JP4923277B2 - Coin processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a coin processing apparatus that determines the authenticity and type of a coin that has been inserted and distributes and stores the coins in a coin storage of a denomination.

  For example, a coin depositing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a coin processing device that distributes coins to a coin storage of a denomination by using different coin diameters for each denomination.

  In this type of coin processing apparatus, the authenticity and type of coins inserted into the coin insertion unit are determined by the denomination sensor, and then the coins are perforated on the coin transport path in the process of transporting coins along the coin transport path. Coins are sorted using an opening, that is, a coin sorting gate, and coins are stored in a denominated coin storage.

  Depending on the diameter of each denomination of the coin to be handled, the coin sorting gate is expanded from the upstream side to the downstream side in the coin feeding direction in a stepwise manner on the coin transport path, for example, from the upstream side. A coin distribution gate for 50 yen coins, a coin distribution gate for 100 yen coins, a coin distribution gate for 10 yen coins, and a coin distribution gate for 500 yen coins are provided in this order, and the coin has a smaller diameter than the coin distribution gate. Is dropped from the coin distribution gate and stored in the coin storage of the corresponding denomination, while the coin having a diameter larger than that of the coin distribution gate is moved downstream along the coin conveyance path to the downstream side. All coins are sorted by repeating the same sorting process using the coin sorting gate.

  That is, in the coin sorting gate for 50 yen coins provided on the most upstream side, only the 50 yen coin with the smallest diameter falls and is sorted into the coin storage for 50 yen coins, and the diameter 100 is larger than that. Yen coins, 10-yen coins, and 500-yen coins move further downstream than the coin-distributing gate for 50-yen coins, and by the coin-sorting gate for 100-yen coins provided second from the most upstream side, Only the 100-yen coin with the second smallest diameter falls and is distributed to the coin storage for 100-yen coins, and the larger-diameter 10-yen coins and 500-yen coins exceed the coin-sorting gate for 50-yen coins. It moves further to the downstream side, and is distributed to the coin storage for 10 yen coins and 500 yen coins via the coin distribution gate for 10 yen coins and 500 yen coins, respectively. It is the case.

  In this type of coin handling device, the total length of the coin handling path must be increased due to the fact that a plurality of coin sorting gates are drilled along the coin handling path to distribute the coins. At times, some coins in the process of sorting are always on the coin transport path.

  As a result, when any abnormality occurs during the operation of the coin processing device, or when the power supply is stopped due to an earthquake or the like, the coin transportation path is opened and the recovery work is performed or the coins on the coin transportation path are If you try to solve the clogging of the coin transport path by forcibly feeding it, the coins and coins that were on the coin transport path will move due to vibration etc. A coin that has been accidentally dropped into a different coin storage, or a coin that has accumulated in the coin input part, that is, a coin that has not been verified for authenticity or denomination, has accidentally flowed into one of the coin sorting gates and remains as it is. There was a risk of falling into the storage.

  In addition to this, the coin processing device uses a repulsion coefficient between the collision piece and the coin by colliding the coin with the collision piece, and uses a rocking cradle. Those that sort coins are well known as conventional techniques. Further, Patent Document 2 proposes a technique in which a coin type is determined by a denomination sensor while a coin is being conveyed along a circumferential path, and a coin is sorted by opening and closing a gate for each coin type. Has been. However, in any case, the coin sorting operation is not performed with a simple mechanical configuration using the relationship between the size of the plurality of coin sorting gates and the diameter of the coins that are different for each denomination.

JP 2007-4555 (paragraph 0015, FIG. 2) JP-A-11-250300

  The problem of the present invention is that even if the coin transport path is opened or the recovery work is performed by forcibly feeding the coins on the coin transport path, coins and coins are mistakenly stored in coin storage of different denominations. An object of the present invention is to provide a coin processing device in which a coin that has not been dropped or that has not been judged for authenticity or denomination will not fall into the coin storage as it is.

