Automatic flat-article dispensing apparatus

An automatic flat-article dispensing apparatus which can dispense a relatively large and heavy flat articles without damaging the articles and without increasing the size of the apparatus and significantly increasing the energy consumption. The apparatus for dispensing a flat article, has a table which supports stacked flat articles and suction ports disposed over the table and facing the flat articles. A suction device provides suctions to hold the top flat article of the stacked flat articles by sucking air through the suction ports. A conveyance device conveys the flat article sucked via the suction port in a lateral direction with respect to the direction of the stack. The suction ports are a first suction port and a second suction port which are disposed in the lateral direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Japan Patent Application JP 2005-000331 filed Jan. 5, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus which automatically sends out flat articles one by one. Specifically, the present invention relates to an automatic dispensing apparatus which issues, one by one, relatively large and heavy flat articles such as cases storing compact disks (CD) or digital video disks (DVD) or other discs or media or cards.

Flat article(s) used in the present specification includes a flat case encapsulating a disk which is a product, a flat article which is a product itself, and an article in which a flat article is covered by a film to which the flat article is attached.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The applicant of the present application has proposed a technology disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,867 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-118137 in order to dispense stacked flat articles having cards therein respectively, without causing any damage thereon.

This technology is such that, after the top flat article of stacked flat articles is suctioned by a suction device, the flat article is conveyed by a conveyance device which is in contact with the flat article by suction. This apparatus sends the held or suctioned top flat article by means of the conveyance device. The apparatus can, for example dispense a CD case, which has a CD therein and wrapped with a thin film, without damaging the CD case. However, in the embodiments disclosed in above patent specifications, since there is only a suction port of a fan, which is the suction device, when dispensing relatively heavy flat article such as a CD cases, the CD case which is suctioned by the suction port is moved in a lateral direction by the conveyance device, thus a part of the suction port is hidden by the flat particle.

Accordingly, the amount of air suctioned from an uncovered part of the opening increases at once, and the suction force to the flat article decreases drastically, whereby the flat article falls off the suction device, thus the flat article may not be transferred to the conveyance device in the next cycle. Moreover, when the flat article is transferred to the conveyance device in the next cycle, only a leading end portion of the flat article is held by the conveyance device, and other portions fall off the suction port, thus the wrapping film may be damaged by scraping against a peripheral wall.

Further, reinforcement of the suction device can be considered so that a flat article does not fall off the suction device. However, such causes an increase in the size of the apparatus and the consumption energy, thus this technology cannot be employed readily.

Furthermore, even when the conveyance device receives only a part of the flat article in the next cycle, the conveyance device may be able to convey without causing the flat article to incline, but this causes an increase in the size of the apparatus and the cost, and thus cannot be employed readily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the present invention is to provide an automatic dispensing apparatus which can dispense a relatively large and heavy flat article without damaging it.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an automatic dispensing apparatus which can dispense a relatively large and heavy flat article, without increasing the size of the apparatus and significantly increasing the consumption energy.

In order to achieve these objects, the present invention provides an automatic flat-article dispensing apparatus, comprising: a table or platform which supports stacked flat articles; a suction port which is disposed over the table and faces the flat articles; and a suction device which suctions and sticks the top flat article of the stacked flat articles to the suction device by sucking air through the suction port. A conveyance device is provided which conveys the flat article sucked via the suction port in a lateral direction with respect to the direction of the stack. The suction port has at least a first suction port and a second suction port which are disposed in the lateral direction.

With the configuration of the first suction port and the second suction port disposed in the lateral direction, the flat article is suctioned by suction airflow which is drawn into at least the first suction port and second suction port created in the suction device. In other words, the flat article is suctioned by at least the first suction port and second suction port which are arranged in a conveyance direction of the flat article. In this suction state, the flat article is moved by the conveyance device in the lateral direction with respect to the direction of the stack. By moving the flat article in the lateral direction, the first suction port which is covered by the flat article is no longer covered by the flat article gradually. Therefore, the suction force of the first suction port to the flat article, where a part of the first suction part is not covered, drastically decreases. However, the second suction port is covered by the flat article entirely, and thus has a large suction force. The flat article is conveyed by the conveyance device in the lateral direction while being suctioned by the second suction port.

