Article supply device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an article supply device that has improved convenience and can easily handle changes in product pricing. [Solution] An article supply device 1 comprises: an insertion part 5 into which coins C can be inserted; a first retention part 25a and a second retention part 25b which are capable of retaining the inserted coins C; and a distribution part 26 which is provided between the insertion part 5 and the first retention part 25a / second retention part 25b and is capable of distributing the transfer destination for the coins. The first retention part 25a and the second retention part 25b include a setting part 28 capable of setting the number of coins that can be retained in each of the retention parts. The distribution part 26 is configured so as to, using the fact that a set number of coins are being retained in the first retention part 25a, perform distribution such that the coins inserted thereafter are retained in the second retention part 25b.

Description

Goods supply device

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are various goods supplying devices (vending machines) for automatically selling goods. The goods supplying devices are provided with a function for distributing coins necessary for purchasing goods. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a chute is provided between the collected coin outlet and the change return outlet of a coin validator and the safe and return outlet, and a partition plate is provided in the chute to distribute change between the return outlet and the safe depending on its purpose.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-279072

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a divider plate is used to distribute coins, but the device disclosed therein controls the divider plate using a control device and is not capable of responding to changes in product prices. Furthermore, in conventional article supply devices, there has been a wide variety of products, and their prices vary. Therefore, setting changes to the insertion price to accommodate different product prices has been a cumbersome task.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an article supplying device that can easily respond to changes in product prices and has improved convenience.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an item supply device comprising an insertion section into which coins can be inserted, first and second holding sections capable of holding the inserted coins, and a distribution section provided between the insertion section and the first and second holding sections and capable of distributing the destination of the coins, wherein the first and second holding sections each include a setting section capable of setting the number of coins they can hold, and the distribution section is configured to be able to distribute any coins inserted thereafter to be held in the second holding section, provided that the first holding section holds the set number of coins.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an article supplying device that can easily respond to changes in product prices and has improved convenience.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an article supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the article supply device. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the coin insertion unit shown in Fig. 2, seen from the right side. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the coin insertion unit shown in Fig. 2, seen from the left side. Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the sorting section shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the sorting section, seen from the rear side of the device towards the front side.

[0009] An article supplying device according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an article supplying device 1 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the article supplying device 1.

[0010] 1 and 2 is a device capable of dispensing items P in spherical capsule cases containing, for example, toys or parts. More specifically, the item dispenser 1 includes a storage unit 10 capable of randomly storing a plurality of items P, a supply unit 30 having a turntable 31 rotatably mounted on the bottom 10b of the storage unit 10 and capable of randomly selecting and dispensing items P one by one, a lock unit 41 that locks the supply unit 30 to an inoperable state, and a lock unit 41 that activates and unlocks the lock upon payment of a price through a coin C insertion port 5. In the unlocked state, an operating unit 4 provided on the front surface 2f is rotated. This rotates a gear train 4b provided on the tip of a shaft 4a of the operating unit 4, causing the turntable 31 to rotate via its rack gear 31g. The article P held in the holding hole 31h of the turntable 31 falls at the passage hole 10bh provided in the bottom 10b, and is supplied to the supply port 9 via the article passage portion 9a.

[0011] In the article supply device 1, a coin insertion unit 20 is provided on the right side of the operation unit 4 (the right side as one faces the device). This coin insertion unit 20 is connected to an insertion port 5 provided on the front surface 2f of the main body 2. A coin C inserted through the insertion port 5 passes through a passage 20a formed within the coin insertion unit 20 and falls into a holding portion 25 below the unit, where it is held. When a genuine coin is inserted, the coin C held in the holding portion 25 is stored in a coin storage portion 19 provided, for example, below the holding portion 25, if a predetermined amount is inserted and a predetermined operation is performed. On the other hand, when a counterfeit coin is inserted, the coin is captured by an absorption portion 23 provided in the passage 20a.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the coin insertion unit 20 shown in Fig. 2 as seen from the right side. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the coin insertion unit shown in Fig. 2 as seen from the left side. As shown in Fig. 3, the coin insertion unit 20 is a thin unit formed by combining, for example, a left half case 21 and a right half case 22 from the left-right direction, with a first side wall portion 21w and a second side wall portion 22w of the left and right side walls closely facing each other to form an internal space. Unlike the left half case 21 including the first side wall portion 21w, the right half case 22 including the second side wall portion 22w is made of, for example, a light-transmitting material as shown in the figure, so that the interior of the unit can be seen.