A coin processing device according to the present invention includes a coin insertion unit for collectively inputting coins of different denominations, and a coin conveyance path that receives coins fed one by one from the coin insertion unit and regulates the moving direction of the coins. A coin transport means for applying a feed in the direction along the coin transport path to the coins sent out from the coin insertion unit, a denomination sensor for determining the authenticity and denomination of the coins, and the gold of the coin to be handled According to the diameter of each species, the coin sorting gate of the denomination consisting of the opening formed on the coin transport path in a form of stepwise diameter expansion from the upstream side to the downstream side in the coin feeding direction, A coin processing apparatus comprising a coin storage of a denomination that stores coins that fall through a coin sorting gate, and in order to achieve the above-mentioned problem,
Provided between the coin distribution gate and the coin storage is a shutter that opens a coin dropping path from the coin distribution gate to the coin storage, and is a shutter drive that closes the shutter during standby and when an abnormality occurs It has the structure characterized by having provided the means side by side.

The coin processing device of the present invention is provided with a shutter that opens a coin dropping path from a coin distribution gate to a coin storage, and closes the shutter when the coin processing device is on standby or when an abnormality occurs. Even when the road is opened or the recovery operation is performed by forcibly feeding the coins on the coin conveyance path, coins and coins do not fall into the coin storage.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent accidents in which coins and coins accidentally fall into coin storage of different denominations, and accidents in which coins that have not been verified for authenticity or denomination fall into the coin storage as they are. can do.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a partial sectional side view showing a schematic configuration of a coin processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention with a shutter closed, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the coin processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing the main part of the coin processing apparatus 1 of the same embodiment with the shutter opened.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the coin processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a coin input unit 2 including a hopper-like container for collectively inputting coins of different denominations, and a coin input unit 2. A plate-shaped coin conveyance path 3 that receives coins that are fed one by one and regulates the movement direction of the coins, and a coin that is fed out from the coin insertion unit 2 in a direction along the coin conveyance path 3. Coin conveying means 4, denomination sensor 5 for determining the authenticity and denomination of the coin, and from the upstream side to the downstream side in the coin feeding direction according to the diameter of each denomination of the coin to be handled Pass through the coin sorting gates 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d and the coin sorting gates 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d, each having an opening formed on the coin transport path 3 in such a manner that the diameter is gradually increased. To store falling coins Comprising the type of the coin storing box 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d.

  The coin insertion unit 2 includes a disk 9 that is rotationally driven by a coin delivery motor 8 on the bottom surface of the hopper-like container, and the coin 9 has an overlap of coins of different denominations that are inserted into the hopper-like container. The coin is moved from the radially inner side to the radially outer side of the disk 9 by the rotation of the disk 9, and finally through the slit 10 drilled in the lower end of the hopper-like container. Then, coins are sent one by one onto the coin transport path 3.

  The vertical width of the slit 10 provided in the coin insertion portion 2 allows the passage of the thickest coin among the coins to be handled, and the thinnest coin among the coins to be handled overlaps with 2 at the same time. The width is such that passage of more than one sheet is prohibited.

  The main part of the coin transport means 4 that feeds the coins sent out on the coin transport path 3 is a drive pulley 11 and a driven pulley 12, and some of them arranged between the drive pulley 11 and the driven pulley 12. The preload pulley 13, a long support 14 that rotatably supports these pulleys 11, 12, and 13, the conveyor belt 15 wound around the pulleys 11, 12, and 13, and the drive pulley 11 are rotated. The main part is comprised by the motor for a coin conveyance which is not shown in order to make it do.

  The support 14 to which the pulleys 11, 12, and 13 are attached is pivotally attached to the plate-shaped coin conveyance path 3 with the rotation shaft 16 of the drive pulley 11 as a fulcrum, and the support 14 is shown in FIG. By swinging counterclockwise from this state, the entire coin transport means 4 can be separated from the coin transport path 3 and the coin transport path 3 can be opened.

  In addition, a manual operation knob (not shown) is integrally provided on the rotary shaft 16 of the drive pulley 11, and this manual operation knob is provided even during a power failure, when an abnormality occurs, or when the coin processing apparatus 1 is not powered on. , The driving pulley 11 is rotated to drive the conveyor belt 15, and the coins on the coin conveying path 3 can be fed in the forward and reverse directions.

  In general, feeding in the forward and reverse directions by the operation of the manual operation knob is effective for eliminating a slight coin clogging or the like occurring on the coin transport path 3, and for further abnormalities, the coin transport path 3 is used. In many cases, a process such as opening and removing coins is required.

