Coin storage device and change receiving and dispensing machine

Abstract

To provide a technology to make jamming of a coin hard when the conveyed coin is stored.SOLUTION: A coin storage device includes a conveyance path 33, a coin storage and a storage control unit 34. The coin storage unit includes a first storage and a second storage. The storage control unit 34 controls storage of the coin to the coin storage. The second storage is located on a downstream side of the first storage in a conveyance direction of the coin. The conveyance path 33 includes first communication ports HAa to HBb communicated to the first storage, and second communication ports HCa to HCb communicated to the second storage. The storage control unit 34 includes lid parts 342 for the first communication ports HAa to HBb. The storage control unit 34, when the coin corresponds to the first storage, controls the lid part 342 to bring the first communication ports HAa to HBb into a first state, and when the coin does not correspond to the first storage, controls the lid part 342 to bring the first communication ports HAa to HBb into a second state. The conveyed coin passes through the first communication ports in the first state and the conveyed coin does not pass through the first communication ports in the second state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin storage device and a change depositing / dispensing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] An automatic settlement machine installed in a vending machine, a self-service gas station, or a supermarket has a built-in depositing / dispensing machine for depositing and dispensing bills and coins. The following Patent Document 1 discloses a coin storage device for such a change depositing / dispensing machine for coins and the like. This coin storage device has a coin transport path, coin storage chambers for each denomination, and communication ports communicating with each coin storage chamber. The communication ports are provided on the transport path facing each coin storage chamber. In addition, this coin storage device has shutters for opening and closing each communication port. The coin storage device opens and closes shutters corresponding to each coin storage chamber according to the denomination of the coins transported to the transport path, and stores coins of each denomination in the corresponding coin storage chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6605967 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of the coin storage device, the shutter needs to be opened and closed for all denominations, so the shutter opening and closing process takes time. Therefore, the shutter opening and closing cannot keep up with the coin transport speed, and coins tend to get stuck.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for preventing coins from becoming clogged when transported coins are stored. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The coin storage device according to the present invention includes a transport path, a coin storage unit, and a storage control unit. The transport path transports coins. The coin storage unit is a coin storage unit in which coins are stored by denomination, and includes a first storage unit and a second storage unit provided opposite the transport path. The storage control unit controls storage of coins transported to the transport path in the coin storage unit. The first storage unit and the second storage unit are arranged in parallel along the transport direction of the transport path, and the second storage unit is arranged downstream of the first storage unit in the transport direction. The transport path has a first communication port communicating with the first storage unit, and a second communication port arranged downstream of the first communication port and communicating with the second storage unit. The storage control unit includes a cover provided for the first communication port. The storage control unit controls the cover unit to put the first communication port into a first state if the transported coin is of a denomination compatible with the first storage unit, and controls the cover unit to put the first communication port into a second state if the transported coin is not of a denomination compatible with the first storage unit. The first state is a state in which the transported coin can pass through the first communication port. The second state is a state in which the transported coin cannot pass through the first communication port.

[0007] A change depositing and dispensing machine according to the present invention includes the above coin storage device and an ejection mechanism. The ejection mechanism ejects coins stored in the coin storage device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the above configuration, the coins are less likely to become clogged when the transported coins are stored. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a change depositing and dispensing machine according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a coin transport path in the coin transport device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a part of the transport path of the coin transporting device. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a default state of the transport switching mechanism. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the conveyance switching mechanism is activated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a change depositing and dispensing machine 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the change depositing and dispensing machine 100 includes a coin storage vault 1, a coin insertion port 10, a coin recognition unit 20, a coin transport device 30, a motor M, a coin payout port 40, and a control unit 50. The coin storage vault 1 is an example of a coin storage unit.

[0012] The change depositing and dispensing machine 100 transports coins K (not shown) inserted into the coin insertion slot 10 to the coin storage vault 1 by the coin transporting device 30. Then, the change depositing and dispensing machine 100 drives the motor M to dispense the coins K transported to the coin storage vault 1 from the coin dispensing outlet 40. Each part of the change depositing and dispensing machine 100 will be specifically described below.

[0013] The coin insertion slot 10 receives coins (money) K (not shown) whose denominations have not been selected.

[0014] The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the coin recognition unit 20, the coin transport device 30, and the motor M. The control unit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memories (ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory)). The CPU executes a control program stored in the ROM, whereby the control unit 50 controls each unit connected to the control unit 50.

[0015] The coin recognition unit 20 is an example of a discrimination unit. The coin recognition unit 20 is provided inside the coin transporting device 30. The coin recognition unit 20 includes a sensor that identifies the denomination of the coin K from, for example, the size (including thickness), weight, and / or material. The coin recognition unit 20 outputs the result of identifying the denomination of the coin K transported by the coin transporting device 30 to the control unit 50.