[0013] The coin insertion unit 20 has a passage 20a formed therein, extending from a start end 20as (upper right in the figure) connected to the insertion port 5 into which the coin C is inserted, to an opening 20ae at the end. The passage 20a is configured so that the coin C moves by gravity. For example, the first coin insertion portion, including the start end 20as, is provided with an inclined portion 20ab that is inclined so that the coin C rolls, and a drop portion 20ac is provided behind the inclined portion 20ab. The drop portion 20ac has a first rocking plate 20ag at its top and a second rocking plate 20ah at its bottom. When the coin C is placed on both the rocking plates 20ag and 20ah, they rotate to assist the coin C in falling and guide the coin C in its moving direction.

[0014] An opening 20ae at the end of the passage 20a serves as the entrance to a holding section 25 that holds coins C. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the holding section 25 has a first holding section 25a provided on the front of the unit (the right side when viewed from the front of the device) and a second holding section 25b of the same structure provided on the back of the unit (the left side when viewed from the front of the device) in positions facing each other. Both the first holding section 25a and the second holding section 25b are configured to be able to hold coins C. Coins C are distributed to the first holding section 25a and the second holding section 25b by a distribution section 26 provided within and above the opening 20ae.

[0015] As shown in the figure, the first holding portion 25a and the second holding portion 25b have a first passage portion 251 and a second passage portion 252 that are inclined toward the front surface 2f (see FIG. 2). That is, the coin C that has fallen from the opening 20ae can move toward the front surface 2f by its own weight.

[0016] Furthermore, the number of coins C held in the first passage portion 251 and the second passage portion 252 can be set by a setting portion 28 that can lock the movement of the coins C in the inclined direction. For example, the setting portion 28 has a slit-shaped slide opening 28b formed on the outer surface along the first passage portion 251 and the second passage portion 252, and is provided with a position setting pin 28a that is movable within this slide opening 28b and protrudes into both passage portions 251, 252.

[0017] Furthermore, the position setting pin 28a is configured to be able to engage with a plurality of large diameter openings 28c formed at predetermined intervals in the slide opening 28b. That is, by engaging the position setting pin 28a with a predetermined large diameter opening 28c, the number of coins C can be set to a predetermined number. In addition, in the first holding section 25a, the coin C that falls last (the last coin C) of the specified number is positioned below the sorting section 26 and is configured to come into contact with the bottom of the sorting section 26 (see FIG. 6), as will be described later.

[0018] Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the sorting unit 26 shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 5, the sorting unit 26 includes a rectangular plate portion 26a, a shaft portion 26b that rotatably supports the plate portion 26a, a weight 26g held by an arm 26m that extends from the end face of the plate portion 26a, and a guide inclined surface 26e formed on the upper part of the plate portion 26a.

[0019] The sorting unit 26 includes a first surface 26c that contacts coins C falling from above and sorts them to the left and right, and a second surface 26d opposite the first surface 26c. The first surface 26c guides coins C that contact this surface so that they are held toward the first holding unit 25a. Meanwhile, the second surface 26d guides coins that contact this surface so that they are held toward the second holding unit 25b. For example, in a free state, the sorting unit 26 is tilted by the weight 26g so that the first surface 26c faces upward (to the left in FIG. 6 ), guiding falling coins C toward the first holding unit 25a. Meanwhile, under certain conditions (see FIG. 6 ) described below, the sorting unit 26 rotates so that the second surface 26d faces upward (to the right in FIG. 6 ), thereby guiding falling coins C toward the second holding unit 25b.

[0020] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vicinity of sorting unit 26, viewed from the rear to the front of the device. Sort- ing unit 26 is biased counterclockwise in FIG. 6 by weight 26g, and in a free state where no external force is applied, its upper end is tilted so as to contact first side wall 21w. In this state, coins C falling from above come into contact with first surface 26c, pass through opening 20ae, and fall into first passage 251.