  The coin sorting gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d of the denomination are, for example, a coin sorting gate (6a) for 50 yen coins, a coin sorting gate (6b) for 100 yen coins, a coin sorting gate for 10 yen coins ( 6c) A coin distribution gate (6d) for 500 yen coins, the width of the coin from the upstream side to the downstream side in the coin feeding direction, that is, from the right to the left in FIG. The width in the direction orthogonal to the coin conveyance direction on the coin conveyance path 3 is increased stepwise.

  Therefore, the horizontal relationship of the coin distribution gate is as follows: coin distribution gate 6a <coin distribution gate 6b <coin distribution gate 6c <coin distribution gate 6d. The width of the coin sorting gate 6b is such that the 50-yen coin and the 100-yen coin are allowed to fall and the 10-yen coin and the 500-yen coin are prohibited from dropping, and the width of the coin sorting gate 6c is 50 yen coin. The size is such that 100-yen coins and 10-yen coins are allowed to fall, and only 500-yen coins are not allowed to fall, and the horizontal width of the coin sorting gate 6d is such that all coins are not allowed to fall.

  Further, the coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d according to denomination are, for example, coin storages (7a) for 50 yen coins, 100 yen according to the arrangement of the coin distribution gates 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d according to denominations. A coin storage (7b) for coins, a coin storage (7c) for 10 yen coins, and a coin storage (7d) for 500 yen coins.

  In this embodiment, it further comprises a single slide panel having denomination openings 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d drilled at the same pitch as the denomination coin distribution gates 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d. The shutter 17 is a coin dropping path between the coin sorting gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d of the denomination and the coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d of the denomination, more specifically, a plate-like coin 1 and 2 is attached to the lower surface side of the transport path 3 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the shutter driving means 18 for operating the shutter 17 includes a pressing operation portion 22 formed integrally with the shutter 17 by bending one side of the shutter 17 at a substantially right angle, and a pivot pin 19. An operation rod 20 having one end pivotally attached to a main body side frame portion (not shown) of the coin processing device 1 and a pressing operation portion 22 of the shutter 17 rotatably pivotally attached to the other end of the operation rod 20. On the other hand, the roller member 21 that comes into contact with the coin in the direction opposite to the direction in which the coin is conveyed, the pull-type electromagnetic solenoid 23 that is pivotally attached at a position near the pivot pin 19 in the operating rod 20, and the direction in which the coin is conveyed. And a solenoid return spring 24 that makes one end abut against the pressing operation portion 22 of the shutter 17 from the same direction as that, and a lower end side of the plate-shaped coin conveyance path 3 to support the other end portion of the solenoid return spring 24. Constituted by the stopper member 25.

  The solenoid return spring 24 is composed of a pre-compressed compression coil spring, and the pull-type electromagnetic solenoid 23 is in a non-excited state, that is, the tip of the electromagnetic solenoid 23 is easily allowed to protrude. Under the circumstances, the pressing operation portion 22 of the shutter 17 is pressed in the direction from right to left in FIG. 1 by the elastic return force of the solenoid return spring 24.

  As a result, the shutter 17 moves to the movement limit position on the left side in FIG. 1, and as shown in FIG. 1, the 50-yen coin fall path from the coin sorting gate 6a to the coin storage 7a, and the coin sorting gate 6b. From the coin distribution gate 6c to the coin storage 7c, a 10 yen coin from the coin distribution gate 6c to the coin storage 7c, and a 500 yen coin from the coin distribution gate 6d to the coin storage 7d. All of the path will be closed by the panel portion of the shutter 17.

  On the other hand, in the situation of FIG. 3 in which the pull-type electromagnetic solenoid 23 is in an excited state, that is, in the situation where the distal end portion of the electromagnetic solenoid 23 is actively retracted, the operation rod 20 pulled by the distal end portion of the electromagnetic solenoid 23. 3 swings to the clockwise swing limit position in FIG. 3 around the pivot pin 19, so that the roller member 21 of the operating rod 20 resists the elastic return force of the solenoid return spring 24. The pressing operation unit 22 is pressed in a direction from left to right in FIG.