[0016] The coin storage vault 1 includes a coin storage chamber 1A, a coin storage chamber 1B, and a coin storage chamber 1C. Each of the coin storage chambers 1A to 1C is detachable from the change depositing and dispensing machine 100. The coin storage chamber 1A includes a first chamber 1Aa and a second chamber 1Ab, and the first chamber 1Aa and the second chamber 1Ab store, for example, 1-yen coins and 5-yen coins, respectively. The coin storage chamber 1B includes a first chamber 1Ba and a second chamber 1Bb, and the first chamber 1Ba and the second chamber 1Bb store, for example, 10-yen coins and 50-yen coins, respectively. The coin storage chamber 1C includes a first chamber 1Ca and a second chamber 1Cb, and the first chamber 1Ca and the second chamber 1Cb store, for example, 100-yen coins and 500-yen coins, respectively. Although not shown, a storage chamber for storing non-coins other than the coins K may be provided in the change depositing / dispensing machine 100.

[0017] A motor M is provided for each of the coin storage chambers 1A, 1B, and 1C. The motor M is driven under the control of the control unit 50 to dispense the coins K stored in the coin storage chambers 1A to 1C to the coin dispensing outlet 40.

[0018] Next, the coin transporting device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a transport path of coins K in the coin transporting device 30. Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a part of the transport path 33 of the coin transporting device 30 as seen from the side.

[0019] 1, the coin transporting device 30 includes a transport path 31, a hopper 32, a transport path 33, a transport switching mechanism 34, and a transport mechanism (see, for example, FIG. 3). The transport mechanism is installed on the transport path 31 and the transport path 33.

[0020] The conveying path 31 and the conveying path 33 are connected to the hopper 32. A coin K inserted into the coin insertion slot 10 is conveyed from the conveying path 31 to the hopper 32 by a conveying mechanism (not shown) on the conveying path 31 under the control of the control unit 50. The conveying mechanism on the conveying path 31 includes, for example, a conveying roller, a conveying belt, a motor, etc. (not shown). The hopper 32 stores the coin K transported from the conveying path 31, and sends the stored coin K to the conveying path 33.

[0021] The transport mechanism on the transport path 33 has two transport units 33a and 33b, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. Each of the transport units 33a and 33b includes a pulley 331, an endless belt 332, transport surfaces 333a and 333b, and a motor (not shown). The endless belt 332 is a rubber member. The endless belt 332 is stretched around the pulley 331. In the transport unit 33a, the endless belt 332 is provided below the transport surface 333a. Also, in the transport unit 33b, the endless belt 332 is provided above the transport surface 333b. A coin K is sandwiched between the endless belt 332 and the transport surfaces 333a and 333b of the transport units 33a and 33b, respectively.

[0022] The pulleys 331 and the endless belt 332 are rotated by motors (not shown) of the transport units 33a and 33b driven by the control unit 50. The endless belt 332 in the transport unit 33a rotates in the direction of arrow C, and the endless belt 332 in the transport unit 33b rotates in the direction of arrow B opposite to the direction of arrow C. By rotating the two endless belts 332 in the opposite directions, the coin K sandwiched between the endless belt 332 and the transport surfaces 333a and 333b is transported so as to slide on the transport surfaces 333a and 333b in the direction indicated by arrow A.

[0023] The coin recognition unit 20 is provided on the transport surface 333a of the transport unit 33a, and recognizes the denomination of the coin K sent out from the hopper 32 (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 2), and outputs the recognition result to the control unit 50. In this embodiment, the coin recognition unit 20 recognizes all denominations corresponding to the coin storage chambers 1A to 1C.

[0024] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the first chamber 1Aa of the coin storage chamber 1A is provided below the transport surface 333b. Although not shown in Fig. 3, the second chamber 1Ab and the coin storage chambers 1B and 1C are provided below the transport surface 333b, similar to the first chamber 1Aa. In other words, the coin storage chamber 1 is provided facing the transport surface 333b of the transport unit 33b. The transport surface 333b will be specifically described below with reference to Figs. 2 and 4A.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, the conveying surface 333b has six communication ports HAa, HAb, HBa, HBb, HCa, and HCb from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The communication ports HAa and HAb are openings that communicate with the insides of the first chamber 1Aa and the second chamber 1Ab of the coin storage chamber 1A, respectively. The communication ports HBa and HBb are openings that communicate with the insides of the first chamber 1Ba and the second chamber 1Bb of the coin storage chamber 1B, respectively. The communication ports HCa and HCb are openings that communicate with the insides of the first chamber 1Ca and the second chamber 1Cb of the coin storage chamber 1C, respectively.

[0026] In this embodiment, the coin storage chambers 1A and 1B are an example of a first storage section and a first storage chamber, and the communication ports HAa, HAb, HBa, and HBb are an example of a first communication port. The coin storage chamber 1C is an example of a second storage section and a second storage chamber, and the communication ports HCa and HCb are an example of a second communication port.