The flat article is then sent to the next cycle. While being sent to the next cycle, the flat article is suctioned by at least the second suction port, thus the flat article can be transferred to the next cycle securely. Moreover, with the simple structure having at least the first suction port and the second suction port, the suction device does not have to be increased in its size. In addition, since the suction device does not have to be powerful, the suction device can be realized without significantly increasing the consumption energy and the cost.

According to another aspect off the invention an equalizer box may be provided with a predetermined thickness, which is sectioned by a partition wall in the lateral direction. This comprises a first chamber and second chamber. An end face of the first chamber forms the first suction port, and an end face of the second chamber forms the second suction port. A suction airflow generation device is attached to an opening opposite to the suction ports of the first chamber and the second chamber. According to this configuration, the suction airflow generation device suctions air from the first suction port and the second suction port, which are sectioned by the partition wall, via the first chamber and the second chamber. During operation, in the first chamber and the second chamber corresponding to the first suction port and the second suction port, suction negative pressure is equalized, whereby substantially equalized negative pressure is generated through out the entire surfaces of the suction ports. Therefore, the flat article is suctioned by a suction force which is substantially equalized throughout the entire surfaces of the suction ports.

When the flat article is moved by the conveyance device in the lateral direction, the flat article is removed from the first suction port first, and the suction force of the first suction port no longer acts in effect. However, since the flat article covers the entire region of the second suction port, the flat article is conveyed by the conveyance device to the next cycle, while being suctioned by the large suction force of the second suction port.

Therefore, with the simple structure of the equalizer box which is sectioned in the lateral direction, at least the first suction port and the second suction port can be formed, thus the suction airflow generation device can be configured at low cost without increasing its size.

According to a another aspect off the invention the automatic flat-article dispensing apparatus may be provided with the suction airflow generation device as an axial-flow fan which is rotated by an electric motor. In this configuration, since the suction airflow generation device is an axial-flow fan which is rotated by an electric motor, there are advantages that the suction airflow generation device is not increased in its size and is inexpensive.

The present invention is an automatic flat-article dispensing apparatus, comprising: a table which supports stacked flat articles; a suction port which is disposed over the table and faces the flat articles; a suction device which suctions the top flat article of the stacked flat articles by sucking air through the suction port; and a conveyance device which conveys the flat article sucked by the suction port in a lateral direction with respect to the direction of the stack, wherein an equalizer box with a predetermined thickness has a first chamber and second chamber which are sectioned by a partition wall in the lateral direction, an end face of the first chamber being the first suction port, an end face of the second chamber being the second chamber, and a suction airflow generation device is attached to an opening opposite to the suction ports of the first chamber and the second chamber.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings in particular, an automatic dispensing apparatus102is provided for dispensing a flat article100, for example, a CD case. The automatic dispensing apparatus102, has a dispensing portion104and a storage portion106. The storage portion106is fixed to left and right side frames112,114and a rear frame116which configure the dispensing portion104, and a dispensing portion frame120is configured by a top plate118. The dispensing portion frame120is detachably attached to right and left holding portion side frames124,126provided in a base frame122, and to a holding portion rear frame128. In the case of a break down based on the configuration units of the dispensing portion104, it can be fixed by replacing it with a new dispensing portion104.

As shown inFIG. 3, the dispensing portion104has a suction device130, lateral direction conveyance device132, and a dispensing device135. The suction device130is explained first.

The suction device130has a function of suctioning the flat article100by means of suction airflow. The suction device130has a cylindrical equalizer box134and a suction airflow generation device136. The equalizer box134is in a form of a cylinder such that a hollow portion thereof extends in a vertical direction, and is integrally resin-molded with a base138, which is attached substantially horizontally between the left side frame112and right side frame114. However, the equalizer box134can be constructed separately from the base138and fixed to the base138. The equalizer box134has a suction port141, a lower end face of which is formed into a rectangle.

The suction port141is divided into a first suction port144and a second suction port146by a thin conveyance direction partition wall142which intersects with a conveyance direction D of the lateral direction conveyance device132and extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction D. The equalizer box134has a predetermined thickness, a first chamber148having the first suction port144on an end face thereof, and a second chamber150having the second suction port146on an end face thereof. The first chamber148and the second chamber150have a predetermined capacity which is determined by an opening area of each of the chambers and the thickness of the equalizer box134. When the first chamber148and the second chamber150have a predetermined capacity, even when the suction force of the suction airflow generation device136fluctuates as time progresses, there is an advantage that the capacity can function as a cushion, whereby the flat article100can be prevented from being caused to fall by drastic decrease of the suction force.

