Device for dispensing contained goods

Abstract

 A device comprises a coin holding section 60, which can hold the requisite number respectively of a first type of coin and a second type of coin that has a diameter larger than that of said first type of coin, and a coin detection device 70, which, in response to the initial operation of operating part 40, detects whether or not the requisite number respectively of the first type of coin and second type of coin are held in coin holding section 60. When coin detection part 70 detects that the requisite number of one or both of the first type of coin or second type of coin is not held in coin holding section 60, operation of operating part 40 beyond the initial operation is prevented, but, when it detects that the requisite number is held, operation beyond the initial position is permitted. As contained goods A can be purchased using two types of coins C, freedom of price setting can be increased.

Description

[0001] This invention is one that relates to a device for dispensing contained goods in which, by inserting the requisite number of coins and operating the operating part, contained goods, for example toys and the like that are contained, are dispensed.

[0002] For some time past, a device for dispensing contained goods has been known in which products such as toys that are stowed in a container such as a transparent capsule are sold (for example, JP 3954970). In the device for dispensing contained goods described in patent reference 1, coins are inserted into a coin storage device, which is housed in the device for dispensing goods, the operating handle is operated and contained objects such as toys are taken out.

[0003] The operating handle is linked to the coin containing device. The inserted coins are temporarily held and when the requisite number of coins is held the operating handle can be operated and it becomes possible to dispense the goods. On the other hand, if the inserted coins do not reach the requisite number, the operating handle cannot be operated and the goods cannot be dispensed. At this time, from the point of view of saving energy and minimising defects, coin sorting and dispensing of goods is not done electrically. Sorting and dispensing of goods is done mechanically.

[0004] However, with the conventional device for dispensing goods as described above, as the coins that are the subject are of one type, freedom in setting the price of the goods is poor. Furthermore, there were problems because price setting that took Consumption Tax into consideration was not possible.

[0005] Therefore this invention is one made in the light of the above problems and its aim is to provide a device for dispensing contained goods where freedom of price setting is increased.

[0006] The device for dispensing contained goods of this invention is characterised in that it is a device for dispensing contained goods in which a first type of coin and a second type of coin with a diameter bigger than the first type of coin are inserted in the requisite number respectively and the contained goods are dispensing from the stowage compartment for contained goods by operating the operating part; and if said coin detection device, which consists of a coin holding part that can hold the requisite number of said first type of coin and second type of coin respectively and a coin detection device, which detects whether or not the requisite number of the first type of coin and the second type of coin are held in said coin holding part, detects that the required number of one or both of said first type of coin and second type of coin are not held in said coin holding part, operation of said operating part beyond the initial operation is prevented and, also, when it detects that the requisite number of said first type of coin or said second type of coin is held in said coin holding part, operation beyond the initial operation of said operating part is permitted.

[0007] Furthermore, the device for dispensing contained goods relating to this invention is one that has a coin sorting section that can sort the inserted coins into the first type of coin and second type of coin. The coin sorting section is provided with a coin insertion orifice that is formed sloping in the direction of gravity and a coin passage along which the coins inserted through the coin insertion orifice pass. In said coin passage the first type of coins that have been inserted into the coin insertion orifice and are passing along said coin passage that is in the state where it is sloping in the direction of gravity are permitted to pass along in this state where it is sloping. For the second type of coins inserted from the insertion orifice that are passing along said coin passage that is sloping in the direction of gravity, it has a coin position changing section, which changes the position of the second type of coin from a sloping state to a state that is parallel with respect to the direction of gravity because they come into contact with the top. It has a first coin passage where the first type of coins that have passed unchanged in a sloping state through said coin position changing part continue on and a second coin passage where the second type of coins, whose position has been changed by the coin position changing part, continue on.

[0008] Furthermore, in the device for dispensing contained goods relating to this invention said coin holding section may consist of a first coin holding section, which holds the first type of coins that have passed through said first coin passage and a second coin holding section, which holds the second type of coins that have passed through the second coin passage and said first coin holding section supports the first type of coins when it is in the initial position and the second coin holding part supports the second type of coin when it is in the initial position. Furthermore, the first coin holding section and the second coin holding section, which are in the initial position, are moved roughly (or substantially) simultaneously to the evacuation position in response to operation beyond the initial operation of said operating part, and a means of removal is provided whereby the coin support by the first coin holding section and second coin holding section respectively is removed roughly (or substantially) simultaneously.

[0009] Through the device for dispensing contained goods of this invention a device for dispensing contained goods is provided in which freedom of price setting is increased.

