JP3817695B2 - Goods dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an article dispensing apparatus suitable for automatic dispensing of thin articles such as telephone cards, scratch cards, gift certificates, or banknotes, and more particularly, a predetermined number of thin articles accommodated in a stacked state. The present invention relates to an article dispensing apparatus that can appropriately extract a thin article.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in a card issuing machine such as a telephone card and a scratch card, in order to accommodate more cards in a predetermined space, the cards are stocked in a state where a plurality of cards are stacked at predetermined positions in the issuing machine.
[0003]
For example, when the card issuing machine detects that the user has inserted cash or the like, for example, one card located at the top or the bottom is appropriately extracted from a plurality of card groups in a stacked state by a roller or the like. The card is generally paid out by being conveyed to a predetermined payout exit.
[0004]
In addition to card issuing machines, money-changing machines, game machines, and other various vending machines, etc., thin items such as banknotes to be paid out and similar vouchers (such as gift certificates) As with cards, it is generally stocked in a stacked state in which a plurality of cards are stacked. Similarly, these money changers, for example, count a predetermined number of banknotes or cash vouchers by sequentially extracting or selecting, for example, one of the highest or lowest ones from the banknotes in a stacked state. And it is common to pay out one by one or all at once.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in card issuing machines, money changers, various vending machines, game machines, etc., thin cards such as various cards, banknotes, and cash vouchers are stocked in a stacked state, When extracting an appropriate sheet from the above, it is easy to cause a trouble that a plurality of sheets are simultaneously extracted due to frictional force or adsorption force generated between other thin articles that are closely stacked on the sheet. there were. This causes troubles such as 'card jamming' and 'excessive payout', and has also deteriorated the reliability of the device. In particular, during the rainy season and the like, the frictional force and adsorption force between thin articles are likely to become even larger due to the influence of humidity, and such troubles become prominent.
[0006]
Furthermore, since these thin articles are stacked and stocked with the entire surface exposed, and pass through between the conveying path and the rollers at the time of dispensing, it is difficult to avoid the adhesion of dirt and the like at that time. In particular, in the case of cards such as a scratch card and a telephone card, the scratch surface, the magnetic layer coating surface, and the like are often damaged at that time, causing a problem that the function of the card itself is impaired.
[0007]
The present invention has been made paying attention to the problems as described above, and the object of the present invention is to enable the reliable dispensing of a thin article such as a card with a simple configuration, as well as contamination, breakage, etc. Therefore, the present invention is to provide an article dispensing apparatus that can prevent the occurrence of the problem.
[0008]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a continuous carrier suitably used in the above-described article dispensing apparatus.
[0009]
Still other objects and operational effects of the present invention will be easily understood by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the article dispensing apparatus of the present invention has a zigzag continuous carrier formed by connecting a number of flat bag-like carriers that store and carry thin articles such as cards in a fixed direction via a connecting portion. A storage part for storing in a folded state, a slit-shaped article discharge outlet from which the flat bag-like carrier is to be delivered, and an article delivery outlet to the outside of the apparatus while pulling out the tip of the continuous carrier from the storage part. And a transport mechanism for sending out the continuous carrier by the transport mechanism so that a predetermined number of flat bag-like carriers are sent out from the article discharge outlet to the outside of the apparatus every time a predetermined payout command signal arrives. And a conveyance control means for controlling the apparatus, and a specified amount of a thin article is paid out in units of a flat bag-like carrier.
[0011]
Here, the term “thin article” includes, for example, various cards such as a telephone card and a scratch card, various cash vouchers such as gift certificates, and banknotes. In addition, the article dispensing device of the present invention can be used for dispensing various articles as long as it can be accommodated and supported by a flat bag-like carrier.
[0012]
Although there is a “flat bag-like carrier”, the material and the accommodation / support mode are not particularly limited. For example, by using a transparent material (for example, a polyester film) on the surface, the contents (thin article) can be made visible from the outside. Further, for example, by using a flat bag-like carrier using recycled paper, the cost can be reduced. In addition, as the accommodation and support mode, the thin article is completely sealed, the thin article is covered in a substantially packaged state with an insertion port, or the thin article is formed on the entire back surface and surface. There are various types such as those supported by a part (for example, four corners).
[0013]
“Continuous carrier formed by connecting a large number of flat bag-like carriers”, which means that the flat bag-like carrier is connected as a result. It is not a description for limiting the "body" to those produced or produced by connecting flat bag-like carriers. For example, as a specific example of “continuous carrier”, a cover sheet is superposed on the surface of a base material sheet made of continuous paper, and a predetermined pattern welded portion is provided between the two sheets, thereby providing a predetermined along the paper feeding direction. A continuous paper with pockets in which a plurality of pockets are arranged at pitch intervals can also be mentioned. In this case, as a result, the flat bag-like carriers are “connected”. In the continuous carrier (pocket continuous paper) according to this example, it is possible to obtain merits such as goodness in taking in and out the contents and low cost productivity.
[0014]
Although “storage part” is mentioned, this may be, for example, a dedicated case or the like, or an arbitrary space defined in the article dispensing apparatus. At least, here, it means that the continuous carrier is stored in the article dispensing device in a zigzag folded state. The “zigzag shape” is mainly intended to store the continuous carrier more compactly, and any state is referred to as “zigzag”, and any state is not referred to as “zigzag”. This should be judged from the common sense of those skilled in the art in consideration of the purpose.
[0015]
Needless to say, it is not always necessary to simultaneously perform the drawing operation and the sending operation from the payout port. For example, it is also possible to perform a delivery operation from the payout port after a predetermined amount of withdrawal has been performed in advance.
[0016]
There is a “payout command signal”, which may be generated after the money is inserted and a predetermined purchase button or the like is pressed, for example, when goods are paid out by money purchase.