  As a result, the shutter 17 moves to the movement limit position on the right side in FIG. 3, and as shown in FIG. 3, each of the coin sorting gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d comprising the opening on the coin transport path 3 is shown. The openings 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d of the shutter 17 overlap each other at the position, the 50-yen coin falling path from the coin distribution gate 6a to the coin storage 7a, and the coin distribution gate 6b to the coin storage 7b. The 100-yen coin dropping path, the 10-yen coin dropping path from the coin sorting gate 6c to the coin storage 7c, and the 500-yen coin dropping path from the coin sorting gate 6d to the coin storage 7d are all opened. .

  The denomination sensor 5 is for determining the authenticity and denomination of a coin. For example, a sensor for detecting the authenticity and denomination of a coin by detecting electrical and magnetic characteristics from a moving coin is already known. is there.

  In this embodiment, the denomination sensor 5 is disposed between the coin sorting gate 6a for 50 yen coins, which is the most upstream coin sorting gate in the coin feeding direction, and the coin insertion unit 2, which has a broad meaning. Then, the upper surface side of the denomination sensor 5 is also a part of the coin conveyance path 3.

  Further, a reject duct 26 is provided between the coin sorting gate 6a for 50 yen coins and the denomination sensor 5 to remove coins and foreign matters determined to be coins by the denomination sensor 5, and an electromagnetic solenoid. By the opening operation of the deposit reject gate 28 driven at 27, coins and foreign matter determined to be coins are removed from the coin transport path 3 and put into the reject duct 26.

  In addition, the coin processing device 1 detects the increase in the drive current (= drive torque) of the coin delivery motor 8 and the like, and the bite of the coin generated in the slit 10 of the coin insertion unit 2 is the same as the conventional one. An abnormality detection sensor that detects an increase in the drive current (= drive torque) of a coin transport motor, and detects a clogged coin generated on the coin transport path 3; An abnormality detection sensor (self-diagnosis circuit) for detecting a circuit failure of the seed sensor 5 and an abnormality detection sensor for detecting an abnormality in power supply are provided. However, these sensors and their functions are already known. This is not specifically explained here.

  In this embodiment, until a coin insertion sensor (not shown) provided in the coin insertion unit 2 detects the insertion of a coin, the pull-type electromagnetic solenoid 23 of the shutter driving means 18 and the coin sending motor of the coin insertion unit 2. 8. The coin conveying motor (not shown) of the coin conveying means 4, the electromagnetic solenoid 27 of the deposit rejection gate 28, and the denomination sensor 5 are all held in a non-actuated or non-excited state, as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. In addition, all of the coin sorting gates 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 6 d on the coin transport path 3 are closed by the panel portion of the shutter 17, and the deposit reject gate 28 blocks the entrance of the reject duct 26.

  When a coin insertion sensor (not shown) provided in the coin insertion unit 2 detects the insertion of a coin, a pull-type electromagnetic solenoid 23 in the shutter driving means 18 is excited in accordance with a command from a control unit (not shown) of the coin processing device 1. All of the coin sorting gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d on the coin transport path 3 are opened as shown in FIG. 3, and the coin feed motor 8 and the coin transport means 4 of the coin insertion unit 2 are not shown. The operation of the coin transfer motor and the denomination sensor 5 is started.

  If there is no problem in terms of durability and power consumption of the device itself, the coin insertion sensor is omitted, and when the power to the coin processing device 1 is turned on, the pull type electromagnetic solenoid 23, the coin delivery motor 8, the coin conveyance The motor and the denomination sensor 5 may be started unconditionally.

  The coins inserted into the coin insertion unit 2 are overlapped by the rotation of the disk 9 driven by the coin delivery motor 8, and gradually move from the radially inner side of the disk 9 toward the radially outer side. Then, the sheets are fed one by one onto the coin conveyance path 3 through a slit 10 formed in the lower end of the hopper-like container.

  The coins sent out on the coin transport path 3 are fed in the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the coin transport path 3 by the transport belt 15 of the coin transport means 4 driven by a coin transport motor (not shown). 1 or FIG. 2, the feed in the direction from right to left is applied, and the arrangement position of the denomination sensor 5 is reached.

  The denomination sensor 5 that has already started operating at this time determines the authenticity and denomination of the coin that moves along the upper surface of the denomination sensor 5.

  However, since the coin processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is specialized for receiving and selecting a 10-yen coin, a 50-yen coin, a 100-yen coin, and a 500-yen coin, a 1-yen coin that is not handled, 5 yen Coins etc. are all handled as coins regardless of the authenticity of the coins themselves.