The dispensing device135is attached to the dispensing portion frames112,114. As shown inFIG. 6, the conveyance direction partition wall142is reinforced by a thin partition wall149which extends in the conveyance direction at the center of the conveyance direction partition wall142. The suction airflow generation device136generates airflow for suctioning from the first suction port144and the second suction port150. The suction airflow generation device136has an axial-flow fan152which is rotated by a first electric motor151rotating around a substantially perpendicular axis of rotation. The axial-flow fan152is disposed inside a circular hole156of a casing154, and is fixed to an output axis of the first motor151, the output axis being fixed to a stay158on an upper surface of the casing154. The axial-flow fan152is fixed to an upper surface of the equalizer box134. In other words, the suction airflow generation device136is attached opposite an opening of the equalizer box134positioned opposite to the first suction port144which is the end face of the first chamber148and to the second suction port146which is the end face of the second chamber150. The suction airflow generation device136suctions air from the suction ports144and146. As the axial-flow fan152rotates, the air is introduced from the first suction port144and the second suction port146into the equalizer box134, and airflow going upward is generated. The suction airflow generation device136can employ a system for generating suction airflow by means of an ejector effect. Moreover, the suction airflow generation device136may cause the axial-flow fan152to rotate by means of an air motor.

The lateral direction conveyance device132has the function of conveying the flat article100, which is suctioned by the suction device130, in a lateral direction. The lateral direction conveyance device132then sends the flat article100to the next cycle. The lateral direction conveyance device132is disposed inside the equalizer box134. A circumferential surface of the lateral direction conveyance device132slightly protrudes downward from the first suction port144and the second suction port146in order to convey the flat article100, which is suctioned by the first suction port144and the second suction port146, to the dispensing device135which is in the next cycle. In the embodiment shown, the lateral direction conveyance device132has a first roller device160disposed inside the first chamber148and a second roller device162disposed inside the second chamber150. The first roller device160is configured by two rollers174which are fixed, at a predetermined interval, to rotating axes172which are horizontally attached to a side wall170of the equalizer box134in a rotatable fashion. The second roller device162has the same configuration as the first roller device160. Therefore, lower portions of the roller174slightly protrude from a lower end of the equalizer box134. For this reason, when the flat article100is suctioned by the first suction port144and the second suction port146, air is suctioned from a small space between the lower end of the equalizer box134and the flat article100. Accordingly, the first electric motor151is prevented from overheating, frictional contact between the article100and the lower end of the equalizer box134is avoided, and conveyance resistance of the flat article100is minimized. However, when the interval of time for conveying the flat article100is long, the lower end of the equalizer box134may be caused to contact with the flat article100. Circumferential surfaces of the rollers174are covered with a rubber in order to minimize slippage with the flat article100. The lateral direction conveyance device132can use a belt instead of the rollers to move the flat article in the direction of the dispensing device135.

The dispensing device135disposed laterally in the equalizer box134is explained next. The dispensing device135conveys the flat article100, which is sent from the lateral direction conveyance device132, to a dispensing port178. In the embodiment, the dispensing device135has a first nip and conveyance device182and a second nip and conveyance device184which are disposed along a dispensing path186. The first nip and conveyance device182and the second nip and conveyance device184have the same configuration, thus the first nip and conveyance device182is mainly described. The first nip and conveyance device182has an upper roller device188disposed on an upper side of the dispensing path186of the flat article100, and a lower roller190disposed on a lower side of same. The upper roller device188has a shaft192which is rotatably supported by the base138, and rollers194which are fixed to the shaft192at a predetermined interval. Lower portions of these rollers194protrude from an opening198provided in the base138to the dispensing path186. Lower surfaces of the rollers194are installed so as to be located on the same horizontal line as the lower surfaces of the rollers174of the first roller device160and the second roller device162of the lateral direction conveyance device132. The lower roller device190is attached to a support plate200which is disposed parallel with the base13at a predetermined interval in a lower part of the base138. The lower roller device190can be rotated with respect to the support plate200, and has a shaft202which is movable so as to separate from the dispensing path186, and a roller204which is fixed to the shaft202at a predetermined interval. The rollers204are disposed opposite to the rollers194respectively. The second nip and conveyance device184also has the same configuration. The lower roller device190is elastically biased so as to protrude to the dispensing path186, and nips the flat article100with the upper roller device188by means of predetermined force.