[0017]
As can be understood from the description “a predetermined number of flat bag-shaped carriers are delivered”, the number of flat bag-shaped carriers to be delivered in one payout is not necessarily limited to one. Furthermore, the number of thin articles accommodated and supported by the flat bag-shaped carrier is not necessarily limited to one (one). That is, the payout quantity of the flat bag-shaped carrier is determined based on the number of articles accommodated and carried in each flat bag-shaped carrier and, for example, the number of purchase buttons provided for each number of purchases. It can be determined as appropriate based on the amount paid out. In addition, although there is a “designated amount of thin article”, the designated amount may be an amount determined each time by a purchase button or the like as described above, or may be a predetermined amount. Of course, the good thing is. At least in the present invention, the thin article is paid out in “flat bag-like carrier units”.
[0018]
As described above, in the article dispensing apparatus of the present invention, a predetermined amount of thin articles such as telephone cards and banknotes are accommodated and supported in advance in each flat bag-like carrier, and these articles are united in a flat bag-like carrier. Thus, excessive payout based on adsorption of thin articles, which has been a problem in conventional article payout apparatuses, can be prevented in advance. Further, since the thin article such as a card to be paid out by the article dispensing apparatus of the present invention is accommodated in a flat bag-like carrier, the thin article can be stained by adopting an appropriate accommodation mode. It is also possible to prevent it beforehand.
[0019]
Next, in the article dispensing apparatus of the present invention, when the thin article is dispensed, the flat bag-shaped carrier sent out (delivered) to the outside of the apparatus is replaced with the flat bag-shaped carrier (continuous carrier) inside the apparatus. It is necessary to separate from the work. This can be easily solved, for example, by providing a cutting tool such as a cutter in the vicinity of the discharge outlet or by separately cutting the connecting portion using scissors or the like. A continuous hole such as a perforation or a surface flaw processing for partitioning adjacent support members so as to be appropriately separable is performed in advance on each of the connecting portions.
[0020]
According to such an aspect, the flat bag-like carrier that has been dispensed can be separated from the flat bag-like carrier inside the apparatus easily and appropriately without using a cutting tool such as scissors or a cutter (pull-out). Can be cut). In addition, if a continuous hole such as a perforation or a connecting portion on which surface flaw processing is performed can be used, the adjacent carriers can be easily folded back, so that the continuous carriers can be folded and accommodated in a zigzag shape. Is also convenient.
[0021]
Next, as the “conveying mechanism” in the article dispensing apparatus of the present invention, various modes are assumed. In a preferred mode, the front end portion of the continuous carrier in which the thin article is accommodated and supported is disposed on both sides. A pair of feed rollers (for example, rubber rollers) are provided in the vicinity of the payout port in the apparatus for gradually feeding from the product payout port while firmly holding from the side.
[0022]
According to such an aspect, by appropriately adjusting the rotation amount of the roller, not only can a predetermined number of flat bag-shaped carriers be paid out, but also after the payout is once completed, Since the flat bag-like carrier (the flat bag-like carrier to be dispensed in the next order) is firmly held by the pair of rollers, the flat bag-like carrier is forcibly pulled out by mischief or the like. There is no worry that it will be.
[0023]
In a further preferred aspect, the transport mechanism is attached between the side plates of the apparatus casing including the left and right side plates and a front plate having an article discharge outlet, and draws out the front end portion of the folded continuous carrier so as to be flat. And a pair of upper and lower feed rollers that are supported between the side plates and feed the front end portion of the continuous carrier from the article discharge outlet. One side of the roller is connected to a roller drive system that rotates the roller via a reduction gear by the rotational force of the drive motor, and the other side of the feed roller accommodates and carries a thin article between the rollers. When the flat bag-shaped carrier passes, it is movable and the other roller is used so that the clearance between the rollers can be secured. Spring means for applying a biasing force to the side is provided.
[0024]
Then, according to the article dispensing apparatus provided with such a transport mechanism, the continuous carrier is transported while being properly guided by the left and right side plates and the upper and lower plates, so that the continuous carrier may be tangled inside the device. Nor.
[0025]
Further, since the upper feed roller is supported so as to be movable up and down with respect to the side plate and is biased downward by a spring, when the flat bag-like carrier is fed out, the upper feed roller is adjusted in accordance with the thickness of the thin article. Although the feed roller can move upward, an appropriate roller pressure can be applied by the urging spring, so that it can be effectively handled by the roller feed of the continuous carrier.
[0026]
In addition, illegal acts such as pinching the tip of the continuous carrier and forcibly pulling it out are reliably prevented because the reverse rotation of the motor and the reduction gear prevents the roller from reversing.
[0027]
In a further preferred aspect, the pair of feed rollers are disposed at a position farther than the length of at least one carrier in the direction from the tip of the article discharge outlet provided on the front surface of the device to the inside of the device, and at most the length of the carrier. It is arranged at a position closer than two sheets.
[0028]
According to such a configuration, when one carrier is separated from the connecting portion by the user, the tip of the next carrier is at the position of the feed roller far behind the payout port. A mischievous action such as inserting and directly holding and pulling out the continuous carrier can be reliably prevented.
[0029]
Here, “at least a position farther than the length” means that the user can separate one carrier holding a target card or the like by a pair of feed rollers (one carrier) Taking into account that the continuous holes such as perforations and surface flaws must be set closer to the discharge outlet side than the pair of feed rollers when the conveyance until the tip reaches the discharge outlet is completed. This is because. As already explained, when the conveyance of one pair of rollers is completed, the continuous carrier is firmly sandwiched from above and below, so that the continuous holes for separating are placed closer to the payout side than the pair of feed rollers. This is because if it is not located, it cannot be separated by the user. Furthermore, if the separation of the target carrier is completed by the user, the tip of the next carrier is separated from the payout port, so that the continuous carrier is directly grasped and pulled out from the payout port, or It is possible to prevent an action such as scratching or tearing a card or the like in an attempt to pull it out.