Fig.1

is an overall oblique view of the embodiment of the device for dispensing contained goods relating to this invention.

Fig.2

is a perspective drawing looking from the direction II in Fig. 1.

Fig.3

is a structural diagram showing the inside of the device for dispensing contained goods.

Fig.4

is an overall oblique view of the unit embodying the coin sorting section etc.

Fig.5

is a partial front elevation of the coin sorting section.

Fig.6

is an oblique view looking at part of the coin sorting section from below the back.

Fig.7

is an oblique view of the coin detection device and coin holding section.

Fig.8 (A)

is a plan view of the coin support member, (B) a side view and (C) a bottom view.

Fig.9 (A)

is a plan view of the second coin holding section, (B) a plan view of the base part and (C) a plan view of the first coin holding part.

[0010] A detailed explanation of an embodiment of this invention is given below, making reference to the diagrams.

[0011] As shown in Fig.1 to Fig.3, device 10 for dispensing contained goods in this embodiment relating to this invention has a box shaped container 11. A stowage case 12, which is the stowage compartment for the contained goods that houses contained goods A, which are for example toys or the like wrapped in containers such as capsules, is provided in the top part of the box shaped container 11. The bottom of the stowage case 12 slopes towards the rear. One discharge hole 131, through which contained goods A can drop, is fixed in an intermediate wall 13 on the rear part of the bottom surface.

[0012] In this embodiment, an explanation has been given for where contained goods A are toys or the like in a container such as a capsule, but, as is clear from the relationship with the problems to be overcome by the invention, they may be anything provided that they can be stowed in the device for dispensing contained goods and are things that can be dispensed. Consequently, things with a solid form are included in the contained goods, as in this embodiment, and they may also be indeterminate shaped gases and liquids. Furthermore, the contained goods may be ones that are dispensed by dropping through their own weight, as in this embodiment, but they may also be ones that are dispensed by forwarding them to the outside of the device for dispensing contained goods by some means or other and not by dropping through their own weight.

[0013] In this embodiment, a revolving stand 14 is formed on the intermediate wall 13, which forms the bottom wall of the stowage case 12, as a mechanism for dispensing of contained goods when the purchaser removes contained goods A from the stowage case 12. A plurality of cutaways 141 through which contained goods A can pass are made in the revolving stand 14 and the cutaways 141 are made so as to be in a position corresponding to the discharge hole 131 that is made in the intermediate wall 13 of the stowage case 12.

[0014] In the interior space in the lower part of the stowage case 12 there are a unit 20, which embodies a holding section that holds the inserted coins and a coin detection device 70, which detects whether or not the requisite number of coins is being held, and an operating section 40, which is operated when contained goods A are dispensed, but these are described in detail later.

[0015] Furthermore, a front wall 111, which covers the front opening of the box shaped container 11, is provided with freedom to open and shut by means of a hinge in the front lower part of the stowage case 12. A coin insertion slot 22 for inserting coins C and a contained goods removal orifice 15, where contained goods A dispensed from stowage case 12 are discharged, are exposed to view on the front wall 111. Furthermore, coin receptacle dish 16 is provided where returned coins are discharged.

[0016] Furthermore, on the front wall 111 a rotating handle 41, which forms the operating part 40 that is operated in order to dispense contained goods A from the stowage case 12, is exposed to view on the front wall 111 and is situated able to rotate on the front wall 111. The details of the rotating handle 41 are described later, but a small amount of rotation (initial operation) from the initial state is possible irrespective of whether or not coins have been inserted, but operation beyond the initial operation is only possible if the fact that the requisite number of the requisite coins is held in the coin holding part is detected by coin detection device 70. In addition, return lever 17 for returning inserted coins projects from front wall 111.

[0017] As shown in Fig.2 and Fig.3, on the operating part 40 there is fitted one end of a main shaft 42, which forms part of the gear train on the rotating central shaft of the rotating handle 41, which is exposed to view on the front surface of the front wall 111. This main shaft 42 is supported by bearings, not shown in the diagram, that are fitted on the front wall 111 and the rear wall 112 of the box shaped container 11 and, in addition, a flat gearwheel 43 is fixed to the other end. A small gearwheel 44, which meshes with the flat gearwheel 43 on top of the flat gearwheel 43, is supported with freedom to rotate on the rear wall 112. In addition, a flat gearwheel 45, which meshes with a small gearwheel 44, is supported with freedom to rotate on top of small gearwheel 44. A gearwheel part 45A is integrally formed on the flat gearwheel 45 and they have the same common central shaft.