A shutter206is attached to the side frames112,114in an end portion of the dispensing path186in a pivotally operable fashion. The shutter206is regulated by a stopper (not shown) so as not to pivotally operate counterclockwise further than a state shown inFIG. 3, and is pivotally operable clockwise by being pressed by the flat article100.

A driving device210of the lateral direction conveyance device132and the dispensing device135is described next with reference toFIG. 3andFIG. 7. Synchronous pulleys212,214,216, and218with the same diameter are fixed respectively to left end portions at the rotating axes172of the first roller device160and the second roller device162, as well as the shafts202of the first nip and conveyance device182and the second nip and conveyance device184, the left end portions protruding from the wide wall170. As shown inFIG. 3, a speed reducer220is fixed to the base138, and a pulley224having the same diameter as the above pulleys is fixed to an output axis222of the speed reducer220. The speed reducer220is rotated by a second electric motor226fixed thereto. The pulleys224,214, and216are wound by a toothed belt228. The belt228is provided with predetermined tension by a tensioner230. The pulleys212and214are wound by a tooted belt232and are provided with predetermined tension by a tensioner234. The pulleys216and218are wound by a tooted belt236and are provided with predetermined tension by a tensioner238. Therefore, the pulley224is rotated counterclockwise inFIG. 7by rotation of the second motor226in a predetermined direction, whereby the pulleys212,214,216, and218, that is, the rollers174,204are rotated in the same direction. Accordingly, the flat article100which is in contact with each of the rollers174or204is conveyed toward the dispensing port178.

A detection sensor250of the flat article100is attached to the partition wall142, and a lower end of a contact252of the detection sensor is positioned lower than a lower surface of the roller174. Therefore, when the flat article100approaches a predetermined distance, the detection sensor250is pressed by the contact252and thereby outputs a detection signal.

The storage portion106of the flat article100is described next. As shown inFIG. 2, the storage portion106has a storage chamber260which extends in a vertical direction, a table262which moves the flat article100, and a moving device264of the table262. The storage chamber260is a rectangular cylinder-shaped space surrounded by the holding portion side frames124,126, and128, and extending vertically in a lower part of the suction device130. A lower end portion of a door266is attached to the base frame122in a rotatable fashion, an upper end portion of same is rotatably attached to a stay268fixed to the side frame124, and is locked to the side frame126by a lock device270in a position in which the storage chamber260is closed. The door266is opened and the flat article100stacked on the table262. The table262is in a form of a rectangular plate, and is movable so as to approach or separate from the equalizer box134in a lower part of the equalizer box134inside the storage chamber260. Specifically, the table262is movable so as to approach or separate from the first suction port144and the second suction port146which are positioned in a vertical direction of the table262. In order to move smoothly, the table262is guided in an anteroposterior direction by guide rollers274which are attached so as to have a guide column272therebetween, the guide column272extending substantially vertically to surfaces in the side frames124and126, and is guided in a longitudinal section by guide rollers276which are attached to both sides of the table262The table262has the function of moving the flat article100. Other mechanisms can be employed as long as the table262has this function.

The moving device264is described next with reference toFIG. 4andFIG. 7. The moving device264has a driving device280and a transmitting device282. The driving device280has a speed reducer284which is disposed laterally in the suction device130and attached to the base138, a third electric motor286which is fixed to the speed reducer284and drives the speed reducer284, a driving gear288which is fixed to an output axis287of the speed reducer284, a fixed axis290which is fixed to the base138, an intermediate gear292which is attached rotatably to the fixed axis290and engages with the driving gear288, a fixed axis294which is fixed to the base138, an intermediate gear296which is rotatably attached to the fixed axis294, and a rotating axis302both end portions of which protrude from the side frames124and126, respective end portions of which are fixed with a pinion gear298,300, and which has a driven gear304engaging with the intermediate gear296. The driving device280has a function of causing the table262to approach or separate from the suction device130via the transmitting device282. Therefore, other mechanisms can be employed as long as the driving device280has this function.