[0030]
In addition, “maximum position closer to the two sheets” means that a plurality of carriers are arranged in a position farther than the two carriers on the discharge outlet side than the pair of feed rollers. It must be transported ahead of the feed roller. If a plurality of carriers are conveyed between the feed roller and the discharge outlet, there is a risk that a plurality of carriers positioned ahead of the feed roller will be separated at a time. Further, such a situation may lead to a situation in which the carrier is not transported to a position where the user can reach even if the next user inputs money. It goes without saying that such a configuration makes the device larger than necessary.
[0031]
In a further preferred aspect, the discharge outlet plate protrudes from the front plate, and a notch is provided at a corner of the tip of the discharge outlet plate. You may make it the front end side edge part of a body expose.
[0032]
According to this aspect, the user can easily grasp the carrier to be paid out through the notch. In addition, if the side edge of the carrier exposed from the notch is pulled with a fingertip, a biased force is applied to the connecting wire as the connecting line, so that the carrier can be separated with a relatively weak force. it can.
[0033]
Next, examples of the control means or control method of the transport mechanism in the article dispensing apparatus of the present invention include various modes. As an example, it is possible to control such that the conveyance process is continued for a predetermined time for each payout. Another example is one that performs control based on the transport amount of the continuous carrier detected by a sensor or the like. In any case, it goes without saying that control is performed so that an appropriate amount of flat bag-shaped carriers are delivered from the outlet.
[0034]
As a more specific aspect, the continuous carrier is provided with count marks at a predetermined pitch interval along the delivery (conveyance) direction, and is attached to the continuous carrier in the conveyance state as a conveyance control means. Based on the count mark detection means and the count mark detection signal obtained from the detection means, the transport amount of the continuous carrier by the transport mechanism is controlled so that a predetermined number of carriers are sent out from the payout opening to the outside of the apparatus. And an article dispensing device having a control means.
[0035]
Here, there is “count mark”, which is determined in combination with “count mark detection means”. That is, as an example, for example, the count mark may be an imprint of a line / pattern using ink or the like, and the count mark detection means may be a photoelectric sensor. In this case, for example, a count mark is attached to a predetermined position of all the flat bag-shaped carriers, and the flat bag-shaped carriers in a transported state via a light emitter / receiver installed at a fixed position of the apparatus. If the microcomputer control or the like is performed so that the conveyance process is completed each time the count mark is detected, the flat bag-like carrier can be surely paid out one by one. Further, when a plurality of flat bag-like carriers are paid out by one transport, the count marks are cumulatively counted, or the count marks are added in advance. Further, it is also possible to perform transport control by installing light projectors / receivers at a plurality of locations and detecting the amount of movement of the count marks attached to the continuous carrier at predetermined intervals.
[0036]
In addition to this, for example, those skilled in the art can use a count mark as a “projection” having a predetermined shape and a count mark detection means as a microswitch that can be turned ON / OFF depending on the presence or absence of the “projection”. Various control means or methods using count marks will be conceived.
[0037]
Next, in the article dispensing apparatus in which the count mark is attached to the continuous carrier as described above, as a further preferable aspect, the conveyance control unit starts the continuous carrier delivery operation every time a predetermined dispensing signal arrives. And a microcomputer that controls the transport mechanism to end the sending operation based on the count mark detection signal, and the sending operation by the transport mechanism is forcibly performed when the sending operation of the continuous carrier is continued for a certain period of time. And an external support circuit for stopping the operation.
[0038]
Here, there is an “external support circuit”. For example, this starts a time measurement for a certain time (for example, 3 seconds) with the start of the sending operation. A timed relay switch that cuts off the current path can be used. The “certain time” mentioned here is a balance between the amount of the flat bag-like carrier delivered to the outside of the apparatus per unit time by the transport mechanism and the number of flat bag-like carrier dispensed in one dispensing process. Needless to say, it is determined.
[0039]
According to such an aspect, for example, even when a situation occurs in which the sending operation is not properly terminated due to a failure of a microcomputer or the like, a specified number or more of flat bag-shaped carriers are discharged from the payout opening. It is possible to cancel the payout operation before being sent out.
[0040]
In a further preferred aspect, the conveyance control means has a forward / reverse changeover switch that allows the rotation direction of the roller controlled by the rotation of the drive motor to be switched to the forward rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction.
[0041]
Here, the “forward rotation direction” is the rotation direction of the driving roller for transporting the continuous carrier holding the card or the like to the payout opening provided on the front surface of the apparatus. Further, the “reverse direction” refers to the direction of rotation of the driving roller for conveying the continuous carrier to the inside of the apparatus in the opposite direction to the payout opening. With such a configuration, the drive roller is normally rotated in the forward direction in order to convey the continuous carrier to the payout opening. However, when the card is replaced, the drive roller is rotated in the reverse direction to facilitate replacement work. Can be performed.
[0042]
In a preferred embodiment, a continuous carrier used in an article dispensing device that dispenses a specified amount of thin articles on a flat bag-like carrier unit basis, the flat bag shape storing and supporting thin articles such as cards. A continuous carrier formed by connecting a large number of carriers in a fixed direction via a connecting portion is used.
[0043]
In a further preferred embodiment, the continuous carrier is provided with count marks at predetermined pitch intervals along the delivery direction.
[0044]
In a further preferred embodiment, the cover sheet is superposed on the surface of the base material sheet made of continuous paper, and a weld pattern having a predetermined pattern is provided between the two sheets, thereby providing a predetermined pitch interval along the paper feed direction. A plurality of pockets are lined up, and a perforation for partitioning adjacent pockets is established, and the pockets are folded and accommodated in a zigzag shape based on the perforations.