[0018] Elsewhere, the rotating stand 14 is fitted with freedom to rotate on the intermediate wall 13, which forms the bottom wall of the stowage case 12. A tooth profile 142 is formed on the bottom surface of the rotating stand 14 and the gearwheel part 45A engages in this tooth profile 142. When the rotating handle 41 is rotated by hand in the direction of arrow sign T1, the rotating force is transmitted to the flat gearwheel 43 via the main shaft 42 and the rotating force is transmitted to the rotating stand 14 in the direction of arrow sign T2 via the small gearwheel 44, which meshes with it, and the gearwheel 45. Then, by continuing the operation of the rotating handle 41, the rotating stand 14 is rotated through the requisite angle and, when one cutaway 141 of the rotating stand 14 coincides with the discharge hole 131 on intermediate wall 13 in the stowage case 12, one of the contained goods A stowed in the stowage case 12 passes through the cutaway 141 on the rotating stand 14, falls from the discharge hole 131 and is despatched to the contained goods removal orifice 15.

[0019] Furthermore, a flat gearwheel 46, which meshes with the flat gearwheel 43 and is diagonally below the flat gearwheel 43, which is supported on a bearing on a rear wall 112, is supported on a bearing on the rear wall 112 of the box shaped container 11 with freedom to rotate. Below the flat gearwheel 46, an intermediate shaft 48, which has a small gearwheel 47 that meshes with the flat gearwheel 46 fitted on one end, is fitted with freedom to rotate between the front wall 111 and the rear wall 112. Furthermore, a bevel gear 49 is fitted roughly in the middle of the intermediate shaft 48.

[0020] Consequently, when the rotating handle 41 is turned by the purchaser, the main shaft 42 rotates and the flat gearwheel 43 rotates. Through this, on the one hand the rotating stand 14 is rotated via the small gearwheel 44 and the flat gearwheel 45 and the gearwheel part 45A. Furthermore and on the other hand, through the rotation of the flat gearwheel 43 the intermediate shaft 48 is rotated via the flat gearwheel 46 and the small gearwheel 47 and the bevel gear 49 is rotated. Through this, when rotation of the bevel gear 49 is prevented, as will be explained later, rotation of the rotating handle 41 and the rotating stand 14 are also prevented.

[0021] Now as shown in Fig.2, a lowest stage intermediate wall 51 extending in the horizontal direction is below the intermediate shaft 48 and on the lowest stage intermediate wall 51 is located a fit/remove member 52 with the cross section

(i.e. a channel cross section or a C-shaped cross section). This fit/remove member 52 is one where the unit 20, which embodies the coin detection device 70, explained later, and a coin holding section 60, are installed on the top side of it, able to be fitted/removed. Coin C, which drops from the coin holding section 60 of the unit 20, drops into a coin collection part 53 below via a long hole (not shown in the diagram) made in the lowest stage intermediate wall 51.

[0022] The structure of a device 10 for dispensing contained goods explained above is no more than a practical embodiment for the case where it is made a container for capsules or the like in which contained goods A of toys or the like are wrapped and this invention is not in any way restricted. That is to say, when this invention is embodied, a suitable structure for contained goods A may be chosen for the part explained above.

[0023] Now, in the device 10 for dispensing contained goods, when the operating part 40 (the rotating handle 41) is operated after the requisite number of the first type of coin and the second type of coin with a diameter larger than said first type of coin has been inserted, contained goods A are taken out from the stowage case 12, which is the goods stowage section. The coins are inserted from the coin insertion orifice 22 that is exposed on the front wall 111 of the box shaped container 11. The coin insertion orifice 22 forms what is called a coin sorting part 21 in this invention and this point is explained later.

[0024] The first type and second type of coins C inserted from the coin insertion orifice 22 pass along a first coin passage 27 and a second coin passage 28 respectively and are temporarily held in the coin holding section 60 of the unit 20, which is in the space inside the lower side of the box shaped container 11. The first coin passage 27 and the second coin passage 28 form what is called the coin sorting part 21 in this invention and this point is explained later.

[0025] A detailed explanation will now be given about the coin holding section 60, referring to Fig.7. The coin holding section 60 has in the middle of the width direction a coin support member 61, which is in close contact with and supports the bottom of coins C. On the left and right of the coin support member 61 there are a first coin guide part 62R and a second coin guide part 62L. The coin support member 61 and the coin guide parts 62L and 62R slope towards the front surface of the box shaped container 11 and the end is connected to a coin reception dish 16. When the first and second coin guide parts 62R and 62L are given a general name they will be called the 'coin guide part 62', but when they are distinguished they will be called the 'first coin guide part 62R' and the 'second coin guide part 62L'.

