Coin processing device

Abstract

The invention provides a coin processing device (100). The coin processing device (100) comprises a separating part (110) which is used for receiving coins or game coins and sending out the coins or the game coins one by one at intervals. The separation unit comprises: a rotating member (113) in which a plurality of holes (113X, 113X) are formed at intervals, the holes being provided with at least one coin or game coin; a convex part (114) which is configured below the rotating part and is used for guiding the coins or game coins to an outlet (112X) of the separating part; and baffles (215, 115) which apply force in the direction of closing the outlet and are pushed away by the coins or game coins guided by the convex part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology of a coin handling device for receiving coins or game tokens and handling them one by one. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a device for receiving coins or game tokens and sorting them by type has been known. For example, a coin handling device is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-147425 (Patent Document 1). According to Patent Document 1, the coin handling device includes: a coin receiving unit; an identification unit that identifies coins; a guiding unit having a lower abutting surface that can abut against the circumferential surface of a coin in an upright state from below; a supporting unit having an upright abutting surface that can abut against either the front or the back of a coin in an upright state, at least one coin passing hole is formed in the upright abutting surface, and the coin is supported in an upright state; an annular conveyor belt that can cooperate with the upright abutting surface to clamp the coin; a rotation driving unit that rotates the conveyor belt; a baffle that can open and close at least a part of the opening surface of the coin passing hole; and a baffle driving unit that opens and closes the baffle. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-147425 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a coin handling device that can send out coins or game tokens one by one through a more compact mechanism. Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coin handling device including a separating unit that receives coins or game tokens and sends them out at intervals one by one. The separating unit includes: a rotating member having a plurality of hole portions formed at intervals, and at least one coin or game token is disposed in the hole portion; a convex portion disposed below the rotating member for guiding the coin or game token to the outlet of the separating unit; and a baffle that applies a force in the direction of closing the outlet and is pushed open by the coin or game token guided by the convex portion. Effects of the Invention

[0006] As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a coin handling device that can send out coins or game tokens one by one through a more compact mechanism. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 It is a schematic view showing the whole of the coin handling device 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the coin handling device 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a top view showing the coin identification and sorting unit of the coin handling device 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the coin handling device 100 and the flow of coins when coins are inserted according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the coin handling device 100 and the flow of coins when coins are inserted according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the coin handling device 100 and the flow of coins when coins are ejected according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the coin handling device 100 and the flow of coins when coins are ejected according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above showing the coin identification and sorting unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 9 FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above showing the coin identification and sorting unit with the conveying and rotating body removed according to the first embodiment. Figure 10 FIG. 9 is a perspective view from above showing the coin insertion unit and the separation unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above showing the separation unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 12 FIG. 11 is a perspective view from above showing the coin identification and sorting unit with a scraper for the first embodiment. Figure 13 FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing the separation unit with a scraper for the first embodiment. Figure 14 FIG. 13 is a top view showing the transfer area from the separation unit to the sorting unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 15 FIG. 14 is a perspective view from above showing the discharge unit for discharging to the rejection path in the sorting unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 16 FIG. 15 is a perspective view from above showing the discharging operation for discharging to the rejection path in the sorting unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 17 FIG. 16 is a perspective view from above showing the discharging operation for discharging coins to various conveying paths in the sorting unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 18 FIG. 2 is a top view showing the coin identification and sorting unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 19It is a perspective view of a transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force to a separation unit and a sorting unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 20 It is a first perspective view of a driving force transmission mechanism in a state where the separation unit of the first embodiment is blocked. Figure 21 It is a second perspective view of a driving force transmission mechanism in a state where the separation unit of the first embodiment is blocked. Figure 22 It is a bottom perspective view of the structure of the middle gear according to the first embodiment. Figure 23 It is a top perspective view of the structure of the lower gear according to the first embodiment. Figure 24 It is a side view of a transmission mechanism between the middle gear, the lower gear, and the separation drive shaft according to the first embodiment. Figure 25 It is a top perspective view of the structure of the guide pin according to the first embodiment. Figure 26 It is a top view of a coin identification and sorting unit of a coin processing device according to the second embodiment. Figure 27 It is a top perspective view of the separation unit according to the second embodiment. Figure 28 It is a top view of the loading turntable according to the second embodiment. Figure 29 It is a top perspective view of the loading turntable and coins in a state where coins are stored in the coin storage holes of the loading turntable according to the second embodiment. Figure 30 It is a top perspective view of the vicinity of the discharge part when coins are discharged from the discharge port of the loading turntable according to the second embodiment. Figure 31 It is a top perspective view of the loading turntable and coins when coins are discharged from the discharge port of the loading turntable according to the second embodiment. Figure 32 It is a side cross-sectional view of the loading turntable when coins are discharged from the loading turntable according to the second embodiment. Figure 33 It is a side cross-sectional view of the loading turntable for showing the height and dimensions of each part according to the second embodiment. Figure 34 It is a top view showing the relationship between the coin storage holes of the loading turntable and the coins according to the second embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0008] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, no detailed description thereof will be given. <First Embodiment> <Overall Structure of Coin Handling Device 100>

[0009] First, the overall structure of the coin handling device 100 of the present embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is an external view of the coin handling device 100 of the present embodiment. Refer to Figure 1 , the coin handling device 100 is composed of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 101, a coin insertion port 102 is provided at the upper part, and a coin discharge port 103 is provided at the lower part.

[0010] Figure 2 is a side sectional view showing the overall internal structure of the coin handling device 100 of the present embodiment. Refer to Figure 2 , the coin handling device 100 is provided with a coin identification and sorting unit 105 for sorting and sending out coins by type at the upper part, a coin payout unit 150 for accumulating and paying out coins by type at the middle part, and a control unit 190 at the lower part. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the coin payout unit 150 is composed of an upper payout unit 151 and a lower payout unit 152 of four denominations. A microcomputer 191 for controlling each part of the coin handling device 100, other communication interfaces, etc. are arranged in the control unit 190. The microcomputer 191 includes, for example, a CPU, various memories, etc.