[0045]
In a further preferred embodiment, the base sheet is provided with count marks at predetermined pitch intervals along the paper feed direction.
[0046]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of an article dispensing apparatus according to the present invention and a continuous carrier suitably used for the article dispensing apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, a “card dispensing device” is illustrated as an example of an article dispensing device, and “continuous paper with a pocket” is illustrated as an example of a continuous carrier.
[0047]
1 to 3 show an embodiment of a continuous paper with a pocket according to the present invention, FIG. 1 is a plan view of the continuous paper with a pocket, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the continuous paper with a pocket, FIG. Fig. 4 is an external view showing a state in which the continuous paper with pockets is folded into a booklet (zigzag), and Fig. 4 is a view showing a storage state of the continuous paper with pockets in the card dispensing apparatus.
[0048]
5 to 9 show the configuration of the card dispensing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view of the card dispensing apparatus, FIG. 5 is a plan view of the card dispensing apparatus, and FIGS. It is each explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of an apparatus.
[0049]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a continuous paper 10 with a pocket according to the present invention includes a base sheet 11 made of continuous paper made of synthetic paper, recycled paper, and the like, and the surface side of the base sheet 11. 1 is formed of a transparent film 12 such as a polyester film, and a pocket 15 having a pocket opening 14 formed on one side by thermally welding a welded portion 13 having a predetermined pattern indicated by hatching in FIG. It is characterized by being arranged along 11 paper feeding directions. A perforation 16 for cutting is opened between the adjacent pockets 15.
[0050]
In this embodiment, the continuous paper 10 with pockets has a paper width of the base sheet 11 of 100 mm, and the perforations 16 are formed along the width direction at intervals of 75 mm along the paper feed direction. In other words, the pocket-attached continuous paper 10 is configured as a continuous carrier in which a plurality of 100 mm × 75 mm flat bag-like carriers (hereinafter referred to as pocket carriers 18) are connected.
[0051]
In this example, the pocket-attached continuous paper 10 is used as a package sheet in which various cards (scratch cards, telephone cards, etc.) are accommodated and carried in a substantially packaged form in the pocket 15.
[0052]
A count mark 17 is printed at a predetermined position on the back surface of the base material sheet 11 of each pocket carrier 18. In the present embodiment, the paper feed accuracy is improved by detecting the count mark 17 with a photoelectric sensor. The detection principle of the photoelectric sensor and the count mark 17 by the photoelectric sensor will be described later.
[0053]
In this example, the surface of the pocket 15 is made of the transparent film 12 so that the contents (cards) can be easily seen from the outside. Instead of the transparent film 12, a translucent colored film or a paper material sheet provided with a window in part may be used.
[0054]
Next, a usage form of the pocket continuous paper 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the continuous paper 10 with a pocket passes through openings 14 of pockets 15 formed at predetermined pitch intervals along the longitudinal direction of the continuous paper 10 with a pocket. A card C such as a telephone card is accommodated and carried. Since the pocket 15 is set to have a width of 65 mm and a length of 90 mm, the standard-sized cards C can be accommodated with versatility.
[0055]
According to this embodiment, with the cards C stored in the pockets 15, the pocket payout device 10 shown in FIG. By cutting the base, the packaged cards C can be paid out for each pocket carrier. Therefore, unlike various conventional dispensing devices, there are no problems such as 'card clogging' or 'excessive dispensing' due to accidental close contact between the cards that are loaded and stored. C can be paid out.
[0056]
Further, according to the present embodiment, since the cards C do not directly touch the rollers or the like, the cards or the like are not damaged by the rollers or the like in the dispensing device 20 and are not damaged. There is no risk of reducing the commercial value of C.
[0057]
Furthermore, if the size of the pocket 15 in the continuous paper with pocket 10 is set large, it can be applied not only to cards C such as telephone cards and scratch cards but also to banknotes used for money vouchers such as gift certificates and money changers. It can be used for all purposes.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 3, the continuous paper 10 with pockets according to the present embodiment is folded back between adjacent pocket carriers 18 using the perforations 16 so that the entire continuous paper 10 with pockets is stored in a zigzag folded state. Is done. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, it is stored in a zigzag-folded state in a storage case 100 provided in the card dispensing device 20, and sequentially from the front end (starting end A) to the payout outlet 24 side. Will be drawn to. Therefore, the cards C are not deformed into a curled state, and a large amount of cards C can be efficiently accommodated in a good flat state with a small space.
[0059]
Next, the configuration of the card dispensing apparatus 20 using the continuous paper with pocket 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0060]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the casing of the card dispensing apparatus 20 in the card dispensing apparatus 20 according to the present invention includes a left side plate 21, a right side plate 22 and a front plate 23, and the left and right side plates 21. The front plates 23a, 23b on the upper and lower sides are assembled to the respective flanges 21a, 22a by fixing them with screws while ensuring the dimensions of the card outlet 24.
[0061]
In the space between the left and right side plates 21 and 22, a base plate 25 and a presser plate 26 positioned above the base plate 25 are fixed to the side plates 21 and 22 with screws.
[0062]
The base plate 25 includes a horizontal conveyance surface for conveying the feeding end A of the continuous paper 10 with a pocket stored in the storage case 100 to the rollers 30 and 40 side in a zigzag folded state. The continuous paper 10 with pockets conveyed on the base plate 25 is pressed by the press plate 26 so as to be regulated in a horizontal state. In this example, the base plate 25 and the pressing plate 26 are dimensioned so that about one pocket carrier is pressed between the plates.