The transmitting device282is described next with reference toFIG. 1andFIG. 4. The transmitting device282with the same configuration is disposed laterally in each of the side frames124and126, and the transmitting device282on the left side is mainly described. A stay310which protrudes laterally from the table262is attached with a lower end of a flexible rack312by a pin314in a pivotable fashion. The rack312is molded with a flexible resin and thus has flexibility. An intermediate portion of the rack312engages with the pinion gear298. The rack312is pressed, at the back thereof, by a pinch roller320which is rotatably supported by a fixed axis318protruding from the side frames124and126respectively, whereby engagement with the pinion gear298is supported. A leading end portion of the rack312is inserted into a pipe322in a form of an inverted character J, which is fixed to side faces of the side frames124and126, and is then returned to the base frame122side. By disposing the transmitting device282to have a shape of J or U by means of the flexible rack312, a compact configuration of the transmitting device282can be created; which is suitable for miniaturazion. Guide rails324, cross sections of which form an angle, and which are disposed at front and rear sides of the rack312, is fixed to the side frames124and126at a predetermined interval. When the rack312is bent by at least a predetermined amount and contact with the guide rails324, the rack312is prevented from being blocked by the guide rails324and further bent, in order to prevent buckling of the rack312. The moving device264in the embodiment is a lifting device326since it moves the table262up and down. The moving device264may have the function of changing the distance between the suction device130and the flat article100to a predetermined distance. Therefore, the moving device264may fix the table262to move the dispensing portion104. However, when moving the dispensing portion104, the position of the dispensing port178is changed, thus it is preferred that the table262be moved. Moreover, the driving device280and the transmitting device282can be integrated. For example, the moving device264may be configured by laterally providing a linear motor or magnet plate in the base138and connecting the table to a coil plate.

The above-described detection sensor250is described next with reference to FIG.3andFIG. 6. Two of the detection sensors250are fixed to the base138at a predetermined interval, the base138being disposed horizontally. The contact252of the detection sensor250is disposed in a space in an upper portion of the storage chamber260, and a lower end of the contact252is positioned lower than a lower end of the roller174. When the contact252is slightly lifted up by the flat article100, the detection sensor250outputs an ON signal. At this moment, when the two detection sensors250are switched ON, the positions of the contacts252are determined such that the ON signal is output eventually. Specifically, it is detected that the top flat article100contacts the both rollers174and is suctioned completely. Further, the detection sensor250is attached so as to be able to adjust the position thereof in a vertical direction inFIG. 3. The detection sensor250can use a sensor of other type such as a photoelectric sensor. However, by using a mechanical sensor where the contact252is used as in the embodiment, maintenance such as periodical cleaning does not need to be performed, thus a further inexpensive sensor can be achieved.

A fall prevention device330for preventing the table262from falling is described next with reference toFIG. 3andFIG. 7. The fall prevention device330has a function of preventing the table262from falling rapidly by the weight of the flat article100, when the transmitting device282is released from the driving device280. This function is provided in order to prevent the flat article100from being damaged or the like by the rapid fall of the table. It is preferred that the fall prevention device330uses a unidirectional torque limiter332. The unidirectional torque limiter332has the function of having predetermined rotational resistance when an input axis receives a torque in a predetermined direction, and having almost no rotary resistance when the input axis receives a torque in an opposite direction. Therefore, when the table262is lifted down in order to resupply the flat article100, predetermined rotational resistance is received from the torque limiter332, whereby the table262does not fall suddenly. Further, when the table262is lifted up by means of the driving device280and the transmitting device282, drive resistance is not generated, whereby the drive energy is reduced.

The unidirectional torque limiter332is provided in a fixed axis334protruding from the left side frame112, in a pivotally operational fashion. A gear338is fixed to an input axis336of the torque limiter332, and when the torque limiter332is pivotally operated counterclockwise inFIG. 7, the gear338engages with the driven gear304. During the operation of the automatic dispensing apparatus102, the pin344, which is fixed to the side face of the limiter332, is held in a standby position SB so that the gear338is not caused to engage with the gear304by a stopper portion342of a control lever340which is slidably supported in a vertical direction by the side frame112. A notch343(seeFIG. 8) is formed in an intermediate portion of the control lever340so as to be adjacent to the stopper portion342. The notch343has a function of stopping rotation of the pin344, and stopping rotation of the torque limiter332in a state in which the gear338engages with the driven gear304. The unidirectional torque limiter332is preferably the one disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 3592948.