[0011] Figure 3 is a top view of the coin identification and sorting unit 105 of the present embodiment. Refer to Figure 3 , a plurality of inserted coins are sequentially sent one by one to the sorting unit 120 by the separating unit 110. The sorting unit 120 identifies the type of each coin and sends it to the rejection conveying path 1510 formed outside the sorting unit, or to the first conveying path 1511 formed outside the sorting unit, or to the second conveying path 1512 formed inside the sorting unit, or to the third conveying path 1513 formed outside the sorting unit, or to the fourth conveying path 1514 formed inside the sorting unit, or to the fifth conveying path 1515 formed outside the sorting unit, or to the sixth conveying path 1516 formed inside the sorting unit, or to the seventh conveying path 1517 formed outside the sorting unit, or to the eighth conveying path 1518 formed inside the sorting unit, or to the overflow conveying path 1519 formed outside the sorting unit.

[0012] Figure 4 is a front sectional view showing the overall internal structure of the coin handling device 100 of the present embodiment, particularly showing the flow direction when sorting and storing the inserted coins. Figure 5FIG. 0 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall internal structure of the coin handling apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, particularly showing the flow direction when sorting and storing the inserted coins. Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Coins sent to the rejection conveyance path 1510 move downward at the right end when viewed from the front and at the front end when viewed from the side, and are rejected from the coin discharge port 103. Coins sent to the overflow conveyance path 1519 move downward at the left end when viewed from the front and at the front end when viewed from the side, and are sent to a container disposed below the coin handling apparatus 100. Coins sent to the first conveyance path 1511, the third conveyance path 1513, the fifth conveyance path 1515, and the seventh conveyance path 1517 outside the sorting unit 120 are accumulated in the specified storage units of the upper payout unit 151 according to the denominations. Coins sent to the second conveyance path 1512, the fourth conveyance path 1514, the sixth conveyance path 1516, and the eighth conveyance path 1518 inside the sorting unit 120 are accumulated in the specified storage units of the lower payout unit 152 according to the denominations.

[0013] Figure 6 FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view showing the overall internal structure of the coin handling apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, particularly showing the flow direction when coin payout or recovery to a recovery box (not shown). Figure 7 FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall internal structure of the coin handling apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, particularly showing the flow direction when coin payout or recovery. Refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 Coins accumulated via the first path, the third path, the fifth path, and the seventh path from the outside of the sorting unit 120 are sent forward through the upper payout unit 151 according to an instruction from the control unit 190, then descend, are discharged from the discharge port 103, or are sent to the recovery box from the recovery port 104. Coins accumulated via the second path, the fourth path, the sixth path, and the eighth path from the lower side of the sorting unit 120 are sent forward through the lower payout unit 152 according to an instruction from the control unit 190, then descend, are discharged from the discharge port 103, or are sent to the recovery box from the recovery port 104. <Structure of Coin Identification and Sorting Unit 105>

[0014] Next, the structure of the coin identification and sorting unit 105 at the upper part of the coin handling apparatus 100 will be described. Refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9, the coin recognition and sorting unit 105 mainly includes a separation unit 110 and a sorting unit 120. The separation unit 110 is arranged on the front side, that is, the front part, of the coin processing device 100, and is used to send the coins successively thrown from the coin insertion port 102 to the sorting unit 120 one by one. The sorting unit 120 is arranged on the back side, that is, the rear part, of the coin processing device 100, and is used to determine the types of the coins sent from the separation unit 110 and send them to the corresponding conveying paths according to the types.

[0015] First, briefly describe the mechanism before the coin insertion and separation unit 110. Refer to Figure 10 , a detection sensor 116 is provided directly below the coin insertion port 102 to notify the microcomputer 191 of the control unit 190 of the coin insertion. A path switching baffle 117 and a solenoid 141 for opening and closing the baffle 117 are provided downstream of the detection sensor 116. When the microcomputer 191 can receive coins, it controls the solenoid 141 to switch the baffle 117 so that the inserted coins flow to the separation unit 110. On the other hand, when the microcomputer 191 cannot receive coins, it controls the solenoid 141 to switch the baffle 117 so that the inserted coins flow through the refund pipe 142 to the coin discharge port 103. <Structure of the separation unit 110>

[0016] Next, the separation unit 110 will be described. Return to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , a circular base 111 and a cylindrical side wall 112 are provided in the separation unit 110. A pick-up turntable 113 is arranged on the upper surface of the base 111. A plurality of holes 113X for coins to be inserted are formed in the pick-up turntable 113. In the present embodiment, three holes 113X are formed. That is, a hole 113X is formed every 120° around the drive shaft. The pick-up turntable 113 is driven by a motor described later, and thereby the coins inserted into the holes 113X are pushed out of the discharge port 112X at the rear of the side wall 112 one by one and sent to the sorting unit 120. More specifically, as the holes 113X of the pick-up turntable 113 move, the coins rotate in the clockwise direction when viewed from above, and when they hit the guide pins 114, 114, 114, they are pushed backward, that is, to the outside of the side wall 112, along the arrangement of the guide pins 114, 114, 114.

[0017] Here, the mechanism for sending the coins from the separation unit 110 to the sorting unit 120 one by one will be described. That is, for the coin processing device 100 of the present embodiment, the following mechanism is prepared: even when the coin conveyance starts through the pick-up turntable 113 in a state where multiple coins are overlapped in one hole 113X, only one coin is output from one hole 113X from the discharge port 112X of the recess of the separation unit 110.