[0063]
Further, the presser plate 26 can change the mounting position with respect to the side plates 21 and 22 in the vertical direction by a long hole 26b (screw is inserted) formed in the mounting piece 26a. It can respond flexibly to changes.
[0064]
Rubber feed rollers 30 and 40 are provided on the front side terminal 25a of the base plate 25 in a vertically symmetrical manner. The lower feed roller 30 functions as a drive roller.
[0065]
5 and 6, the rotation shaft of the drive motor 31 housed in the space between the left and right side plates 21 and 22 and below the base plate 25 is rotated by the driving pulley 32 via a transmission gear (not shown). It is connected to the shaft 32 a, and the rotational force of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the driving pulley 32. Further, since the timing belt 35 is stretched between the driving pulley 32 and the driven pulley 34 attached to the roller shaft 33 of the feed roller 30, the rotational force of the driving motor 31 is driven by the driving pulley 32 and the driven pulley. It is transmitted to the feed roller 30 via 34. A tension roller 36 is rotatably provided on the outer wall surface of the right side plate 22 in order to apply an appropriate tension to the timing belt 35.
[0066]
Therefore, the continuous paper 10 with a pocket is discharged by a predetermined length by the lower feed roller 30 rotated by the operation of the drive motor 31 and the upper feed roller 40 in contact with the lower feed roller 30. More specifically, in this example, one pocket carrier (75 mm) is sent out by one payout.
[0067]
Next, the upper feed roller 40 will be described. Both ends of the roller shaft 41 of the feed roller 40 are inserted into the elongated holes 42 of the left and right side plates 21 and 22 so as to freely move up and down, and each bracket arm 43 that supports both ends of the roller shaft 41 is arranged on the left and right sides. The roller shaft 41 is supported by the spring 45 so as to be urged downward along the outer wall surfaces of the side plates 21 and 22 and is always urged downward by the spring 45.
[0068]
Therefore, even when the cards C are accommodated in the pocket carriers 18 of the continuous paper 10 with pockets, the upper feed roller 40 is supported so as to be movable up and down. Smooth transfer processing.
[0069]
Next, in the card dispensing apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment, when the pocket continuous paper 10 shown in FIG. 1 is conveyed, the feed rollers 30 and 40 operate to move the pocket continuous paper 10 to 75 mm (pocket carrying). 1 body) After sending out, the light emitting and receiving device (photoelectric sensor) for detecting the count mark 17 described above in order to stop and enable accurate payout (delivery) in units of pocket carriers ) 50 is provided below the base plate 25. An opening 25b shown in FIG. 5 is a light projecting / receiving port provided in the pace plate 25 to allow light projecting / receiving of the light projecting / receiving device 50. The light projecting / receiving device 50 is fixedly installed on the base plate 25. The circuit board 60 is mounted.
[0070]
Further, a micro switch 51 for detecting the presence / absence of the pocket continuous paper 10 on the base plate 25 (for example, a card out condition) is disposed on the inner wall surface of the right side plate 22. The micro switch 51 has an elongated actuator 53 whose tip is bent into a triangle. The actuator 53 can be rotated up and down with respect to the micro switch 51 via a rotation fulcrum 52. Further, they are connected while being biased upward by a spring. Both plates 25 and 26 are provided with openings 25a and 26b for allowing the actuator 53 to rotate up and down, respectively.
[0071]
That is, in this actuator 53, when the pocket carrier 18 is not present on the base plate 25, the tip of the triangle projects upward from the openings 25a and 26b of both plates. At this time, the microswitch 51 is This state is read through the rotation fulcrum 52, for example, an “OFF” state is obtained.
[0072]
On the other hand, when the pocket carrier 18 is present on the base plate 25, the actuator 53 is maintained in a state where its tip is pressed downward by the presence of the pocket carrier 18. At this time, the micro switch 51 reads this state via the rotation fulcrum 52 and becomes, for example, an “ON” state.
[0073]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the entire circuit employed in the present embodiment in order to perform card payout control based on the operations of the photoelectric sensor and the microswitch described above.
[0074]
As shown in the figure, the control circuit in the present embodiment includes a photoelectric sensor 60 including a light emitter / receiver 50, an MPU (microprocessor) 62 that reads a detection presence / absence signal from the photoelectric sensor 60 via an interface 61, and , A relay 64 and a timer (time switch) 65 which are ON / OFF controlled by the MPU 62 via the switching transistors 63a and 63b, and a normally open contact Ra which is 'closed' when the relay 64 is turned on and 'opened' when turned off. The normally closed contact Rb which becomes “open” when the relay 64 is turned on and becomes “closed” when the relay 64 is turned off, the normally closed contact Tb which becomes “open” when the time limit switch 65 times up, the micro switch 51, the delivery switch 55, have.
[0075]
The microswitch 51, the normally open contact Ra of the relay, and the normally closed contact Tb of the timer are connected to the power supply path of the motor 31 so as to be in series with the motor 31. In this example, the delivery switch 66 is an inspection switch that is used when, for example, an inspector of the apparatus 20 forcibly sends out the continuous paper 10 with a pocket. The motor 31 is connected to the motor 31 in parallel so that power can be supplied to the motor 31 regardless of the state of the normally open contact Ra and the normally closed contact Tb of the timer.
[0076]
The normally closed contact Rb of the relay is for reading the operation state of the relay 64 by the MPU, and is directly connected to the MPU via the interface 61.
[0077]
The “card issue command signal” shown in the figure is input to the MPU via a purchase switch (not shown). For example, after inserting money into the money insertion slot, the user presses a purchase switch to generate the “card issue command”. Since this is a known technique, a detailed description thereof is omitted here.