[0021] Of the coins C that fall into the first passage 251, the last (tailmost) coin C of the specified number is held directly below the sorting unit 26, as shown in the figure. This last held coin C maintains the sorting unit 26 in a clockwise rotational state against the biasing force of the weight 26g. That is, the upper end of the coin C abuts against the lower end 26f of the sorting unit 26, maintaining the upper end of the sorting unit 26 close to the second side wall 22w. In this state, the coin C can be sorted toward the second holding unit 25b. Note that the configuration for restricting the width of the coin C so that it contacts the lower end 26f is shown as a configuration in which a protrusion is provided on the second side wall 22w side. However, this positioning configuration is not particularly limited as long as it can restrict the position of the coin C to the left side of the first passage 251 in the figure.

[0022] Furthermore, when the upper end of sorting section 26 is rotated toward second side wall 22w, the angle of inclination is closer to vertical than when it is tilted toward first side wall 21w. However, the upper end is formed with inclined surface 26e that guides coins C toward second surface 26d, thereby smoothing the movement of coins C.

[0023] The lower end 26f of the distributing portion 26 has a shape that protrudes below the shaft portion 26b toward the first passage portion 251. For example, as shown in the figure, the lower end 26f may have a protruding shape that protrudes toward the first passage portion 251, or may have a bent configuration that protrudes toward the first passage portion 251.

[0024] Furthermore, in the sorting section 26, the biasing force is provided by the weight 26g, but the biasing force of a magnet may be used instead of the weight 26g.

[0025] Additionally, a restricting portion 27 configured to open and close the opening 20ae and restrict sorting is provided on the second holding portion 25b side. The restricting portion 27 includes a flat horizontal plate portion 27a that opens and closes the second holding portion 25b side of the opening 20ae, and an operating piece 27b that protrudes upward and to the side (leftward) from the horizontal plate portion 27a. The restricting portion 27 is provided so as to be slidable (reciprocating) in the unit thickness direction from the rear side of the unit. The horizontal plate portion 27a of the restricting portion 27 is positioned within the second passage portion 252 directly below the opening 20ae, and is capable of opening and closing the second passage portion 252 side of the opening 20ae. For example, when the restricting portion 27 is at a first position P1 (left side in the figure) away from the first holding portion 25a as shown in the figure, the opening 20ae is open, allowing inserted coins C to be sorted. On the other hand, when the regulating section 27 is at the second position P2 (right side in the figure) close to the first holding section 25a, the second passage section 252 side of the opening 20ae is closed, and the inserted coin C is not sorted into the second passage section 252 but is sorted only into the first passage section 251.

[0026] In addition, above the second passage portion 252 (second holding portion 25b), a discharge portion 29 (29b) is provided, which is parallel to the second passage portion 252 and has open upper and lower ends. That is, the discharge portion 29 (29b) forms a slope that opens from the space in which the sorting portion 26 is provided toward the front of the unit (see FIG. 4). Therefore, for example, when the restricting portion 27 is pushed into the second position P2 to close the second holding portion 25b side of the opening 20ae, the discharge portion 29 (29b) can discharge coins C sorted toward the second holding portion 25b side to the return slot 6 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition, a discharge portion 29 (29a) is also provided above the first passage portion 251 (first holding portion 25a).

[0027] A return button 7 is provided below the insertion portion 5. For example, when a user wants to return a coin C that has already been inserted, the return button 7 can be pressed to eject the coin C held in the first holding portion 25 a and the second holding portion 25 b to the return port 6.

[0028] As described above, the item supply device 1 of this embodiment has a first holding section 25a and a second holding section 25b for holding inserted coins C, and is therefore able to hold coins C in multiple locations. Furthermore, the coins C can be sorted by the sorting section 26. For example, when a preset number of coins C is held in the first holding section 25a, any coins C inserted thereafter can be sorted to be held in the second holding section 25b, allowing for modifications such as increasing the number of coins that can be held. This allows for the provision of an item supply device 1 that can easily accommodate products of different prices.

[0029] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, the sorting unit 26 has a plate-like shape with a first surface 26c and a second surface 26d, which allows the coins C to be smoothly sorted by their front and back surfaces. Furthermore, a rotation shaft 26b is provided on the lower side where the coins C pass (fall), so the position of the upper end of the sorting unit 26, which determines the sorting direction, can be moved by the weight of the coins C or by the contact of the coins C.

[0030] In addition, an inclined surface 26e that guides coins C toward the second surface 26d is formed at the upper end of the sorting section 26, making it easier to guide coins C toward the side where the inclined surface 26e is formed, even if the sorting section 26 is slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction, for example.