[0018] More specifically, as described above, when a coin inserted into the hole 113X abuts against the guide pins 114, 114, 114, it is pushed by the turntable 113 while being taken in and is output from the discharge port 112X of the side wall 112 along the arrangement of the guide pins 114, 114, 114. However, as Figure 11 shown, when multiple coins are accommodated in the hole 113X in an overlapping state, multiple coins may be discharged from the discharge port 112X simultaneously.

[0019] Therefore, as Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, in the present embodiment, a scraper 115 for leaving the upper coin inside the side wall 112 is installed at the discharge port 112X of the side wall 112. The scraper 115 is configured to be able to lift in the clockwise direction when viewed from the side with the upper part as the axis. The scraper 115 is biased by a biasing member 118 in the direction of closing downward. In the state where the scraper 115 is closed downward, a gap of about 1 mm to 1.5 mm is formed between the lower end portion of the scraper 115 and the base 111.

[0020] In addition, in the present embodiment, the height of the portion of the guide pins 114, 114, 114 protruding upward from the surface of the base 111 is set to be lower than the thinnest coin targeted by the device. For example, it is about 1 mm or the like. Thus, even if two relatively thin coins enter the hole 113X of the turntable 113 in an overlapping manner, the lower coin C1 will be pushed by the guide pins 114, 114, 114 and discharged from the gap below the scraper 115 to the outside of the side wall 112, that is, to the sorting unit 120.

[0021] Moreover, even if the lower coin C1 is relatively thick, the coin C1 will be pushed upward along the guide pins 114, 114, 114 while being pushed by the turntable 113, and will be discharged from the discharge port 112X to the outside of the side wall 112, that is, to the sorting unit 120.

[0022] On the other hand, the upper coin C2 does not collide with the guide pin 114 but is pushed by the scraper 115 and thus is pushed toward the inside of the side wall 112.

[0023] In this way, in the present embodiment, even when the coins are sent in an overlapping state of two, only the upper coin C2 is blocked by the scraper 115 and advances above the guide pin 114, so only the lower coin C1 is sent to the sorting unit 120. <Structure of the sorting unit 120>

[0024] Next, the sorting unit 120 will be described. Refer to Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 14, a circular base 121 and a side wall 122 disposed on the outer periphery of the base 121 are provided in the sorting unit 120. A conveying rotating body 123 is disposed above the base 121. A plurality of conveying pins 123X, 123X... for pushing the coins forward while pushing them from the rear are formed on the conveying rotating body 123. In the present embodiment, five conveying pins 123X, 123X... are formed. That is, the conveying pins 123X, 123X... are installed one by one at intervals of 72° with the axis of the conveying rotating body 123 as the center. The conveying rotating body 123 is driven by the drive motor 106, so that the coins slide one by one in the counterclockwise direction in the path between the side wall 122 and the conveying guide 131 in a top view. That is, in the present embodiment, the sorting unit 120 can convey at most five coins at the same time, or send them out to the conveying path.

[0025] More specifically, the front end portion of the side wall 122 of the sorting unit 120, that is, the wall surface on the separation unit 110 side is opened to form a coin receiving port 122X. The coins received from the coin receiving port 122X are pushed by the conveying pins 123X and advance in the right direction between the side wall 122 and the conveying guide 131. That is, in a top view, the coins advance counterclockwise around the circular base 121.

[0026] The identification unit 130 uses a magnetic sensor 132 or the like to judge the authenticity of the coins sent by the conveying pins 123X, or determine the types of the coins. The identification unit 130 sends the judgment result and the determination result to the microcomputer 191 of the control unit 190. In the present embodiment, the memory of the microcomputer 191 stores the positions of the conveying paths or the storage boxes for each type of coin. The microcomputer 191 conveys the coins to the rejection path based on the judgment result and the determination result, or conveys them to the corresponding conveying paths and storage places according to the types.

[0027] More specifically, when the microcomputer 191 identifies through the identification unit 130 that the coin is a coin to be rejected, as Figure 15 shown, the sorting gate 1262 for the rejection path is opened, and the coin is sent out to the rejection conveying path 1510.

[0028] More specifically, as Figure 15 and Figure 16 (A) shows, for a certain coin, when the identification unit 130 judges that the coin is a coin to be rejected, the microcomputer 191 detects the passage of the coin through the timing sensor 1261. When the microcomputer 191 detects the passage of the coin, it controls the solenoid 1263 for the sorting gate 1262 to lower the sorting gate 1262. As a result, a part of the side wall 122 is opened.

[0029] Then, as Figure 15 and Figure 16As shown in (B), the microcomputer 191 lowers the rejection switching roller 1264 from the floating state to the base surface. As a result, the coin pushed by the conveying pin 123X is pushed by the switching roller 1264 and pushed outward. As a result, the coin flows down to the rejection conveying path 1250.

[0030] Further, in the present embodiment, at a position downstream of the rejection sorting gate 1262, as Figure 17 shown in (A), a sorting gate 1272 for sending the first type of coin to the outside of the sorting unit 120 through the conveying path 1511 and a sorting baffle 1275 for sending the second type of coin to the lower side of the sorting unit 120 through the conveying path 1512 are provided.

[0031] When the microcomputer 191 determines that the coin is the first type or the second type of coin through the identification unit 130, the timing sensor 1271 detects the passage of the coin. When the microcomputer 191 detects the passage of the first type of coin, as Figure 17 shown in the lower right figure of (B), that is, Figure 17 the solenoid 1273 for controlling the sorting gate 1272 is controlled to lower the sorting gate 1272. As a result, a part of the side wall 122 is opened.

[0032] In addition, as Figure 17 shown in (B), the microcomputer 191 lowers the switching roller 1274 for the first type of coin from the floating state to the base surface. As a result, the coin pushed by the conveying pin 123X is pushed by the switching roller 1274 and pushed outward. As a result, the coin flows down to the conveying path 1511 for the first type.