And when it is determined that the coin is a coin, a coin detection signal is output from the denomination sensor 5 to a control unit (not shown) of the coin processing device 1, and a command from the control unit receiving this is given by The electromagnetic solenoid 27 of the deposit reject gate 28 is activated for a preset time.
The set time referred to here is equal to or more than the time required for the coin, which has been determined authentic by the denomination sensor 5, to reach the placement position of the deposit reject gate 28 by feeding the conveyor belt 15. Is a little longer time.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the coin is a genuine coin, a detection signal corresponding to the type of the coin is output from the denomination sensor 5 to a control unit (not shown) of the coin processing device 1. The control unit that has received the value increments the value of the inserted amount integration counter by an amount corresponding to the type of coin, and updates and stores the total amount of coins stored in the coin processing device 1 in the inserted amount integration counter. . In this case, the electromagnetic solenoid 27 of the deposit reject gate 28 does not operate.

  Coins that are fed by the conveyor belt 15 and move from the upstream side to the downstream side of the coin conveyance path 3 exceed the arrangement position of the denomination sensor 5 and then reach the arrangement position of the deposit reject gate 28.

  If the coin is a coin, the electromagnetic solenoid 27 is already activated at this time, the deposit reject gate 28 is opened, and the entrance of the reject duct 26 is opened. Then, it is removed from the coin conveyance path 3 and put into the reject duct 26.

  On the other hand, when the coin is a genuine coin, the electromagnetic solenoid 27 is held in an inoperative state, and the entrance of the reject duct 26 is closed by the deposit reject gate 28, so that the coin is stored in the deposit reject gate 28. It will move further downstream beyond the installation position.

  Therefore, if this coin is a 50-yen coin, it has reached the position of the coin-distributing gate 6a for 50-yen coin provided on the most upstream side among the coin-distributing gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. At the time, the coins are sorted, and the coins fall from the coin sorting gate 6a and, as shown in FIG. 3, the coin storage for 50 yen coins through the opening 17a of the shutter 17 in the open state. 7a.

  Further, when the coin is a 100 yen coin, a 10 yen coin, or a 500 yen coin having a diameter larger than that of the 50 yen coin, it does not fall from the coin sorting gate 6a. Therefore, the coin sorting gate 6a is disposed. It will move further downstream beyond the position.

  And if the coin which passed the arrangement | positioning position of the coin distribution gate 6a was a 100-yen coin, 100 provided in the 2nd position from the most upstream side among the coin distribution gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. When the coin distribution gate 6b for yen coins is reached, the coins are distributed. The coins fall from the coin distribution gate 6b, and as shown in FIG. It is stored in a coin storage 7b for 100 yen coins via the portion 17b.

  On the other hand, when this coin is a 10-yen coin or a 500-yen coin having a diameter larger than that of the 100-yen coin, it does not fall from the coin-sorting gate 6b. Furthermore, it moves downstream.

  And if the coin which passed the arrangement | positioning position of the coin distribution gate 6b was a 10 yen coin, 10 provided in the 3rd position from the most upstream side among the coin distribution gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. When the position of the coin distribution gate 6c for yen coins is reached, the coins are distributed, and the coins fall from the coin distribution gate 6c, and the opening of the shutter 17 in the open state as shown in FIG. It is stored in the coin storage 7c for 10 yen coins via the part 17c.

  If the coin is a 500-yen coin having a diameter larger than that of the 10-yen coin, the coin moves further to the downstream side beyond the arrangement position of the coin distribution gate 6c, and finally the most downstream-side coin is moved. When it reaches the position of the coin distribution gate 6d for 500 yen coins provided at the position, it falls from the coin distribution gate 6d and, as shown in FIG. 3, through the opening 17d of the shutter 17 in the open state. Are stored in the coin storage 7d for 500 yen coins.

  That is, in this embodiment, the authenticity determination of the coin and the total processing of the amount of money to be inserted are accurately performed by the denomination sensor 5 and the control unit (not shown) of the coin processing device 1 and stored in the coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. There is no error in the total amount of coins that have been processed, but the operation of distributing coins that are determined to be genuine is entrusted to purely mechanical operations using the coin distribution gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. Therefore, there is a possibility that a coin determined to be a genuine coin will accidentally fall into a coin storage of a different denomination at the stage of distribution.