[0026] The first coin guide part 62R is in close contact with the main surface of the first type of coins (for example 100yen coins) that have passed along the first coin passage 27 and can support them. Furthermore, the second coin guide part 62L is in close contact with the main surface of the second type of coins with a bigger diameter than the first type of coins (for example 10yen coins with a diameter bigger than 100yen coins) that have passed along the second coin passage 28 and can support them. The first and second coin guide parts 62R and 62L together with the respective coin support members 61 hold the first type and second type of coins C in the coin holding section 60 and prevent them from dropping. In addition, the coin section 60 can set individually the respective number of first type and second type of coins that can be held.

[0027] A detailed explanation will be made about the ability to set the number of coins. A plurality of stopper fitting parts 621 are provided at the requisite intervals in the coin guide part 62. Stoppers 622, which can be fitted or removed, are fitted in said stopper fitting part 621. The number of first type and second type coins that can be held by the coin holding section 60 can be altered according to which positions stoppers 622 are fitted to the stopper fitting part 621. That is to say, coin support projections 6221, which project into the coin holding section 60, are provided on a stopper 622. The coin support projections 6221 protrude into the coin holding section 60. They come into close contact with the side part of coins C that are rolling in the coin holding section 60 towards the front of the box shaped compartment 11 along the slope of the coin holding member 61 and can hold them in that position. In addition, giving an explanation in concrete terms about the ability to set the number of coins, in the case where for example, the first type of coins are 100yen coins and the second type of coins are 10yen coins, if the person providing contained goods A wants the price of contained goods A to be 110yen, then as shown in Fig.7 the provider of contained goods A fits the stopper 622 in the stopper fitting part 621 that is located one space in front from the stopper fitting part 621 that is located furthest back and the number of first type and second type of coins that can respectively be held in the coin holding section 60 is set at one.

[0028] Next, an explanation will be given about coin sorting section 21, based on Fig.4 to Fig.6. The coin sorting section 21 has the coin insertion orifice 22 for inserting coins C, a coin passage 23, which is connected with the coin insertion orifice 22 and the first coin passage 27 and the second coin passage 28, which are connected with the coin passage 23. As shown in Fig.4 and Fig.5, the coin insertion orifice 22 is set sloping with respect to the direction of gravity. Through this, coins C inserted in the coin insertion orifice 22 are in a sloping situation, inclined with respect to the direction of gravity, and they go on to the coin passage 23 that continues on behind the coin insertion orifice 22. Furthermore, an opening 25, where a return lever 17 for returning inserted coins C projects, is provided below the coin insertion orifice 22. A fitting part 26 for fitting on to the box shaped container 11 projects to the outside on the outer periphery part.

[0029] As shown in Fig.6, the coin passage 23 continues on behind the coin insertion orifice 22 (that is to say, inside the box shaped container 11). Furthermore, a coin position changing part 24 is provided in the coin passage 23 and it can change the position of either of the two types of coins C used in the device 10 for dispensing contained goods. In concrete terms, if it is so made that a first type of coin and a second type of coin with a larger diameter than the first type of coin can be used in the device 10 for dispensing contained goods, the position of the second type of coin can be changed from the inclined state where it is sloping with respect to the direction of gravity to a horizontal state where it becomes parallel with respect to the direction of gravity through the second type of coin coming into contact with the top on its way through. Furthermore, in this embodiment the coin position changing part 24 does not change the position of the first type of coins because they do not come into contact with the top and they are allowed to continue on unchanged in an inclined state sloping with respect to the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the first coin passage 27, which continues on from the coin passage 23 (that is to say, the coin position changing part 24) is installed on the side that is in the direction where the coin insertion orifice 22 is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity (the right side in this embodiment). That is to say, because the first coin passage 27 lies in the direction of advancement of the first type of coin that passes through the coin position changing part 24 and remains in the sloping state, the first type of coins that have passed through the coin position changing part 24 continue on to the first coin passage 27 still in the sloping state. Furthermore, the second coin passage 28 similarly continues on from the coin passage 23, but it is installed on the side opposite the first coin passage 27 (the left side in this embodiment). That is to say, because it lies in the direction of advancement of the second type of coins, whose position has been changed to a horizontal state that is parallel with respect to the direction of gravity by passing through the coin position changing part 24, the second type of coins that have passed through the coin position changing part 24 do not advance along the first coin passage 27 but along the second coin passage 28. As the situation is as described above, the coin sorting section 21 makes coins C inserted from the coin insertion orifice 22 advance along one or other of the first coin passage 27 and the second coin passage 28 based upon whether or not there is a change made in their position by the coin position changing part 24 according to the size of their diameter. In short, the coin sorting section 21 sorts coins C that are inserted from the coin insertion orifice 22 on the basis of whether or not there is a position change made by the coin position changing part 24 according to the size of their diameter.