[0033] On the other hand, when the microcomputer 191 detects the passage of the second type of coin, as Figure 17 shown in the upper right figure of (C), that is, Figure 17 the solenoid 1276 for controlling the sorting baffle 1275 is controlled to lift the sorting baffle 1275. As a result, the lower part of the sorting baffle 1275 is opened. As a result, the second type of coin pushed by the conveying pin 123X passes under the sorting baffle 1275 and flows down to the conveying path 1512 for the second type provided below the sorting unit 120.

[0034] In the present embodiment, at a position downstream of the sorting gate 1272 for the first type, there are provided a sorting gate 1272 similar to Figure 17 (A) for sending the third type of coin to the outside of the sorting unit 120 through the conveying path and a sorting baffle 1275 for sending the fourth type of coin to the lower side of the sorting unit 120 through the conveying path.

[0035] More specifically, when the microcomputer 191 determines that the coin is a third-type or fourth-type coin through the identification unit 130, it detects the passage of the coin through the timing sensor 1271. When the microcomputer 191 detects the passage of the third-type coin, as Figure 17 shown in (B), it controls the solenoid 1273 for the sorting gate 1272 to lower the sorting gate 1272. As a result, a part of the side wall 122 is opened.

[0036] In addition, as Figure 17 shown in (B), the microcomputer 191 lowers the switching roller 1274 for the third-type coin from above to the base. As a result, the coin pushed by the conveying pin 123X is pushed by the switching roller 1274 and pushed outward. As a result, the coin flows down to the conveying path 1513 for the third type.

[0037] On the other hand, when the microcomputer 191 detects the passage of the fourth-type coin, as Figure 17 shown in (C), it controls the solenoid 1276 for the sorting baffle 1275 to lift the sorting baffle 1275. As a result, the lower part of the sorting baffle 1275 is opened. Thus, the fourth-type coin pushed by the conveying pin 123X passes under the sorting baffle 1275 and flows down to the conveying path 1514 for the fourth type provided below the sorting unit 120.

[0038] In the present embodiment, at a position downstream of the sorting gate 1272 for the third type, there are provided a sorting gate 1272 for the conveying path for sending out the fifth-type coin to the outside of the sorting unit 120, and a sorting baffle 1275 for the conveying path for sending out the sixth-type coin to the lower side of the sorting unit 120, which are the same as Figure 17 (A).

[0039] When the microcomputer 191 determines that the coin is a fifth-type or sixth-type coin through the identification unit 130, it detects the passage of the coin through the timing sensor 1271. When the microcomputer 191 detects the passage of the fifth-type coin, as Figure 17 shown in (B), it controls the solenoid 1273 for the sorting gate 1272 to lower the sorting gate 1272. As a result, a part of the side wall 122 is opened.

[0040] In addition, as Figure 17 shown in (B), the microcomputer 191 lowers the switching roller 1274 for the fifth-type coin from above to the base. As a result, the coin pushed by the conveying pin 123X is pushed by the switching roller 1274 and pushed outward. As a result, the coin flows down to the conveying path 1515 for the fifth type.

[0041] On the other hand, when the microcomputer 191 detects the passage of the sixth type of coin, as Figure 17 shown in (C), it controls the solenoid 1276 for the sorting baffle 1275 to lift the sorting baffle 1275. Thereby, the lower part of the sorting baffle 1275 is opened. Thereby, the sixth type of coin pushed by the conveying pin 123X passes under the sorting baffle 1275 and flows down to the conveying path 1516 for the sixth type provided below the sorting unit 120.

[0042] In the present embodiment, at a position downstream of the sorting gate 1272 for the fifth type, there is provided a sorting gate 1272 for the conveying path for sending out the seventh type of coin to the outside of the sorting unit 120, and a sorting baffle 1275 for the conveying path for sending out the eighth type of coin to the lower side of the sorting unit 120, which is the same as Figure 17 (A).

[0043] When the microcomputer 191 determines that the coin is the seventh or eighth type of coin through the identification unit 130, it detects the passage of the coin through the timing sensor 1271. When the microcomputer 191 detects the passage of the seventh type of coin, as Figure 17 shown in (B), it controls the solenoid 1273 for the sorting gate 1272 to lower the sorting gate 1272. Thereby, a part of the side wall 122 is opened.

[0044] In addition, as Figure 17 shown in (B), the microcomputer 191 lowers the switching roller 1274 for the third type of coin from above to the base. Thereby, the coin pushed by the conveying pin 123X is pushed by the switching roller 1274 and pushed outwards. As a result, the coin flows down to the conveying path 1517 for the seventh type.

[0045] On the other hand, when the microcomputer 191 detects the passage of the eighth type of coin, as Figure 17 shown in (C), it controls the solenoid 1276 for the sorting baffle 1275 to lift the sorting baffle 1275. Thereby, the lower part of the sorting baffle 1275 is opened. Thereby, the eighth type of coin pushed by the conveying pin 123X passes under the sorting baffle 1275 and flows down to the conveying path 1518 for the eighth type provided below the sorting unit 120.

[0046] As described above, the coin processing device 100 of the present embodiment conveys four types of coins to the outside of the circular sorting unit and four types of coins to the lower side, so that it can sort a plurality of coins more compactly than before.

[0047] Note that, in this embodiment, when the coin storage box of the coin payout unit 150 is full, the microcomputer 191 keeps all the sorting gates 1272 and sorting baffles 1275 closed, as Figure 3 shown, so that the coins that roughly circle the sorting unit 120 fall into the overflow conveying path 1519. <Driving mechanism for the separating unit 110 and the sorting unit 120>

[0048] Next, the driving mechanism for the separating unit 110 and the sorting unit 120 will be described. As Figure 18 and Figure 19 shown, the driving force of the driving motor 106 is transmitted to the separation drive shaft 1131 of the intake turntable 113 of the separating unit 110 via a plurality of gear sets 107, that is, the gear reduction unit. In this embodiment, between the gear set 107 and the separation drive shaft 1131, the driving force of the driving motor 106 is also provided to the conveying rotating body. More specifically, the driving force of the driving motor 106 is transmitted to the sorting drive shaft 1231 of the conveying rotating body 123 via an upper pulley 108T and a belt 1239 that are coaxial with the common shaft 1081 of the middle gear 108M disposed at the end of the gear set 107.