[0031] Furthermore, by providing the sorting unit 26 with a means for biasing the rotation direction in a specific direction, such as a weight 26g or a magnet, it is possible to set a predetermined position when no external force is applied to the sorting unit 26. This allows the first holding unit 25a to be set as the main coin holding unit, for example, without employing electrical control.

[0032] Furthermore, the position of the sorting unit 26 is located near the top of the first holding unit 25a and above the set last (rearmost) coin C, so that the last held coin C can be positioned in the opening 20ae, which is the coin drop opening of the first holding unit 25a. This allows the last coin C of the specified number to come into contact with the bottom end 26f of the sorting unit 26, and the rotational state of the sorting unit 26 can be locked in a predetermined position by the last coin C.

[0033] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, a restricting unit 27 is provided that can move between a position that restricts the sorting of the sorting unit 26 and a position that does not restrict the sorting (a state in which both the first holding unit 25a and the second holding unit 25b can hold coins), thereby restricting the use of one of the holding units. For example, the use of the second holding unit 25b can be restricted by preventing coins sorted to the second holding unit 25b from entering the second holding unit 25b and discharging them. This allows the number of coins C that can be held to be changed.

[0034] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, the first holding section 25a has a first passage section 251, and the second holding section 25b has a second passage section 252, and the first passage section 251 and the second passage section 252 are configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal, so that when coins C are held in both holding sections, the coins C can be moved and lined up by their own weight. This makes the positions of the specified number of coins accurate, and enables easy and accurate coin detection.

[0035] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, by providing the discharge unit 29 capable of discharging inserted coins, it is possible to discharge the coin C outside the machine, for example, when the insertion of coins into the second holding unit 25b is restricted by the restricting unit 27. Furthermore, by providing the discharge unit 29 directly above the second holding unit 25b, it is possible to discharge the coin C just before it is held by the second holding unit 25b.

[0036] Furthermore, in the present embodiment of the item supply device 1, the first holding section 25a and the second holding section 25b are arranged so as to face each other at the front and back positions in the coin insertion unit 20, so that the operation of the regulating section 27 can be made small and the structure can be made simple.

[0037] In the article supply device 1 of this embodiment, the setting of the setting section 28 can be easily changed by removing the coin insertion unit 20 from the main body section 2, which makes maintenance easy.

[0038] The present invention has been described above as an embodiment, but the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of its technical concept. For example, in the above embodiment, the configuration of the product supply device 1 for selling capsule cases of products P was described, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various types of product sales devices.

[0039] As described above, the present specification discloses the following:

[0040] (1) An item supply device comprising: an insertion section into which coins can be inserted; first and second holding sections capable of holding the inserted coins; and a distribution section provided between the insertion section and the first and second holding sections and capable of distributing the destination of the coins, wherein the first and second holding sections each include a setting section capable of setting the number of coins that can be held, and the distribution section is configured to be able to distribute any coins inserted thereafter to be held in the second holding section, provided that the first holding section holds the set number of coins.

[0041] (2) An item supply device as described in (1), wherein the sorting unit includes a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface, the first holding unit is configured to be able to hold the coin in contact with the first surface, and the second holding unit is configured to be able to hold the coin in contact with the second surface.

[0042] (3) The article supplying device according to (2), wherein the sorting unit is pivotally supported at its lower portion and configured to be rotatable.

[0043] (4) An item supplying device according to (2) or (3), wherein the sorting unit is configured to be rotatable when the inserted coin comes into contact with the first surface or the second surface.

[0044] (5) An item supplying device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the sorting section is formed in a plate shape, and an inclined surface is formed at the upper end thereof to guide the coins toward the second surface section.

[0045] (6) The article supplying device according to (5), wherein the sorting unit has a weight provided on an upper portion thereof.

[0046] (7) The article supplying device according to (5), wherein the sorting unit has a magnet provided on its upper portion.

[0047] (8) An item supply device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the sorting unit is provided above the coin that can be held last in the first holding unit.

[0048] (9) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the sorting unit is provided near an upper portion of the first holding unit.

[0049] (10) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (9), further comprising a regulating unit that regulates sorting, the regulating unit being configured to be reciprocally movable in the horizontal direction.

[0050] (11) An item supplying device as described in (10), wherein the sorting unit is configured to be able to sort the inserted coins when the regulating unit is in a first position, and unable to sort the inserted coins when the regulating unit is in a second position.