[0078]
The operation content of the MPU 62 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. As shown in the figure, the MPU sets the relay 64 to the ON state via the switching transistor 63a when the card issue command signal arrives (YES in step 801) (step 802). At this time, the normally open contact Ra connected in series to the motor 31 is in a “closed” state. Therefore, when the microswitch 51 is “closed” (in this example, the base plate always has the continuous paper 10 with the pocket 10 in the “ON” state) and the normally closed contact Rb of the timer is “closed”, the motor 31 is “ON” is set, and the feeding operation of the continuous paper 10 with pockets is started.
[0079]
The feeding operation of the continuous paper 10 with the pocket is continued until the count mark detection signal comes from the photoelectric sensor 60 (NO in Step 804 and Step 805). On the other hand, when the feeding operation of the continuous paper 10 with pocket is continued and the photoelectric sensor 60 detects the count mark 17 shown in FIG. 1 (YES in Step 804), the MPU 62 turns off the relay 64 (Step 806). As a result, the normally open contact point Ra is in the “open” state, the power supply to the motor 31 is cut off, and the feeding operation of the continuous paper 10 with pockets is stopped.
[0080]
In this example, the count mark 17 is printed at a predetermined position of each pocket carrier in consideration of the installation position of the projector / receiver 50 so as to be present on the continuous paper 10 with a pocket at an interval of 75 mm. That is, in this example, the MPU 62 performs ON / OFF control of the relay 64 so as to send out one pocket carrier each time a card issue command signal arrives.
[0081]
Until the card issue command signal arrives, the MPU 62 is in a standby state (step 801 NO, step 802).
[0082]
Further, in the present embodiment, the MPU 62 uses a timer 65 as an external support circuit so that the feeding operation is forcibly stopped when the feeding operation of the continuous paper with pocket 10 is continuously performed for a predetermined time or more. To control.
[0083]
As shown in the flowchart, the MPU 62 constantly monitors the open / close state of the normally closed contact Rb via the interface 61, and when the Rb contact is in the “open” state, that is, when the relay 64 is in the operating state. In this case, the timer T is operated (timed) (step 811 YES, step 812). When the normally closed contact Rb is in the “closed” state, the timer T is immediately reset (OFF) (step 811 NO, step 812).
[0084]
The timer T “opens” the normally closed contact Tb after x seconds from the start of operation, whereby the power supply to the motor 31 is cut off and the feeding of the continuous paper with pocket 10 is stopped. .
[0085]
The measurement time x is set to be slightly longer than the time required for paying out one pocket carrier 18 by the roller 30. That is, in the present embodiment, the amount of the continuous paper 10 with pockets detected based on the count mark 17 enables delivery (payout) for each pocket carrier, while the continuous paper 10 with pockets 10 By limiting the delivery time, one or more delivery (excessive delivery) based on sensor failure, contact failure of the normally open contact Ra, or the like is surely prevented.
[0086]
In the above description, the MPU 62 reads the operation state of the relay 64 via the normally closed contact Rb. This is because the MPU 62 does not directly detect whether or not the ON / OFF control signal of the relay 64 is output in the MPU, but the relay R is actually operated by detecting the actual operating state of the relay 64. In this configuration, the timer T is operated only when the continuous paper 10 with the pocket is being sent out, thereby preventing the malfunction more reliably. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of a circuit configuration that is suitable when the timer T is appropriately operated as described above. As shown in the figure, in this example, the timer T is provided independently of the MPU 62. Instead, another normally open contact Ra of the relay R is connected to the timer T, so that the timing is started only when the contact Ra is in the “closed” state, ie when the relay R is operating. ing. According to such a form, the timer T is turned ON / OFF independently of the MPU, and therefore functions effectively even when the MPU runs away, for example.
[0087]
The above is the main configuration of the card dispensing apparatus 20 according to the present invention. Next, modified examples of the card dispensing apparatus 20 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 are external perspective views of the card dispensing device, FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the card dispensing device, FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of the positional relationship between the roller and the continuous paper, and FIG. 17 is provided at the tip of the dispensing outlet. It is a figure for demonstrating a notch part. In these drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same portions as those in the above-described embodiment.
[0088]
In this modified example, the main structure is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, so that the description thereof is omitted. It is also possible to use a gear.
[0089]
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the rotational shaft 37a of the driving gear 31 is connected to the rotating shaft of the drive motor 31 via a reduction gear (not shown), whereby the rotational force of the driving motor 31 is applied to the driving gear 31. 37. Further, the roller shaft 33 of the feed roller 30 is inserted into a hole 46 provided in the side plate 21, and a driven gear 38 is connected to the roller shaft 33 protruding outside the side plate 21. The driving gear 37 and the driven gear 38 are coupled so that their gears mesh with each other, and the rotational force of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the feed roller 30 via the driving gear 37 and the driven gear 38.
[0090]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, in the space between the left and right side plates 21, 22, there is a lower payout outlet plate 27 and a position above the upper discharge rollers 30, 40. The upper discharge port plate 28 is fixed to the front portions of the side plates 21 and 22 with screws. The front end portions 27a and 28a of the upper and lower discharge outlet plates 27 and 28 protrude from the upper and lower front plates 23a and 23b to the outside of the apparatus.
[0091]
The upper and lower payout outlet plates 27 and 28 feed the pocket-attached continuous paper 10 conveyed from the base plate 25 through the upper and lower feed rollers 30 and 40 to the payout opening 24 provided at the tip of the upper and lower payout outlet plates 27 and 28. It has a horizontal surface for transporting while guiding from above and below. In this example, a thick card or a plurality of cards are accommodated in the continuous paper 10 with pockets conveyed between the upper and lower discharge outlet plates 27 and 28. Also, the dimensions are designed so that there is no hindrance to transportation.