[0049] That is, in this embodiment, the intake turntable 113 of the separating unit 110 and the conveying rotating body 123 of the sorting unit 120 are driven simultaneously using the driving force of one driving motor 106.

[0050] In particular, in this embodiment, the timing of sending out coins by the rotation of the intake turntable 113 of the separating unit 110 is associated with the timing when the conveying pins 123X of the conveying rotating body 123 of the sorting unit 120 start to convey coins. As described above, the intake turntable 113 of the separating unit 110 has three holes 113X, 113X, 113X, and the conveying rotating body 123 of the sorting unit 120 has five conveying pins 123X, 123X, 123X, 123X, 123X. Therefore, the number of teeth of the middle gear 108M and the lower gear 108B of the common shaft 1081, the diameter of the upper pulley 108T, the number of teeth of the gear 1135 of the separation drive shaft 1131, the diameter of the pulley of the sorting drive shaft 1231, etc. are designed such that the conveying rotating body 123 of the sorting unit 120 rotates 72° during the period when the intake turntable 113 of the separating unit 110 rotates 120°.

[0051] Thus, in the coin handling device 100 of the present embodiment, the coins inserted from the coin insertion port 102 are separated one by one by the separation unit 110 and sent to the sorting unit 120. The three holes 113X, 113X, 113X of the intake turntable 113 and the five conveying pins 123X, 123X, 123X, 123X, 123X of the conveying rotating body 123 of the sorting unit 120 are synchronized with each other, and are configured to transfer coins at the same timing all the time. Then, the coins sent to the sorting unit 120 are determined for authenticity, denomination, etc. in the identification unit 130, and are conveyed to each conveying path based on the result. <Clogging release mechanism>

[0052] Next, a mechanism for recovery in the case where the intake turntable 113 of the separation unit 110 stops, for example, in the case of coin jamming, will be described. In the present embodiment, as Figure 20 shown, when the intake turntable 113 stops, for a certain period, the common shaft 1081 and the sorting unit 120 continue to be driven in a state where the transmission to the separation drive shaft 1131 is released.

[0053] More specifically, in the present embodiment, when the separation unit 110 is jammed, as Figure 21 shown, the driving force of the drive motor 106 is transmitted to the middle gear 108M, the upper pulley 108T, and the sorting unit 120, but the transmission of the driving force to the lower gear 108B and the separation drive shaft 1131 is cut off.

[0054] More specifically, referring to Figure 19 and Figure 21 , a middle gear 108M for receiving the driving force from the gear set 107 is provided in the middle of the common shaft 1081. An upper pulley 108T is provided at the upper part of the common shaft 1081. A lower gear 108B is provided at the lower part of the common shaft 1081. The lower gear 108B is urged upward by a push spring 109.

[0055] In the present embodiment, as Figure 22 shown, the middle gear 108M is composed of a gear portion 108MA that rotates integrally with the common shaft 1081 and a clutch portion 108MB having a convex portion 108X formed on the lower surface. As long as the two rotate integrally, the two components can be fixedly assembled or integrally formed. An inclined portion 108XA that contacts or slides with an inclined portion 108YA of the lower gear 108B described later, and an upright portion 108XB for abutting against an upright portion 108YB of the lower gear 108B described later are formed on the convex portion 108X.

[0056] As Figure 23As shown, the lower gear 108B has a groove portion 108Y formed on its upper surface that can accommodate the convex portion 108X of the middle gear 108M. An inclined portion 108YA opposed to the inclined portion 108XA of the convex portion 108X and an upright portion 108YB opposed to the upright portion 108XB are formed in a part of the groove portion 108Y. The lower gear 108B is pivotally supported on the common shaft 1081 so as to be able to rotate idly, and is configured to be engaged with the clutch portion 108MB of the middle gear 108M by the pressing spring 109.

[0057] And, usually, due to the acting force of the pressing spring 109, the convex portion 108X of the middle gear 108M enters the groove portion 108Y of the lower gear 108B. In a state where the inclined portion 108XA of the middle gear 108M abuts against the inclined portion 108YA of the lower gear 108B, the driving force transmitted to the middle gear 108M is transmitted to the lower gear 108B. As a result, the separation drive shaft 1131 is driven via the separation gear 1135.

[0058] However, when the sorting unit 120, the coin intake turntable 113, and the separation drive shaft 1131 stop, for example, when a coin gets stuck in the coin intake turntable 113, as Figure 24 shown, it is configured that the inclined portion 108XA of the convex portion 108X of the clutch portion 108MB of the middle gear 108M pushes the inclined portion 108YA of the lower gear 108B, thereby pushing the lower gear 108B downward against the acting force of the pressing spring 109. That is, the convex portion 108X of the middle gear 108M crosses over the inclined portion 108YA of the lower gear 108B.

[0059] After crossing over, the convex portion 108X of the middle gear 108M moves without resistance inside the groove portion 108Y of the lower gear 108B. That is, during the period before the convex portion 108X reaches the inclined portion 108YA again, the middle gear 108M and the common shaft 1081 can rotate idly relative to the lower gear 108B. That is, in a state where the separation unit 110 stops, the common shaft 1081, the upper pulley 108T, and the sorting unit 120 are in a driven state.

[0060] More specifically, in the present embodiment, as described above, the coin intake turntable 113 and the conveying rotating body 123 are configured to transfer coins one by one synchronously. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a step clutch gear composed of the lower gear 108B and the middle gear 108M is provided on the common shaft 1081 that is a branch of the separation unit 110 and the sorting unit 120. Thus, when a load above a certain level is applied due to the stop of the coin intake turntable 113, this step clutch automatically disengages, and in a state where the drive to the coin intake turntable 113 is cut off, only the conveying rotating body 123 can be driven.