The position of the control lever340is switched between the standby position SB and an actuated position AP by a release mechanism346. The release mechanism346of the lifting device326is described next with reference toFIGS. 2,3, and7. The release mechanism346has a release lever348, a link lever350, and a speed reducer frame352. The release lever348is attached to a fixed axis354protruding from the speed reducer frame352, in a pivotally operable fashion. The lever350is attached to a fixed axis356protruding from the side frame112, in a pivotally operable fashion. The lever350is designed such that one end thereof is lifted up by the release lever348. The other end of the lever350is link-coupled to the control lever340to move the control lever340in a vertical direction. The control lever340is guided by a guide, which is not shown, so as to move in a straight line in a vertical direction. A protrusion358and a locking concave portion360are formed in a lower portion of one end of the release lever348, the protrusions358and the locking concave portion360being able to engage with a pin362which protrudes from the side frame112. The speed reducer frame352is attached to a fixed axis364protruding from the side frame112, in a pivotally operable fashion. It should be noted that the release lever348is biased by a spring (not shown) counterclockwise inFIG. 7. Therefore, by pressing a pressed piece366of the release lever348, the release lever348is caused to pivotally operate clockwise inFIG. 7, whereby the concave portion360is removed from the pin362. Accordingly, the speed reducer frame352can be caused to pivotally operate clockwise around the fixed axis364, whereby the driving gear288can be removed from the intermediate gear292. When the speed reducer frame352rotates by a predetermined amount, the protrusion358is stopped by the pin362, and the rotation of the speed reducer frame352is stopped. Therefore, in this state, the table262can be lifted down while receiving braking force of the unidirectional torque limiter332via the transmitting device282.

A dispense detection sensor370is described next with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6. The dispense detection sensor370has a function of detecting that a rear end of the flat article100passes the first nip and conveyance device182. On the basis of a passage detection signal of the dispense detection sensor370, the functions of the lateral direction conveyance device132and the dispensing device135are stopped. In other words, the second electric motor226is stopped. The dispense detection sensor370is fixed to an upper surface of the base138, and a contact372of the dispense detection sensor is disposed between the rollers194and is lifted up by the flat article100passing the dispensing path186, whereby an ON signal is output. When the flat article100passes, the contact372protrudes to the dispensing path186, and an OFF signal is output. When the rear end of the flat article100passes the contact372, the leading end of the flat article100protrudes from the dispensing port178, and is then pulled, whereby the flat article100can be received.

A flat article position control device380is described next with reference toFIG. 9throughFIG. 11. In the present embodiment, the flat article position control device380is configured by a software, thus the control device is described with reference toFIG. 9first. A main control circuit382is, for example, a microprocessor in which predetermined processing is carried out while a CPU386exchange data with a RAM388on the basis of a program stored in a ROM384.

Specifically, actuation of each of the first electric motor151, the second electric motor226, and the third electric motor286is controlled on the basis of a dispense instruction signal P, an upper position signal U of the detection sensor250, and a dispensing signal F of the dispense detection sensor370. Actuation of the flat article position control device380is described next with reference to the flowcharts shown inFIGS. 10 and 11. At the time of activation, the pin362is engaged with the concave portion360, and the driving gear288is engaged with the intermediate gear292. Therefore, the control lever340is raised, and the gear338of the input axis336of the torque limiter332is removed from the driven gear304by the stopper portion342. In Step S1, the dispense instruction signal P of the control device in an automatic vending machine is discriminated. When the dispense instruction signal P is present, the process proceeds to Step S2, in which the third electric motor286of the moving device264is rotated reversely. By the rotation of the motor286, the pinion gear298is rotated clockwise inFIG. 7via the speed reducer284, the intermediate gears292,296, and304, and the rotating axis302. Accordingly, the rack312is moved downward, thus the table262and the flat article100on the table262move downward. By this downward movement, the contact252, which is pushed up by the flat article100, moves downward, and the detection sensor250outputs an OFF signal.