[0092]
Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the distance L2 from the center of the roller shaft 41 of the feed roller 40 to the discharge outlets 24 provided at the tips of the upper and lower discharge outlet plates 27 and 28 is one of the continuous paper 10 with pockets. It is set longer than the length L1 of the carrier 18, and the upper and lower payout outlet plates 27, 28 are designed such that the tip portions 27a, 28a protrude from the front plates 23a, 23b by a distance L3.
[0093]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a notch 29 is provided at one corner of the tip end portions 27 a and 28 a of the discharge outlet plates 27 and 28. With this configuration, when one transport operation is completed, the tip of the carrier 18 containing a card or the like is transported to the payout opening 24, and the user can carry the carrier 18 through the notch 29. It is possible to grab. In addition, since the notches 29 are provided at the corners of the discharge outlet plate leading ends 27a and 28a, when the carrier is pulled from the notches 29 by the user, the connection of the carriers 18 in the continuous paper 10 is performed. Since a biased force is applied to the perforation 16 that is a part, it can be easily separated. In this example, the notch 29 is provided at the left corner from the user, but it goes without saying that it may be provided at the right corner or both the left and right corners.
[0094]
Further, as shown in FIG. 14, a forward / reverse switching switch 39 may be attached to the left side plate 21. The forward / reverse switching switch 39 passes through the left side plate 21 and is connected to a substrate 60 (not shown). The forward / reverse switching switch 39 controls the rotation direction of the drive motor 31 in the transport mechanism, and is normally a direction in which the carrier 18 containing a card or the like is transported to the payout port 24 (forward rotation direction). However, by operating the forward / reverse switching switch 39, it is possible to rotate the drive motor 31 in the reverse direction and rotate the carrier 18 in the direction away from the payout port 24 (reverse direction). Become. Since the circuit configuration for rotating the drive motor and the like in reverse is well known, a description thereof is omitted here.
[0095]
Next, based on FIG. 10 thru | or FIG. 12, the payout operation | movement of the cards C using the continuous paper 10 with a pocket which concerns on this invention is demonstrated more concretely.
[0096]
First, FIG. 10 shows the state before the payout operation. In the storage case 100 adjacent to the casing in the card payout device 20, the continuous paper 10 with pockets is stocked in a zigzag folded state. . Cards C are accommodated in each pocket carrier 15 of the continuous paper 10 with pockets.
[0097]
The feeding end side of the continuous paper 10 with pockets (in this example, the pocket carrier 18 positioned at the head of the continuous paper 10 with pockets) is sandwiched between the base plate 25 and the presser plate 26 and maintains a flat state. The starting end A is positioned at a location shown in the figure that is retracted from the card payout opening 24 by a predetermined distance.
[0098]
When the switch is turned ON (a card issuance signal is generated) due to the insertion of cash or the like, the drive motor 31 operates, and the timing belt 35 spanned between the driving pulley 32 and the driven pulley 34 circulates. When the feed rollers 30 and 40 rotate in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 11, the continuous paper 10 with pockets containing the cards C is fed out for a predetermined length.
[0099]
At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, since the upper feed roller 40 is movable in the direction F1 in the drawing, the thick pocket 15 can pass smoothly between the feed rollers 30 and 40 compared to the general part, and the spring 45 can be passed. Therefore, the continuous paper 10 in which the cards C are accommodated in the pocket 15 can be smoothly fed and operated.
[0100]
Then, it is detected that the count mark 17 provided on the back surface of the pocket carrier 18 to be paid out next time has passed the place where the projector / receiver 50 is installed, and the operation of the drive motor 31 is stopped. As a result, the feed roller 30 and 40 also stop rotating, and the feeding of the continuous paper 10 with pockets stops (see FIG. 12). At this time, since the thin portion of the continuous paper with pocket 10 is located between the feed rollers 30 and 40, the upper feed roller 40 is movable in the direction F2 in FIG.
[0101]
Thus, in the card dispensing apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, the dimension from the count mark 17 to the count mark 17, that is, the dimension from the perforation 16 to the perforation 16 (75 mm in this example) is sent out. If the perforations 16 are cut out, the cards C packaged by the pocket carriers 18 of the continuous paper 10 with pockets can be easily taken out. The cut portion is the next starting edge A.
[0102]
As described above, by using the card dispensing device 20 according to the present invention, the card C can be reliably dispensed in units of the pocket carrier 18 by carrying the predetermined-size transport processing of the continuous paper 10 with pockets. Thus, it is possible to surely pay out a card with high accuracy without causing trouble such as taking out two cards or a defective payout.
[0103]
Further, in the card dispensing apparatus 20 according to the present invention, since the upper roller 40 is supported so as to be movable up and down and is spring-biased downward, the cards C are placed in the pocket 15 of the continuous paper 10 with pocket. Even when the continuous paper 10 with pockets is locally thickened, the upper feed roller 40 can be moved up and down, so that it is possible to cope with the thickness variation of the continuous paper 10 with pockets. Even if a thick card or a plurality of cards are accommodated, smooth transfer is possible, so that a variation in the card payout mode can be provided.
[0104]
Further, since the cards C to be paid out are packaged by the pocket carrier 18, even if the base plate 25, the presser plate 26, or the upper and lower feed rollers 30 and 40 are soiled or scratched, they are directly soiled. There is no sticking or scratches, the protector function of the cards C is excellent, and the commercial value of the cards C is not lowered.
[0105]
In the above description, the card is delivered together with the pocket carrier 18, but this is, for example, a configuration in which the pocket carrier 18 and the card are separated in the vicinity of the payout port and only the card is paid out. It is sufficiently possible for those skilled in the art to do this. In that case, there is no need to install a separate trash box or the like outside the apparatus.
[0106]
In the above description, continuous paper with a pocket is used. However, various other forms of continuous carrier can be used. For example, the card may be completely sealed in the continuous carrier in advance on the production line.