[0061] Here, as Figure 19 shown, in the present embodiment, a separation sensor 1133 and a sorting sensor 1233 are provided. The separation sensor 1133 is used to detect the rotation of the separation drive shaft 1131, which is the drive shaft of the loading turntable 113, and the sorting sensor 1233 is used to detect the rotation of the sorting drive shaft 1231, which is the drive shaft of the conveying rotating body 123. Thus, the microcomputer 191 of the present embodiment can detect whether the loading turntable 113 is rotating forward, stopped, or rotating backward via the separation sensor 1133. In addition, the microcomputer 191 can detect whether the conveying rotating body 123 is rotating forward, stopped, or rotating backward via the sorting sensor 1233.

[0062] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the microcomputer 191 is programmed such that when it is detected via the sorting sensor 1233 that the sorting unit 120 has rotated a predetermined amount or a predetermined time since the separation unit 110 was detected to have stopped via the separation sensor 1133, it is determined that all sorting of the coins in the sorting unit 120 has been processed, and the reverse rotation of the drive motor 106 is performed to carry out the reverse rotation operation of the separation unit 110 and the sorting unit 120.

[0063] For example, after the microcomputer 191 detects via the separation sensor 1133 that the separation drive shaft 1131 has stopped, when it is confirmed via the sorting sensor 1233 that the sorting drive shaft 1231 has rotated a predetermined angle, such as 300°, the drive motor 106 is rotated in the reverse direction.

[0064] That is, in the present embodiment, the number of teeth of various gears of the common shaft 1081, the diameter of the upper pulley 108T, the diameter of the pulley of the sorting drive shaft 1231, etc. are designed such that the sorting drive shaft 1231 can rotate at least a predetermined angle, such as 300°, during the period from when the convex portion 108X crosses the inclined portion 108YA until it reaches the inclined portion 108YA again.

[0065] It should be noted that when the drive motor 106 rotates in the reverse direction, the convex portion 108X of the middle gear 108M enters the groove portion 108Y of the lower gear 108B due to the acting force of the compression spring 109. After the middle gear 108M rotates in the reverse direction by a predetermined amount, in the state where the upright portion 108XB of the middle gear 108M abuts against the upright portion 108YB of the lower gear 108B, the driving force transmitted to the middle gear 108M is transmitted to the lower gear 108B. As a result, the separation drive shaft 1131 and the sorting drive shaft 1231 are driven in the reverse direction together via the separation gear 1135.

[0066] After that, the microcomputer 191 is programmed to rotate the drive motor 106 forward again when it is detected via the separation sensor 1133 that the separation drive shaft 1131 has reversed a specified angle, such as 360°. Even during forward rotation, due to the acting force of the push spring 109, the convex portion 108X of the middle gear 108M enters the groove portion 108Y of the lower gear 108B. After the middle gear 108M rotates a specified amount, the driving force transmitted to the middle gear 108M is transmitted to the lower gear 108B in a state where the inclined portion 108XA of the middle gear 108M abuts against the inclined portion 108YA of the lower gear 108B. As a result, the separation drive shaft 1131 and the sorting drive shaft 1231 are driven in the positive direction via the separation gear 1135.

[0067] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the guide pins 114, 114, 114 are provided at a position downstream of the discharge port 112X. More specifically, as Figure 25 shown, the guide pins 114, 114, 114 are provided on the downstream side of the guide member 114X. And, inclined portions 114Y, 114Y, 114Y are formed at positions on the guide member 114X downstream of the guide pins 114, 114, 114. And, the guide member 114X is pivotally supported by the upstream end of its base portion 114Z so as to be rotatable and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction, and is biased upward by a push spring 1149.

[0068] Thus, when the coin flowing into the hole 113X comes, the coin collides with the vertical side surfaces of the guide pins 114, 114, 114 and is guided to the discharge port 112X.

[0069] It should be noted that the coin insertion turntable 113 is held in a state of floating to a position slightly higher than the protruding amount of the guide pin 114.

[0070] And, as described above, when the coin insertion turntable 113 reverses, the coin, the coin insertion turntable 113 come into contact with the inclined portions 114Y, 114Y, 114Y, and the guide member 114X is pushed downward, so that it can reverse smoothly. <Second Embodiment>

[0071] In the above embodiment, as Figure 11 , Figure 13 shown, a scraper 115 for leaving the upper coin C2 inside the side wall 112 is installed at the discharge port 112X of the side wall 112 of the separation unit 110. However, the mechanism for sending only one coin C1 from the separation unit 110 to the sorting unit 120 is not limited to such a structure.

[0072] Refer to Figures 26 to 29, in the separating part 110B of the present embodiment, a circular base 111 and a cylindrical side wall 112 are provided. On the upper surface of the base 111, a loading turntable 213 is arranged. A plurality of holes 213X for inserting coins are formed in the loading turntable 213. In the present embodiment, three holes 213X are formed. That is, the holes 213X are formed one every 120° with the drive shaft as the center.

[0073] Moreover, in each of the three holes 213X, an outlet 213Y for one coin's worth is formed at the outer rear side. A scraper 215 is provided at each outlet 213Y. The scraper 215 is configured to be able to slide in the vertical direction and is biased downward by a spring or the like.

[0074] In the present embodiment, in a top view, the front surface of the scraper 215 is formed into a curved surface shape having the same curvature as the inner circumference of the hole 213X of the loading turntable 213. That is, in a top view, the hole 213X and the scraper 215 form a smooth circle.