When the OFF signal is discriminated in Step S3, the process proceeds to Step S4, in which the motor286is rotated normally after being stopped. By this normal rotation, the pinion gear298is rotated counterclockwise inFIG. 7, thus the rack312move upward, and, as a result, the table262moves upward. By this upward movement of the table262, the flat article100is lifted up and pushes up the contact252, whereby the detection sensor250is switched ON and outputs the upper position signal U. When the upper position signal U is judged in Step S5, the process proceeds to Step S6, in which the third motor286is stopped. Accordingly, the table262, and thus the top flat article100are positioned slightly below a lower surfaces of the rollers174which are located immediately below at least the first suction port144and the second suction port146. In other words, the table262and the flat article100are positioned in a place which is opposite the entire surfaces of the first suction port144and the second suction port146and in which the top flat article100is definitely suctioned by the suction airflow. In Step S7, the first electric motor151of the suction airflow generation device136is rotated. By the rotation of the electric motor151, the fan152is rotated, and the suction airflow for suctioning from the first suction port144and the second suction port146is generated. The top flat article100is suctioned by this suction airflow and is suctioned by the first suction port144and the second suction port146. In other words, the top flat article100comes into contact with the lower surfaces of the first roller device160and the second roller device162. In this state, since a space is present between the upper surface of the flat article100and the first suction port144and second suction port146, the air is suctioned from the space, whereby predetermined suction force to the flat article100is maintained, and the airflow is caused to act on the first motor151and is then cooled off.

After time enough has passed for suctioning to be measured in Step S8, the process proceeds to Step S9. In Step S9the third motor286is caused to rotate in a reverse manner. By the reverse rotation of the third motor286, the pinion gear298is rotated clockwise inFIG. 7via the speed reducer284, the driving gear288, the intermediate gears292,296, and304, and the rotating axis302. Accordingly, the rack312is moved downward, and the table262and other flat article100, besides the flat article100which is on the table262and suctioned by and attached to the suction port141, fall at low speed. By this downward movement, the flat article100which is suctioned by and attached to the first suction port144and the second suction port146is separated from the top flat article100on the table262by a predetermined distance. Moreover, since the table262moves at low speed, adhesion force by the negative pressure is not generated between the table262and the suctioned flat article100. Therefore, the suctioned flat article100and the other flat article100adhered underneath move downward along with the falling table262, and only the suctioned flat article100is continuously suctioned by the first suction port144and the second suction port146. The predetermined distance described above is a distance in which the top flat article100on the table262is not suctioned after the flat article100suctioned by the first suction port144and the second suction port146is sent out. After time enough for this distant space is measured in Step S10, the rotation of the third motor286is stopped in Step S11. Accordingly, the gap space between the suctioned flat article100and the top flat article100on the table262is maintained.

Next, in Step S12, the second electric motor226of the lateral direction conveyance device132is rotated. By the rotation of the second electric motor226, the rollers174of the lateral conveyance device132are rotated counterclockwise via the belt228, the pulley214, and the rotating axes172, and the rollers194of the dispensing device135are rotated counterclockwise inFIG. 7via the belt288and the pulley216. The suctioned flat article100moved in a lateral direction to the left inFIG. 3by frictionally contacting with the rollers174, and is sent toward the dispensing device135. The sent flat article100is nipped between the upper roller device188and the lower roller device190of the first nip and conveyance device182of the dispensing device135, moved in the same direction, further nipped between the rollers of the second nip and conveyance device184, and conveyed to the dispensing port178. In this process, a relative area of the flat article100with respect to first suction port144becomes small gradually. In other words, an opening area of the first suction port144gradually increases, and the suction force to the flat article100decreases drastically. However, the entire surface of the second suction port146is placed opposite the flat article100, thus the flat article100is continuously suctioned by the second suction port146. Therefore, the flat article100is conveyed in a lateral direction while keeping its horizontal position. Then, when the leading end of the flat article100reaches immediately before the second nip and conveyance device184, the rear portion of the flat article100starts to be removed from the second suction port146, and the suction force to the flat article100decreases drastically. However, the leading end portion of the flat article100is regulated by the base138and the support plate200. Therefore, when the rear end portion of the flat article100falls off the second suction port146, the leading end portion of the flat article100is regulated by the base138and the support plate200, nipped between the upper roller device188and the lower roller device190of the first nip and conveyance device182so as to be held substantially horizontally, and continued to be conveyed in the lateral direction. The flat article100is then nipped in the second nip and conveyance device184, and is further conveyed in the lateral direction. Therefore, the leading end portion of the flat article100causes the shutter206to rotated clockwise, and protrudes from the dispensing port178. The flat article100pushes the contact372up when passing the first nip and conveyance device182, thus the dispense detection sensor370outputs the ON signal. When the rear end of the flat article100passes the first nip and conveyance device182, the contact372moves downward, and the dispenses detection sensor370outputs the OFF signal. When the OFF signal is discriminated in Step S13, the process proceeds to Step S14.

