharge port. The aforementioned movable part is exposed on the rear side. The article discharge device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned article discharge device includes an article storage space for storing articles, The movable part is provided above the article storage space, The article discharge device according to claim 4.

6. The movable part comprises a main body and an arc-shaped portion protruding from the main body. The connecting portion is formed between the main body portion and the arc-shaped portion. The main body portion has a flat portion on the side opposite to the arc-shaped portion. The article discharge device according to claim 5.

7. The movable part is configured such that a continuous elongated member can be inserted through a through hole formed in the connecting portion in order to fix the article discharge device to the fixed structure. The article discharge device according to claim 5.

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