[0030] In more concrete terms, when small diameter coins C like the 100yen coins are inserted the into coin insertion orifice 22, the inclined small diameter coins C are taken to the right through the still sloping coin passage 23 (the coin position changing part 24) and go on to the first coin passage 27. On the other hand, when large diameter coins C like 10yen coins are inserted into the coin insertion orifice 22, the top of the inclined large diameter coins C is guided in the opposite direction from the slope (the left side) by the coin position changing part 24, which is placed above the coin passage 23. They are inclined to the opposite side and led to the left and go along to the second coin passage 28.

[0031] On the way from the first coin passage 27 and the second coin passage 28 to the coin holding section 60 there can be provided coin selectors, which detect whether or not the inserted cons C are proper coins C. For example, the coin selector provided in the first coin passage 27 detects whether or not coins C are 100yen coins and in the second coin passage 28 it detects whether or not they are 10yen coins that have a bigger diameter than 100yen coins. If the coins C are not proper ones, they are returned to the coin reception dish 16.

[0032] As shown in Fig.8 and Fig.9, the coin support member 61 has a second coin holding part 63, which holds the second type of coins C, and a first coin holding part 64, which holds the first type of coins C, and it has a base part 65, which holds the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 with the ability to move. The base part 65 is a long and narrow plate-shaped part whose width becomes narrower as one goes towards the front surface of the box shaped container 11. Stopper blocks 651 are located roughly at the four corners of the top surface. Stopper concave parts 652, which open to the outside of both left and right and upwards, are located on the stopper blocks 651,

[0033] The second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 have holding member main bodies 631 and 641, which are long and narrow plate-shaped members whose width becomes narrower towards the front of the box shaped container 11, corresponding to the base plate 65. Furthermore, a stopper block 632 and stopper block 642 are located on the rear end part of the holding member main bodies 631 and 641 (the right hand end in Fig. 8).

[0034] The stopper blocks 632 and 642 have prop parts 633 and 643 extending upwards from the holding member main bodies 631 and 641 and stopper parts 634 and 644, which extend horizontally from the top end of the prop parts 633 and 643 and, in addition, are indented to the inner side. Also, as shown in Fig.8(B), the stopper parts 634 and 644 are located staggered in the up/down direction so that the stopper parts 634 and 644 do not interfere with each other even if the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 come close to each other. It is optional which of the stopper parts 634 and 644 is the upper one.

[0035] Oval shaped screw holes 635 and 645 are located diagonally to the front/back direction in the holding member main bodies 631 and 641 of the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64. That is to say, the screw hole 635 slants towards the left end part side and towards the rear in the holding member main body 631 of the second coin holding part 63 and the screw hole 645 slants towards the right end part side and towards the rear of the first coin holding part 64. That is to say, the screw hole 635 and the screw hole 645 have a

shape (i.e. are angled relative to each other).

[0036] Screws 66 are inserted in both the screw holes 635 and 645 and the screws 66 are screwed into the bottom surface of the base part 65. Consequently, by the moving second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 to the rear relative to base part 65, the screws 66 move to the front end of the screw holes 635 and 645. Through this, as the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 move in the direction where they separate from each other, the total width of the coin holding member 61 becomes greater. Normally the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 are forced in the direction where they are spread out by a spring force member (not shown in the diagram) and are in this state. That is to say, this state is the one where the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 are in their initial position and at this time the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 can hold coins C.

[0037] On the other hand, by moving the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 forwards relative to the base part 65, the screws 66 move to the rear end of the screw holes 635 and 645. Through this, as the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 move in the direction where they approach each other, the total width of the coin holding member 61 becomes smaller. That is to say, the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 move roughly simultaneously to the evacuation position. Thereupon, support of coins C is withdrawn roughly simultaneously in the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 respectively and the coins C that have been held drop through their own weight.