  In addition, due to the fact that a plurality of coin sorting gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and a deposit reject gate 28 are provided along the coin transport path 3 to distribute coins, the total length of the coin transport path 3 must be long. Since there is a certain distance between the slit 10 in the coin insertion unit 2 and the denomination sensor 5, a coin that has not been authenticated or denominated by the denomination sensor 5, that is, a coin Coins remaining in the insertion unit 2 and coins located on the coin conveyance path 3 between the coin insertion unit 2 and the denomination sensor 5 are erroneously inserted through the coin distribution gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d for some reason. There is a possibility that the coins will fall into the coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. Under such circumstances, the coins will drop into the coin storages of different denominations and the coin storages 7a, 7b. , 7c, 7d Totaling itself coins housed there is disadvantage that comorbid a problem errors occur.

  Coins that have been determined to be genuine coins accidentally drop into coin storage of different denominations at the stage of sorting, or coins that have not been authenticated or denominated are erroneously stored in the coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c. For example, the following situation can be considered as a situation in which the problem of falling to 7d occurs.

First, when an abnormality occurs in power supply, an abnormality detection sensor that detects an abnormality in power supply detects the abnormality, and receives an abnormality detection signal from the sensor according to a command from a control unit (not shown) of the coin processing device 1. The operations of the coin delivery motor 8, the coin transportation motor (not shown) of the coin transportation means 4, the electromagnetic solenoid 27 of the deposit rejection gate 28, and the denomination sensor 5 are all stopped, but even when the coin transportation motor is stopped. Since the coin transport means 4 itself continues to feed coins for a certain amount of time due to inertia, coins that have not been subjected to authenticity determination or denomination determination fall into the coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d by mistake. Or coins that have been determined for denomination may be accidentally dropped into a different coin storage.
In the case of a power failure, the operation of the coin delivery motor 8, the coin transfer motor, the electromagnetic solenoid 27 of the deposit rejection gate 28, and the denomination sensor 5 stops unconditionally, but even when the coin transfer motor stops. Since the coin transport means 4 itself continues to feed coins for a certain amount of time due to inertia, coins that have not been subjected to authenticity determination or denomination determination fall into the coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d by mistake. Or coins that have been determined for denomination may be accidentally dropped into a different coin storage.
Even when an abnormality occurs only in the denomination sensor 5, as described above, an abnormality detection sensor that detects a circuit failure of the denomination sensor 5 detects an abnormality and receives an abnormality detection signal from the sensor. All the operations of the coin delivery motor 8, the coin transport motor, the electromagnetic solenoid 27, and the denomination sensor 5 are stopped by the command. However, even if the coin transport motor is stopped, the coin transport means 4 itself is driven by inertia. Since coins continue to be fed for a certain amount of time, coins that have not been verified for authenticity or denomination have fallen into the coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, or denominated There is a possibility that a coin will accidentally fall into a different coin storage.

  In addition, when a coin is caught in the slit 10 of the coin insertion unit 2 or when a coin jam or the like occurs on the coin transport path 3, an abnormality detection sensor for detecting the coin jam or the coin jam is provided. In order to detect abnormalities and prevent damage to the coin delivery motor 8 and the coin transport motor, a control unit (not shown) stops the operation of each part of the coin processing device 1 in the same manner as described above. For the reason, coins that have not been authenticated or denominated are accidentally dropped into coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, or coins that have been denominated are accidentally dropped into different coin storages. In this case, since there is a high possibility that the coins are moving on the coin transport path 3 in a state where a plurality of coins are overlapped, for example, 50 yen that interferes with 500 yen coins. A coin that should be dropped The problem of moving further downstream beyond the position of the sorting gate 6a and falling to another coin storage other than the coin storage 7a for 50 yen coins, that is, the coin that has been determined for denomination The possibility of accidentally dropping into a different coin storage is increased.

  Furthermore, when a coin is caught in the slit 10 of the coin insertion unit 2 or when a coin is jammed on the coin transport path 3, the drive pulley 11 is used for recovery work to remove the overlap of coins. It is necessary to take a measure such as operating a manual operation knob (not shown) provided on the drive belt 11 and rotating the drive pulley 11 to drive the transport belt 15 to feed the coins on the coin transport path 3 in the forward and reverse directions. In some cases, the possibility that the coins move in the forward and reverse directions on the coin conveyance path 3 in a state where a plurality of coins are overlapped, and fall into a coin storage that should not be dropped.