[0075] Then, as Figures 30 to 31 shown, the loading turntable 213 is rotated by the drive motor 106, so that the coins C1 falling into the holes 213X are pushed by the scraper 215 and are pushed out one by one from the outlet 213Y of the hole 213X and the outlet 212X at the rear of the side wall 212 and are sent to the sorting part 120. More specifically, as the holes 213X of the loading turntable 213 move, the coin C1 rotates in the clockwise direction in a top view. When it collides with the guide pins 114, 114, 114, it is pushed obliquely rearward along the arrangement of the guide pins 114, 114, 114, that is, to the outside of the side wall 112.

[0076] Next, the mechanism for sending the coins one by one from the separating part 210 to the sorting part 120 in the present embodiment will be described in detail. That is, for the coin processing device 100 of the present embodiment, the following mechanism is also prepared: even when the conveyance of the coins C1 and C2 is started by the loading turntable 213 in a state where multiple coins C1 and C2 are overlapped in one hole 213X, only one coin C1 is pushed out from the outlet 213Y of one hole 213X and the outlet 112X.

[0077] More specifically, when one or more coins C1 and C2 falling into the hole 213X abut against the guide pins 114, 114, 114, they move along the arrangement of the guide pins 114, 114, 114 while being pushed by the side surface of the hole 213X of the loading turntable 213 and the scraper 215. Here, when multiple coins C1 and C2 are stored in the hole 213X in an overlapped state, it is possible that the multiple coins C1 and C2 are simultaneously pushed toward the outlet 112X.

[0078] Therefore, first, in the present embodiment, as Figure 32 shown, a scraping plate 215 is provided obliquely behind each of the three holes 213X. The scraping plate 215 has an inclined surface 215X formed on its lower surface. The scraping plate 215 is configured to be slidable in the vertical direction and is biased downward by an elastic member 215Y.

[0079] It should be noted that the scraping plate 215 of the present embodiment is configured to stop at a position higher than the thickness of the assumed coin C1 by +α mm when pushed upward. It should be noted that in a state where the scraping plate 115 is closed downward, a gap of about 1 mm to 1.5 mm is formed between the lower end portion of the scraping plate 115 and the base 111.

[0080] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the height of the portions of the guide pins 114, 114, 114 protruding upward from the surface of the base 111 is set to be lower than the thinnest coin targeted by the device. For example, it is about 1 mm or the like. Thus, even if two thinner coins enter the holes 213X of the loading turntable 213 overlappingly, only the lowermost coin C1 is pushed by the guide pins 114, 114, 114, and the inclined surface 215X of the scraping plate 215 is pushed backward and upward. That is, the scraping plate 215 is lifted upward against the acting force. As a result, only the lowermost coin C1 is discharged to the sorting unit 120 through the discharge port 213Y and the discharge port 112X of the side wall 112.

[0081] Moreover, even if the thickness of the lower coin C1 is about α mm, the coin C1 is pushed upward along the guide pins 114, 114, 114 while being pushed by the loading turntable 213, and is discharged from the discharge port 213Y and the discharge port 112X to the outside of the side wall 112, that is, to the sorting unit 120.

[0082] On the other hand, the upper coin C2 does not collide with the guide pin 114 but is blocked by the scraping plate 215 and is pushed back to the inside of the side wall 112 and the hole 213X.

[0083] In this way, in the present embodiment, even when the coins are sent in an overlapping state of two, only the upper coin C2 is blocked by the scraping plate 215 and advances above the guide pin 114. Therefore, only the lower coin C1 is sent to the sorting unit 120.

[0084] Due to such a structure, the separating unit 110B of the present embodiment has the following effects, for example.

[0085] As Figure 33As shown, the height (gap) between the coin discharge port 213Y and the base 111 of the coin input turntable 213 is the thickness of the coin with the target maximum thickness + α mm. Therefore, when the smallest coin of a type with a difference in maximum thickness and minimum thickness of about 2 times is inserted, they may be conveyed overlappingly. However, since the height of the delivery guide pins 114, 114... is set lower than the target thinnest coin, even if two thin coins enter the holes 213X of the coin input turntable 213 overlappingly, the upper coin C2 will not collide with the guide pins 114, 114..., but will be pushed back to the inside of the side walls 112 and the holes 213X.

[0086] In addition, the states of the coins agitated by the coin input turntable 213 are diverse. Depending on the shapes of the guide pins 114, 114... and the coin input turntable 213, the coin C2 may also be pushed toward the sorting unit 120 along with the ejected coin C1. When a scraper is installed on the side wall 112, the coin C2 enters a position outside the inner peripheral surface of the hole 213X, which may prevent the upper coin C2 from smoothly returning to the coin input turntable 213. In the separation unit 110B of the present embodiment, since the front surface of the scraper 215 is located on the same curved surface as the inner peripheral surface of the hole 213X, the overlapping upper coin C1 can be more smoothly returned to the coin input turntable 213.

[0087] In addition, regarding the device with a scraper provided on the side wall 112, as Figure 34 (A) shows, the coin may enter between the rear of the hole 213X and the side wall 112. Therefore, when the diameter of the hole 213X is 32 mm, it is possible for two coins of about 20 mm to be discharged from the discharge port 112X simultaneously. However, as Figure 34 (B) shows, by providing the scraper 215 along the hole 213X, when the diameter of the hole 213X is 32 mm, the possibility of two coins of about 18 mm entering simultaneously becomes lower. That is, the separation unit 110B of the present embodiment can reduce the possibility of discharging two coins simultaneously, even if they are small coins. <Third Embodiment>

[0088] In the above embodiment, four types of coins are sent out to the outside of the sorting unit 120 via four sorting gates 1272, and four coin conveying paths are provided below the sorting unit 120 via four sorting baffles 1275. However, the number of gates and the number of outer conveying paths are not limited, and the number of baffles and the number of lower conveying paths are also not limited.