[0038] Next, a detailed explanation will be given about the coin detection device 70. As shown in Fig.7, the coin detection device 70 is located to the rear of the coin holding section 60 (the left side in Fig.7). The coin detection device 70 detects whether or not the requisite number of each of the first type and second type of coins C are held in the coin holding section 60. Only if it detects that they are so held is rotation of the handle 41 permitted and dispersal of contained goods A possible. In addition, coins C held in the coin holding section 60 drop to the coin collection part 53 and are retained there.

[0039] In a position below the first coin passage 27 and the second coin passage 28 there are located the respective roughly triangular shaped rocker members 71R and 71L with freedom to rock and they are normally in the position shown in Fig.7 through a spring force in the clockwise direction in Fig.7. When giving a general name for the left and right rocker members they will be called the 'rocker members 71' and when the left and right are distinguished they will be called the 'rocker member 71L' and the 'rocker member 71R'.

[0040] In the situation where coins C have not been inserted, the top part 711 of the rocker member 71 is positioned roughly upwards and a sloping surface 712 is facing in the forward direction. Consequently, coins C that drop from the first coin passage 27 and the second coin passage 28 come into contact with the sloping surface 712 of the respective rocker members 71 and are held on top of the coin support member 61. At this time, if the number of coins C that have been inserted does not reach the requisite number, they move forward rolling above the coin support member 61, come into contact with the stopper 622, which is set in the coin guide part 62, stop and are held on the coin support member 61. When the requisite number of coins C has been inserted, the final coin C stops in the situation where the rocker member 71 has been rotated in the clockwise direction in Fig.7.

[0041] The respective projecting/withdrawn members 72L and 72R are located in the same perpendicular plane as the rocker members 71L and 71R. The projecting/withdrawn member 72R is not shown in the diagram. Furthermore, when referring in general to the left and right projecting/withdrawn members they will be called the 'projecting/withdrawn members 72' and when distinguishing between left and right they will be called the 'projecting/withdrawn member 72L' and the projecting/withdrawn member 72R'.

[0042] The left and right projecting/withdrawn members 72L and 72R are integrally connected by a rotating shaft (not shown in the diagram) and they rotate as a body in the rotation of the rotating shaft. Furthermore, the left and right projecting/withdrawn members 72L and 72R can move between a projecting position, where they project in the direction away from the centre of rotation, and a withdrawn position, in the direction where they draw closer to the centre of rotation. They are subjected to a force in the direction of the projecting position from the withdrawn position by the force of a spring that is not shown in the diagram. That is to say, in their initial state the left and right projecting/withdrawn members 72L and 72R are in the projecting position. Furthermore, a bevel gear 75, which engages with the bevel gear 49, is positioned on this rotating shaft (see Fig.2). Consequently, if an attempt is made to rotate the bevel gear 49 consequent upon rotation of the rotating handle 41, the bevel gear 75 also tries to rotate and therefore the projecting/withdrawn member 72 tries to rotate. As described above, because the left and right projecting/withdrawn members 72L and 72R and the rocker members 71L and 71R are in the same perpendicular plane, the left and right projecting/withdrawn members 72L and 72R and the rocker members 71L and 71R come into contact through the rotation of the projecting/withdrawn members 72. At this time, unless at least one of the first type of coins C or the second type of coins C held in the coin holding section 60 has reached the requisite number, at least one of the rocker members 71L and 71R comes into contact with the projecting/withdrawn member 72 that is in the projecting position and is rotated in the forward direction (anti-clockwise in Fig.7). Then, if the projecting/withdrawn member 72 is rotated further, the projecting/withdrawn member 72 which is still in the projecting position passes through the position of the rocker member 71, comes into contact with the stopper, not shown in the diagram, that is below and is prevented from rotating. Operation of the rotating handle 41 until the projecting/withdrawn member 72 rotates and passes the position of the rocker member 71 is the initial operation and it is an operation that can be done irrespective of the number of coins C held in the coin holding section 60. As described above, if the requisite number of coins C is not held in the coin holding section 60, then, because rotation of the projecting/withdrawn member 72 is prevented, operation of the rotating handle 41 beyond the initial operation is also prevented. Furthermore and consequently, by preventing rotation of the projecting/withdrawn members 72, rotation of the bevel gear 75 and the bevel gear 49 is also prevented and the rotating handle 41 cannot be rotated. Therefore the rotating stand 14 cannot be rotated and contained goods A cannot be dispensed.