  Also, when coins are jammed or clogged, the support 14 of the coin transport means 4 is swung counterclockwise in FIG. 1 with the rotating shaft 16 of the drive pulley 11 as a fulcrum. 3 may be required to manually remove the coin from the coin conveyance path 3. In such a case, for example, when the coin conveyance path 3 is opened by swinging the support 14. Impact or vibration, or the influence of external force acting on the coins from the conveyor belt 15 when the interference between the coins placed on the coin conveyor path 3 and the conveyor belt 15 of the coin conveyor means 4 is resolved, The coins that are not subjected to authenticity determination or denomination determination are accidentally dropped into the coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d due to reasons such as contact between the hand and coins that occur inadvertently by the operator, The coins for which the denomination has been judged are incorrect The possibility of falling into the coin storage is significantly increased, and further, the coins and coins remaining in the coin insertion unit 2 slide out and fall into the coin storage 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. There may even be inconveniences.

  Therefore, in the coin processing device 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, until a coin insertion sensor (not shown) provided in the coin insertion unit 2 detects the insertion of a coin (when the coin insertion sensor is omitted). Until the coin processing apparatus 1 is turned on), the pull-type electromagnetic solenoid 23 in the shutter driving means 18 is held in a non-excited state, and the coin distribution gate 6a on the coin transport path 3 is By closing all 6b, 6c and 6d with the panel portion of the shutter 17, it is possible to prevent coins, coins or foreign objects from falling into the coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d during the so-called standby state. I have to.

  In addition, in a situation where the coin processing device 1 is actually operating, in short, the pull-type electromagnetic solenoid 23 is excited by detecting the insertion of the coin into the coin insertion unit 2 or by turning on the power to the coin processing device 1 to distribute the coins. After the gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are opened and the operations of the coin delivery motor 8, the coin transport motor, and the denomination sensor 5 are started, the coins generated in the slit 10 of the coin insertion unit 2 Abnormality detection sensor for detecting biting, abnormality detection sensor for detecting coin clogging, etc. occurring on the coin transport path 3, abnormality detection sensor for detecting a circuit failure of the denomination sensor 5, detection of power supply abnormality At the time when various abnormality detection sensors such as an abnormality detection sensor to detect the occurrence of abnormality, a pull in the shutter driving means 18 is performed by a command from a control unit (not shown) of the coin processing device 1. Of releasing the excitation of the electromagnetic solenoid 23, so that closing the coin sorting gates 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d immediately close the shutter 17.

  As described above, even if the operation of the coin delivery motor 8 or the coin transport motor is stopped due to the detection of an abnormality, the coin transport by the transport belt 15 is performed for a certain amount of time thereafter by the inertia of the coin transport means 4 itself. The time required for releasing the excitation of the pull-type electromagnetic solenoid 23 and the time required for the elastic return force of the solenoid return spring 24 to close the shutter 17 are as follows. Since it is very short, even if the conveyor belt 15 of the coin transport means 4 continues inertial movement after the occurrence of an abnormality, coins that have not been authenticated or denominated are mistakenly stored in the coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c. , 7d, or coins that have been denominated are accidentally dropped into different coin storages.

  Further, when an abnormality such as a power failure occurs, the processing operation itself by a control unit (not shown) of the coin processing device 1 cannot be continued, but the combination of the pull-type electromagnetic solenoid 23 and the solenoid return spring 24 is not possible. Since the shutter driving means 18 is configured to automatically close the shutter 17 and close the coin sorting gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d in a state where power is not supplied, authenticity determination and denomination determination are performed. It is possible to reliably prevent a problem that a coin that has not been accidentally dropped into the coin storage 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, or a coin that has been denominated is accidentally dropped into a different coin storage. Can do.