[0089] In addition, it is possible to provide only one or more gates and provide a conveying path only on the outside of the sorting unit 120, or to provide only one or more baffles and provide a conveying path only below the sorting unit 120. <Fourth Embodiment>

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the intake turntable 113 of the separation unit 110 and the conveying rotating body 123 of the sorting unit 120 are driven or reversed by one drive motor 106. However, the intake turntable 113 of the separation unit 110 and the conveying rotating body 123 of the sorting unit 120 may also be driven by separate motors. Moreover, the microcomputer 191 can drive these motors or reverse them based on the detection results of the separation sensor 1133 and the sorting sensor 1233.

[0091] In the present embodiment, when a coin jams in the separation unit 110, the microcomputer 191 can rotate only the sorting unit 120 forward while rotating only the separation unit 110 backward or forward. <Fifth Embodiment>

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, the coin processing device 100 processes coins, but the objects to be sorted are not limited to coins having monetary value. They may also be game coins used in games, etc., and it is also possible to identify the types of other round metals, or to sort them, or to determine their authenticity. <Summary>

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, there is provided a coin processing device including a separation unit that receives coins or game coins and sends them out one by one at intervals. The separation unit includes: a rotating member having a plurality of hole portions formed at intervals, where at least one coin or game coin is placed in the hole portion; a convex portion disposed below the rotating member for guiding the coin or game coin to the outlet of the separation unit; and a baffle that applies a force in the direction of closing the outlet and is pushed open by the coin or game coin guided by the convex portion.

[0094] Preferably, the baffle is formed with an inclined surface that constitutes the side wall of the hole portion, is applied with a downward force, and the inclined surface is pushed outward by the coin or game coin, whereby the baffle is pushed upward against the acting force.

[0095] Preferably, the baffle is provided on the outer periphery of the separation unit and is configured to be able to rotate outward while applying a force inward with its upper end as an axis.

[0096] Preferably, it further includes a sorting unit that receives coins or game coins one by one from the separation unit, moves the coins or game coins along an arc, determines the types of the coins or game coins, and guides them to the paths for each type.

[0097] Preferably, the sorting device includes a plurality of conveying members that move along an arc. Each of the plurality of conveying members advances a coin or a gaming token. The interval at which a plurality of coins or gaming tokens are sent out by the separating unit is configured to be the same as the interval at which the plurality of conveying members pass through the coin or gaming token identification unit.

[0098] Preferably, it further includes a common motor that drives the rotating member of the separating unit and the conveying member of the sorting unit.

[0099] It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is represented by the claims, rather than by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Description of Reference Numerals

[0100] 100: Coin handling device 101: Housing 102: Coin insertion port 103: Coin discharge port 104: Recovery port 105: Coin identification and sorting unit 106: Drive motor 107: Gear set 108M: Middle gear 108MA: Gear portion 108MB: Clutch portion 108X: Protrusion 108XA: Inclined portion 108XB: Upright portion 108B: Lower gear 108Y: Groove portion 108YA: Inclined portion 108YB: Upright portion 108T: Upper pulley 109: Push spring 110: Separating unit 110B: Separating unit 111: Base 112: Side wall 112X: Discharge port 113: Loading turntable 113X: Coin storage hole 213: Loading turntable 213X: Coin storage hole 213Y: Coin discharge port 114: Guide pin 114X: Guide member 114Y: Inclined portion 114Z: Guide base 115: Scraper 215: Scraper 215X: Inclined plane 215Y: Elastic member 116: Detection sensor 117: Passage switching baffle 118: Biasing member 120: Sorting section 121: Base 122: Side wall 122X: Coin receiving port 123: Conveyor rotating body 123X: Conveyor pin 130: Identification section 131: Conveyor guide 132: Magnetic sensor 141: Solenoid 142: Return pipe 150: Coin payout section 151: Upper payout section 152: Lower payout section 190: Control section 191: Microcomputer 1081: Common shaft 1131: Separation drive shaft 1133: Separation sensor 1135: Separation gear 1149: Push spring 1231: Sorting drive shaft 1233: Sorting sensor 1239: Belt 1250: Conveyor path 1261: Timing sensor 1262: Sorting gate 1263: Solenoid 1264: Switching roller 1271: Timing sensor 1272: Sorting gate 1273: Solenoid 1274: Switching roller 1275: Sorting baffle 1276: Solenoid 1510: Reject conveyor path 1511: First conveyor path 1512: Second conveyor path 1513: Third conveying path 1514: Fourth conveying path 1515: Fifth conveying path 1516: Sixth conveying path 1517: Seventh conveying path 1518: Eighth conveying path 1519: Overflow conveying path C1: Coin C2: Coin

Claims

1. A coin handling device, characterized in that, the coin handling device includes a separating part for receiving coins or tokens and sending out the coins or tokens one by one at intervals; the separating part includes: a rotating member formed with a plurality of hole parts at intervals, and at least one coin or token is arranged in the hole parts; a convex part arranged below the rotating member for guiding the coin or token to the outlet of the separating part; and a baffle plate applying a force in the direction of closing the outlet and being pushed open by the coin or token guided by the convex part.

2. The coin handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the baffle plate is formed with an inclined surface constituting the side wall of the hole part and applies a force downward, and the inclined surface is pushed outward by the coin or token, whereby the baffle plate is pushed upward against the acting force.

3. The coin handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the baffle plate is arranged on the outer periphery of the separating part and is configured to rotate outward while applying a force inward with the upper end as an axis.

4. The coin handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the coin handling device further includes a sorting part for receiving the coins or tokens one by one from the separating part, moving the coins or tokens along an arc, judging the types of the coins or tokens, and guiding the coins or tokens to the paths of each type.

5. The coin handling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, the sorting part includes a plurality of conveying members moving along the arc, each of the plurality of conveying members propels one coin or token, the interval at which the separating part sends out a plurality of coins or tokens is configured to be the same as the interval at which the plurality of conveying members pass through the identification part of the coins or tokens.

6. The coin handling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, the coin handling device further includes a common motor for driving the rotating member of the separating part and the conveying members of the sorting part.

Images