[0043] Next, an explanation will be given of the case where the rotating handle 41 has been rotated in the situation where the requisite number of both the first type of coins and the second type of coins held in the coin holding section 60 has been reached. When the rotating handle 41 is turned, the projecting/withdrawn members 72 also rotate and the left and right projecting/withdrawn members 72L and 72R and the rocking members 71L and 71R come into contact. However, the rocking members 71L and 71R try to rotate forwards (in the anti-clockwise direction in Fig.7), but rotation becomes impossible because of the existence of coins C held in the coin holding section 60. Thereupon, the projecting/withdrawn members 72 are conversely pushed by the rocker member 71 and move to the withdrawn position, resisting the force from the spring force member. If in this state the projecting/withdrawn members 72 are rotated further and pass the position of the rocker members 71, they do not come into contact with a stopper because the projecting/withdrawn members 72 are not in the projecting position and further rotation is not prevented. Consequently, the rotating handle 41 is permitted to operate beyond the initial operation, the rotating stand 14 rotates and contained goods A can be dispensed.

[0044] Furthermore, rotating plates 73, which rotate together with the projecting/withdrawn members 72 are situated on the same rotating shaft as the projecting/withdrawn members 72. The circumferential edge of the rotating plates 73 is a cam. In rotating, said cam comes into contact with the stopper block 632 of the second coin holding part 63 and the stopper block 642 of the first coin holding part 64 and pushes the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 forwards. Through this, the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 move in the direction where they approach each other, that is to say, they move roughly simultaneously to the evacuation position. Thereupon, because the total width of the coin support member 61 becomes smaller and support for coins C is withdrawn roughly simultaneously, coins C drop and are contained in the coin collection part 53. That is to say, the means of removal in this embodiment consists of the stopper block 632 of the second coin holding part 63 and the stopper block 642 of the first coin holding part 64, of the rotating plate 73, which pushes stopper block 632 of the second coin holding part 63 and the stopper block 642 of the first coin holding part 64 forwards consequent upon the rotation of the projecting/withdrawn members 72, and of the base part 65, the screw holes 635 and 634 and the screws 66, which guide the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 in a direction where they approach each other, consequent upon their movement forwards, that is to say, so that they move roughly simultaneously to the evacuation position.

[0045] Next, an explanation will be given about the action of purchasing goods A. First, of all, because the rotation of rotating handle 41 beyond the initial position is prevented before insertion of coins C and the rotating stand 14, which dispenses contained goods A, does not rotate, contained goods A cannot be dispensed.

[0046] Next, when coins C are inserted from the coin insertion orifice 22, the first type of coins C and the second type of coins C are sorted by the operation of the coin position changing part 24 into ones going along the first coin passage 27 (that is to say, the first type of coins) and ones going along the second coin passage (that is to say, the second type of coins). Coins C roll along the first coin passage 27 and the second coin passage 28 and are held in the first coin holding part 64 and the second coin holding part 63 respectively of the coin holding member 61.

[0047] Coins C that have dropped to the coin holding section 60 move forward because of the slope of the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64, come into contact with the stopper 622 fitted to the coin guide part 62 and stop. Then, when the coins C held reach the requisite number, the final coins C come into contact with the rocker members 71L and 71R, are rolled back (the clockwise direction in Fig.7) and cannot roll forwards (the anti-clockwise direction in Fig.7). Because the projecting/withdrawn members 72, which are in contact with the rocker members 71, move from the projecting position to the withdrawn position through this, the projecting/withdrawn members 72 become able to rotate beyond the position of the rocker members 71 and, as a result, rotating operation of the rotating handle 41 beyond the initial operation becomes possible.

[0048] If the rotating handle 41 is rotated further in this situation, the projecting/withdrawn members 72 and the rotating plates 73 rotate via the bevel gear 49 and the bevel gear 75 and the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 are pushed forwards. Through this, the total width of the coin holding member 61 becomes smaller and support for coins C is withdrawn. Because of this, coins C drop and are stored in the coin collection part 53. Elsewhere, the rotating stand 14, which holds contained goods A, rotates at the same time. When the cutaway 141 of the rotating stand 14 comes to the position of the removal hole 131 in the intermediate wall 13, contained goods A fall and the contained goods A are dispensed from the contained goods removal orifice 15.

[0049] Through the device 10 for dispensing contained goods relating to this embodiment which has been described above, contained goods A can be purchased with two types of coins C and therefore freedom of price setting can be increased.