[0107]
In the above description, it is also possible to accommodate a plurality of cards, which are mainly described as accommodating and supporting cards one by one.
[0108]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the article dispensing apparatus according to the present invention accommodates and carries in advance a predetermined quantity of thin articles such as telephone cards and banknotes in each flat bag-like carrier constituting the continuous carrier, Since the flat bag-like carrier is to be dispensed in sequence, there has been no trouble with the over-dispensing due to unintentional adsorption between thin articles, etc., which has been a problem with conventional article dispensing devices, or equipment troubles due to simultaneous extraction of multiple sheets. Can be prevented.
[0109]
Further, since the thin article such as a card to be paid out by the article dispensing apparatus of the present invention is accommodated in a flat bag-like carrier, the thin article can be stained by adopting an appropriate accommodation mode. It is also possible to prevent it beforehand.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of an embodiment of a continuous paper with pockets according to the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a continuous paper with pockets is folded in a zigzag shape.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a storage state of continuous paper with pockets.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing an embodiment of a card dispensing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the card dispensing device.
FIG. 7 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating a circuit configuration of the card dispensing apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating operation contents of the MPU illustrated in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a second diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the card dispensing apparatus.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state before a payout operation in the card payout device.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in the middle of a payout operation in the card payout device.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a state after a payout operation in the card payout device.
FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of the card dispensing device.
FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of the card dispensing device.
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the card dispensing device.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a positional relationship between a roller and continuous paper.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of a notch provided in a card payout opening.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Continuous paper with pockets
11 Base sheet (continuous paper)
12 Cover sheet (transparent film)
13 Welding part
14 Pocket opening
15 pockets
16 perforations
17 Count mark
18 Pocket carrier
20 Card dispensing device
21 Left side plate
22 Right side plate
23a, 23b Top and bottom front plates
24 Card payment exit
25 Base plate
26 Presser plate
27 Lower outlet plate
27a Lower outlet plate (protrusion)
28 Upper discharge port plate
28a Upper outlet plate (protrusion)
29 Notch
30 Feed roller (lower side)
31 Drive motor
32 Driving pulley
33 Roller shaft
34 Followed pulley
35 Timing belt
36 Tension roller
37 Driving gear
37a Rotation shaft of driving gear
38 Driven gear
39 Forward / reverse selector switch
40 Feed roller (upper side)
41 Roller shaft
42 long hole
43 Bracket arm
44 fulcrum
45 Biasing spring
46 Roller shaft (33) insertion hole
50 Emitter / receiver
51 Micro switch
52 fulcrum
53 Actuator
54 Slit opening
55 Feed switch
60 circuit board
100 storage case

Claims (7)

A storage unit for storing a continuous carrier formed by connecting a number of flat bag-like carriers for storing and supporting thin articles such as cards in a fixed direction via a connecting part;
A slit-shaped article discharge outlet from which the flat bag-shaped carrier is to be discharged;
A transport mechanism for sending out the tip of the continuous carrier from the storage unit and sending it out of the apparatus from the article discharge outlet;
A transport control means for controlling the delivery of the continuous carrier by the transport mechanism so that a predetermined number of flat bag-like carriers are sent out of the apparatus from the article discharge outlet each time a predetermined payout command signal arrives; The specified amount of thin articles is configured to be dispensed in flat bag-like carrier units ,
The transport mechanism is
A base plate and a presser that are attached between the side plates of the device casing consisting of left and right side plates and a front plate having an article delivery outlet, and that pull out the tip of the folded continuous carrier and clamp it from above and below in a flat state. Plates,
A pair of upper and lower feed rollers that are supported between the side plates and feed the tip of the continuous carrier from the article discharge outlet;
A pair of upper and lower discharge outlet plates that are attached between the left and right side plates and guide the flat bag-shaped carrier discharged from the feed roller so as to be sandwiched from the upper and lower sides to the outside of the apparatus,
A roller drive system is connected to one side of the feed roller to rotate the roller through a reduction gear by the rotational force of the drive motor.
The feeding roller is movable and exerts an urging force on the other roller side so that a clearance between the rollers can be secured when a flat bag-like carrier carrying and holding a thin article passes between the rollers. An article dispensing apparatus, characterized in that a spring means is provided. The pair of feed rollers is closer to the inside of the apparatus than the tip of the article discharge outlet provided on the front surface of the apparatus, at a position farther than the length of at least one carrier, and at most closer than the length of the two carriers. The article dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the article dispensing apparatus is disposed at a position. The discharge port plate protrudes from the front plate forming the front surface of the apparatus, and a notch is provided at a corner of the front end of the discharge port plate. 3. The article dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the side edge portion is exposed. The continuous carrier is provided with count marks at predetermined pitch intervals along the delivery direction,
The transport control means
Means for detecting a count mark attached to the continuous carrier in a conveying state;
Control means for controlling the transport amount of the continuous carrier by the transport mechanism so that a predetermined number of carriers are sent out from the payout opening to the outside of the apparatus based on the count mark detection signal obtained from the detection means;
The article dispensing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the article dispensing apparatus is provided. 5. The article dispensing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the count mark is engraved using ink or the like, and the count mark detection means includes a photoelectric sensor. The transport control means
A microcomputer for starting a continuous carrier feeding operation each time a predetermined payout signal arrives, and controlling the transport mechanism to end the feeding operation based on a count mark detection signal;
An external support circuit for forcibly stopping the delivery operation by the transport mechanism when the delivery operation of the continuous carrier is continuously performed for a certain time or more;
The article dispensing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 , further comprising: 7. The conveyance control means further comprises a forward / reverse changeover switch that allows the rotation direction of the roller controlled by the rotation of the drive motor to be switched to the normal rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction . The article dispensing apparatus according to any one of the above.

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