In Step S14the first electric motor151and the second electric motor262are stopped. Specifically, the suction airflow generation device136is stopped, ad the suction function of the suction device130is stopped. Moreover, the lateral direction conveyance device132and the dispensing device135are stopped.

Next, in Step S15, it is discriminated whether the detection sensor250is an OFF signal or not. Specifically, it is judged whether the top flat article100pushes up the contact252. If the detection sensor250outputs the upper position signal U, the process proceeds to Step S16, in which the third motor286is operated reversely. Accordingly, the table262is moved down via the rack312similarly. Specifically, after the top flat article100is dispensed, in the case in which the next top flat article100pushes up the contact252, there is a risk that this top flat article100is suctioned by the inertial operation of the suction device130, and conveyed to the dispensing port178by the inertial operation of the lateral direction conveyance device132. By moving the table262down and thus the flat article100, the flat article100is prevented from being suctioned by the suction device130so that unnecessary dispensing is avoided.

Next, in Step S17, the third electric motor286is operated normally, and the table262is raised. The process proceeds to the next step S18, in which when the upper position signal U, which is sent from the detection sensor250by the top flat article100pushing up the contact252, is discriminated, the process proceeds to Step S19. In Step S19, the third motor286is stopped, an optimal space of the top flat article100with respect to the first suction port144and the second suction port146is secured, and the output of the next dispensing signal is waited on.

The operation performed when resupplying flat article100on the table262is described next. First of all, the lock device270is released, and the door266is opened as shown inFIG. 2. Next, the pressed piece366is pressed, and the release lever348is pivotally operated clockwise inFIG. 7. Accordingly, the concave portion360moves to an upper portion of the pin362, whereby the pin362can be pivotally operated clockwise inFIG. 7. The speed reducer frame352is pivotally operated clockwise (seeFIG. 8) until the protrusion358is blocked by the pin362. Accordingly, the driving gear288is removed from the gear292. At the same time, one end of the link lever350is pivotally operated counterclockwise inFIG. 7by an upper edge of the release lever348, and the control lever340is moved downward. Therefore, the notch343is placed opposite the pin344of the unidirectional torque limiter332. The torque limiter332receives a torque counterclockwise from the spring, and thus is pivotally operated counterclockwise around the fixed axis334as a supporting point, and the gear338engages with the driven gear304. Furthermore, the pin344is stopped by the notch343, and the torque limiter332maintains this state. In other words, the torque limiter332is held in the actuated position AP. Therefore, the torque limiter332is drive-coupled to the lifting device326(seeFIG. 8). Although the table262tries to fall by means of the weights of the stacked flat articles100, the table262receives the braking force by the resistance of the torque limiter332. In other words, the table262falls at predetermined low speed until the lower end thereof is stopped by the base frame122. Therefore, the flat article100does not fall suddenly, and defects such as damage to the flat article100are avoided. Thereafter, a new flat article100is placed on the table262, and the door266is closed and locked with the lock device270. Next, the speed reducer frame352is pressed and pivotally operated counterclockwise, and the driving gear288is engaged with the intermediate gear292. Accordingly, the release lever348is pivotally operated counterclockwise, and the concave portion360engages with the pin362. As a result, the link lever350is rotated clockwise inFIG. 8by a biasing device, whereby the control lever340is pulled upward, the pin344pressed by an inclined portion of the notch343, and the torque limiter332operated pivotally clockwise. Accordingly, the gear338is removed from the driven gear304, and the lifting device326is drive-coupled to the driving device280(seeFIG. 7).

As is clear from the above explanation, Step S2through the Step S11explain the flat article position control device380. Specifically, the flat article position control device380has a function of separating the flat article100and the suction device130from each other, thereafter bringing the flat article100and the suction device130close to each other again so that the space between the flat article100and the suction device130becomes a predetermined space, thereafter suctioning the top flat article by means of the suction device130, and then, again, separating the flat article100from the suction device130. By configuring the flat article position control device380with a software, the components are not increased by a new component, thus the device can be created inexpensively.

A second embodiment is described next with reference toFIG. 12. The embodiment ofFIG. 12is an example in which two equalizer boxes134A and134B are provided, and suction airflow generation devices136A and136B are coupled thereto respectively. It should be noted that this then has three or more suction ports. However, since the production cost of such configuration is high, it is preferred that one suction device be created, and a plurality of suction ports be formed for an equalizer box, as in the embodiment ofFIG. 1.