[0050] Furthermore, in the coin selection part 21 in the device 10 for dispensing contained goods relating to this embodiment, because there are the coin insertion orifice 22, which is formed sloping with respect to the direction of gravity, and the coin passage 23, along which coins inserted from the coin insertion orifice 22 pass, and the coin position changing part 24 located in the coin passage 23, which allows the first type of coins inserted from the coin insertion orifice 22 that are passing through coin passage 23 in a sloping state that slopes with respect to the direction of gravity to go on passing through in the sloping state, and which, because the second type of coins passing through the coin passage 23 in a sloping state that slopes with respect to the direction of gravity touch the top, changes the position of the second type of coins from a sloping state to a horizontal state that is parallel with respect to the direction of gravity, and the first coin passage 27, along which the first type of coins that have passed through the coin position changing part 24 still in the sloping state continue on, and second coin passage 28, along which the second type of coins whose position has been changed by the coin position changing part 24 continue on, it is therefore possible to sort the first type of coins and second type of coins with a diameter larger than the first type of coins mechanically.

[0051] Furthermore, the means of removal, which consists of the rotating plates 73 etc in this embodiment, moves the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 roughly simultaneously to the evacuation position and support for coins in the second coin holding part 63 and the first coin holding part 64 respectively is removed roughly simultaneously. Therefore there is little interference between the coins C and it is difficult for a blockage to occur.

[0052] A detailed explanation about a desirable practical embodiment of this invention has been made above, but the device for dispensing contained goods relating to this invention is not restricted to the embodiment described above. Modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims. That is to say, in the embodiment described above an explanation has been made about one device 10 for dispensing contained goods, but it is possible to use two devices 10 for dispensing contained goods, stacked above and below. Through this, effective use can be made of confined space in a shop and, in addition, young small children and the like can operate the device for dispersal of contained goods at the lower level, for example, and adults can operate the device for dispersal of contained goods on the upper level.

10

Device for dispensing contained goods

12

Stowage case (contained goods stowage part)

14

Rotating stand (mechanism for dispersal of contained goods)

20

Unit

21

Coin sorting part

22

Coin insertion orifice

23

Coin passage

24

Coin position changing part

27

First coin passage

28

Second coin passage

40

Operating part

53

Coin collection part

60

Coin holding section

63

First coin holding part

64

Second coin holding part

70

Coin detection device

A

Contained goods

C

Coins

Claims

1. A device for dispensing contained goods, whereby contained goods are dispensed from a contained goods stowage part by inserting the requisite number respectively of a first type of coin and a second type of coin, which has a diameter larger than the first type of coin, and operating an operating part, the device comprising:

a coin holding section, which can hold the requisite number respectively of said first type of coin and said second type of coin; and

a coin detection device, which, in response to an initial operation of said operating part, detects whether or not the requisite number respectively of the first type of coin and the second type of coin are held;

wherein said coin detection device prevents operation of said operating part beyond the initial operation when it detects that the requisite number of one or both of the first type of coin or the second type of coin is not held in said coin holding section, and said coin detection device permits operation of said operating part beyond the initial operation when the requisite number of both said first type of coin and said second type of coin is held in said coin holding section.

2. The device for dispensing contained goods disclosed in Claim 1 comprising:

a coin sorting part, which can sort the inserted coins into the first type of coin and the second type of coin, wherein said coin sorting part comprises:

a coin insertion orifice, which is formed sloping with respect to the direction of gravity;

a coin passage, along which coins inserted from the coin insertion orifice pass;

a coin position changing part, which is located in said coin passage and permits the first type of coin inserted into the coin insertion orifice and passing along said coin passage in a sloping state that slopes with respect to the direction of gravity to continue on still in a sloping state, and changes the direction of the second type of coin inserted from the coin insertion orifice and passing along the passage in a sloping state that slopes with respect to the direction of gravity to a horizontal state that is parallel with respect to the direction of gravity from the sloping state by touching the top of the second type of coin;

a first coin passage along which the first type of coin, which has passed through said coin position changing part still in the sloping state, continues; and

a second coin passage along which the second type of coin, whose position has been changed by said coin position changing part, continues.

3. The device for dispensing contained goods disclosed in Claim 2 wherein said coin holding section comprises:

a first coin holding part, which holds the first type of coins that have passed through said first coin passage; and

a second coin holding part, which holds the second type of coins that have passed through said second coin passage, wherein said first coin holding part is in contact with and supports the first type of coin when it is in an initial position and the second coin holding part is in contact with and supports the second type of coin when it is in an initial position;

wherein the first coin holding part and the second coin holding part, when in the initial position, are movable approximately simultaneously to an evacuation position in response to operation beyond the initial operation of said operating part such that coin support by the first coin holding part and the second coin holding part respectively is removed approximately simultaneously.

Drawing