  Then, when the operator operates a manual operation knob (not shown) of the drive pulley 11 for the purpose of eliminating coin biting, coin jamming, etc., or for the purpose of eliminating coin biting, coin jamming, etc. When the support 14 is swung and the coin transport path 3 is opened, all the coin sorting gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are already closed by the shutter 17, so that the transport is performed by operating the manual operation knob. Whether the belt 15 is forcibly driven to feed the coins on the coin conveyance path 3 in the forward or reverse direction, or the support 14 is swung to open the coin conveyance path 3 The coins are repelled by the conveyor belt 15 when the interference between the coins placed on the coin conveyor path 3 and the conveyor belt 15 of the coin conveyor means 4 is eliminated. Furthermore, even if coins on the coin transport path 3 are flipped off by careless contact of the operator, coins that are not subjected to authenticity determination or denomination determination are erroneously stored in the coin storages 7a, 7b, 7c. , 7d, coins that have been denominated in denomination fall into a different coin storage, or coins or coins that have slid out of the coin insertion unit 2 are stored in the coin storage 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d. There is no problem of falling.

  In the above embodiment, the coin processing device 1 in a form specialized for receiving and selecting a 10 yen coin, a 50 yen coin, a 100 yen coin, and a 500 yen coin has been described. However, the number of coin sorting gates and coin storage boxes and By changing the horizontal width of the coin sorting gate, it is possible to accept and sort other coin combinations, and to accept and sort various kinds of coins.

  Further, a push-type electromagnetic solenoid is used in place of the pull-type electromagnetic solenoid 23 of the shutter driving means 18, and the shutter 17 is moved to the coin sorting gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d in a state where the excitation of the push-type electromagnetic solenoid is released. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the is closed.

  If the structure is not complicated, it is possible to mount an independent shutter and an electromagnetic solenoid or another actuator instead of the electromagnetic solenoid for each of the coin sorting gates 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d.

  The coin processing device 1 may be used by being incorporated in a change dispenser, a vending machine, an automatic ticketing machine or the like.

It is the fragmentary sectional side view which showed the outline of the structure of the coin processing apparatus of one Embodiment to which this invention was applied in the shutter closed state. It is the top view which showed the coin processing apparatus of the embodiment. It is the fragmentary sectional side view which showed the principal part of the coin processing apparatus of the embodiment in the shutter open state.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Coin processing apparatus 2 Coin insertion part 3 Coin conveyance path 4 Coin conveyance means 5 Denomination sensors 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d Coin distribution gates 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d Coin storage 8 Coin delivery motor 9 Disk 10 Slit 11 Drive pulley 12 Driven pulley 13 Preload pulley 14 Support 15 Transport belt 16 Drive pulley rotating shaft 17 Shutter (slide panel)
17a, 17b, 17c, 17d Opening 18 Shutter driving means 19 Pivoting pin 20 Operation rod 21 Roller member 22 Pressing operation portion 23 Electromagnetic solenoid 24 Solenoid return spring 25 Stopper member 26 Reject duct 27 Electromagnetic solenoid 28 Deposit rejection gate

Claims (4)

A coin insertion unit for collectively inputting coins of different denominations, a coin transport path that receives coins sent out one by one from the coin insertion unit and regulates the moving direction of the coins, and is sent out from the coin insertion unit Coins according to the diameter of each coin type to be handled, a coin denomination sensor for determining the authenticity and denomination of the coin, and a coin conveying means for feeding the coins in the direction along the coin conveying path The coin-distribution gate of the denomination consisting of an opening formed on the coin transport path in such a manner that the diameter gradually increases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the feeding direction of the paper, and falls through the coin distribution gate A coin processing device comprising a coin storage of a denomination for storing coins to be
Provided between the coin distribution gate and the coin storage is a shutter that opens a coin dropping path from the coin distribution gate to the coin storage, and is a shutter drive that closes the shutter during standby and when an abnormality occurs A coin processing apparatus characterized in that a means is also provided.   2. The coin according to claim 1, wherein a denomination sensor for determining the authenticity and denomination of the coin is disposed between the uppermost coin sorting gate in the coin feeding direction and the coin insertion part. Processing equipment.   3. The shutter according to claim 1, wherein the shutter is constituted by a single slide panel having an opening of a denomination perforated at a pitch equivalent to that of the denomination coin sorting gate. The coin processing apparatus according to any one of the above.   4. The shutter according to claim 1, wherein the shutter driving means includes an electromagnetic solenoid and a solenoid return spring, and is configured to close the shutter when the electromagnetic solenoid is in a non-excited state. The coin processing apparatus as described in any one of them.

Images