[0051] (12) An item supply device as described in (11), wherein the distribution unit is configured to be able to distribute the inserted coins to the first holding unit and the second holding unit when the regulating unit is in the first position, and is configured to be able to distribute the inserted coins only to the first holding unit when the regulating unit is in the second position.

[0052] (13) An item supply device according to (11) or (12), wherein the first holding portion includes a first passage portion, the second holding portion includes a second passage portion, and the regulating portion is configured such that a portion of the regulating portion is positioned within the second passage portion when in the second position.

[0053] (14) An item supply device according to any one of (11) to (13), wherein the second position is a position close to the first holding section, and the first position is a position spaced apart from the first holding section.

[0054] (15) The item supply device according to any one of (1) to (14), further comprising an ejection section capable of ejecting the inserted coins, and the sorting section is configured to be unable to sort the coins ejected to the ejection section.

[0055] (16) The article supplying device according to (15), wherein the sorting unit is configured not to come into contact with the coins discharged to the discharge unit.

[0056] (17) The article supply device according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein the first holding portion and the second holding portion are provided at an angle relative to the horizontal at opposing positions.

[0057] 1 Article supply device 5 Insertion section 25a 1st holding section 25b 2nd holding section 26 Vibration-dividing section 26c 1st surface section 26d 2nd surface section 26e Inclined surface 26g Weight 27 Regulation section 28 Setting section 251 1st passage section 252 2nd passage section 29 Discharge section C Core P1 1st position P2 2nd position

Claims

1. An item supplying device comprising: an insertion section into which coins can be inserted; first and second holding sections capable of holding the inserted coins; and a distribution section provided between the insertion section and the first and second holding sections, capable of distributing the destination of the coins, wherein the first holding section and the second holding section each include a setting section capable of setting the number of coins they can hold, and the distribution section is configured to be able to distribute any coins inserted thereafter to be held in the second holding section, on condition that the first holding section holds the set number of coins.

2. An article supplying device as described in claim 1, wherein the sorting section includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion facing the first surface portion, the first holding section is configured to be able to hold the coin in contact with the first surface portion, and the second holding section is configured to be able to hold the coin in contact with the second surface portion.

3. An article supplying device as described in claim 2, wherein the sorting section is supported at its lower part on a shaft and configured to be rotatable.

4. An article supplying device as described in claim 3, wherein the sorting section is configured to be able to rotate when the inserted coin comes into contact with the first surface section or the second surface section.

5. An article supplying device as described in claim 4, wherein the sorting section is formed in a plate shape, and an inclined surface is formed at the upper end thereof to guide the coins toward the second surface portion.

6. An article supplying device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sorting section has a weight provided on its upper portion.

7. An article supplying device as described in claim 5, wherein the sorting section has a magnet provided on its upper portion.

8. An article supplying device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sorting section is provided above the coin that can be held at the very end in the first holding section.

9. An article supplying device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sorting section is provided in the vicinity of an upper portion of the first holding section.

10. An article supplying device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a regulating section for regulating sorting, the regulating section being configured to be capable of reciprocating movement in the horizontal direction.

11. An article supplying device as described in claim 10, wherein the sorting section is configured to be able to sort the inserted coins when the regulating section is in a first position, and to be unable to sort the inserted coins when the regulating section is in a second position.

12. An article supplying device as described in claim 11, wherein the distribution section is configured to be able to distribute the inserted coin to the first holding section and the second holding section when the regulating section is in the first position, and is configured to be able to distribute the inserted coin only to the first holding section when the regulating section is in the second position.

13. An article supplying device as described in claim 12, wherein the first holding portion includes a first passage portion, the second holding portion includes a second passage portion, and the regulating portion is configured such that a portion of it is positioned within the second passage portion when in the second position.

14. An article supplying device as described in claim 13, wherein the second position is a position adjacent to the first holding portion, and the first position is a position spaced apart from the first holding portion.

15. An article supplying device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an ejection section capable of ejecting the inserted coins, and the sorting section is configured such that the coins ejected to the ejection section cannot be sorted.

16. An article supplying device according to claim 15, wherein the sorting section is configured not to come into contact with the coins discharged to the discharge section.

17. An article supplying device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first holding portion and the second holding portion are provided in opposing positions and inclined relative to the horizontal.

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