[0027] The communication ports HAa, HAb, HBa, and HBb are each provided with a transport switching mechanism 34. Each transport switching mechanism 34 includes a switching portion 341 and a lid portion 342.

[0028] Fig. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a default state of the conveyance switching mechanism 34. More specifically, Fig. 4A is a view showing a default state of the conveyance switching mechanism 34 for the communication port HAa. Although not shown, the conveyance switching mechanism 34 for the communication ports HAb, HBa, and HBb also has a structure similar to that shown in Fig. 4A.

[0029] The switching unit 341 is formed of, for example, a solenoid, and includes a movable iron core 3411 shown in Fig. 4A. The cover unit 342 includes a movable member 3421, a shaft member 3422, a fixed member 3423, and a spring 3424 as shown in Fig. 4A, as an example of a cover member.

[0030] The movable member 3421 has a flat plate shape, and the movable core 3412 penetrates the movable member 3421. The movable member 3421 is rotatably connected to the fixed member 3423 via the shaft member 3422. The spring 3424 is wound around a part of the movable core 3411 located closer to the switching unit 341 than the movable member 3421, and one end of the spring 3424 is fixed to the movable member 3421.

[0031] The switching unit 341 is energized under the control of the control unit 50 (see FIG. 1). The default state of the transport switching mechanism 34 shown in FIG. 4A is a state in which no current is applied to the inside of the switching unit 341, that is, a state in which the switching unit 341 is not operating. In this state, the movable member 3421 is biased by the spring 3424 so that the movable member 3421 is at the same height as the transport surface 333b and keeps the movable member 3421 horizontal. At this time, the movable member 3421 is separated from the transport surface 333b to such an extent that coins K of any denomination do not fall.

[0032] When the denomination identified by the coin recognition unit 20 is the denomination corresponding to the first chamber 1Aa, the control unit 50 energizes the switching unit 341 shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the switching unit 341 of the transport switching mechanism 34 is energized. When the switching unit 341 operates, the movable iron core 3411 is attracted toward the switching unit 341. As the movable iron core 3411 moves, the movable member 3421 rotates, and the end of the movable member 3421 opposite to the shaft member 3422 is raised to a position higher than the transport surface 333b. In this state, the coin K passes through the communication opening HAa, and the coin K is stored in the first chamber 1Aa.

[0033] In other words, when the switching unit 341 is in an energized state (FIG. 4B), this is a first state in which coin K can pass through the first communication opening in which the switching unit 341 is provided, and when the switching unit 341 is in a non-energized state (FIG. 4A), this is a second state in which coin K cannot pass through the first communication opening in which the switching unit 341 is provided.

[0034] In this embodiment, the default state of the communication ports HAa, HAb, HBa, and HBb is the first state. Only when the coin K transported to the transport path 33 is of a denomination corresponding to the coin storage chambers 1A and 1B, the control unit 50 sets the communication port corresponding to the denomination to the second state, and then returns it to the first state. In other words, if the coin K is of a denomination corresponding to the coin storage chamber 1C, the control unit 50 does not operate any of the switching units 341, and maintains the communication ports HAa, HAb, HBa, and HBb in the first state.

[0035] Next, the communication ports HCa and HCb (an example of a second communication port) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication ports HCa and HCb each have a rectangular shape. The lengths L1 and L2 in the conveyance direction of the communication ports HCa and HCb respectively satisfy the relationship L1 < L2. Also, the lengths W1 and W2 in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the communication ports HCa and HCb respectively satisfy the relationship W1 < W2. The communication port HCa is sized such that a coin KCa (for example, a 100-yen coin) corresponding to the coin storage chamber 1Ca can pass through, and a coin KCb (for example, a 500-yen coin) corresponding to the coin storage chamber 1Cb cannot pass through. Further, the communication port HCb is sized such that the coins KCa and KCb can pass through.

[0037] The communication port HCa is arranged on the upstream side in the conveyance direction from the communication port HCb. Therefore, when the conveyed coin is a 500-yen coin, that is, the coin KCb, the coin KCb passes through the communication port HCb without passing through the communication port HCa and is stored in the second chamber 1Cb. That is, only the coin KCa passes through the communication port HCa, and the coin KCb passes over the communication port HCa and passes through the communication port HCb.

[0038] In addition, in the present embodiment, the conveyance switching mechanism 34 and the control unit 50 are an example of a storage control unit. Also, in the present embodiment, the coin storage 1, the coin discrimination unit 20, the conveyance path 33, the conveyance units 33a, 33b, the conveyance switching mechanism 34, and the control unit 50 are an example of a coin storage device.

[0039] In the above-described embodiment, the conveyance switching mechanism 34 is not provided for all the communication ports HAa, HAb, HBa, HBb, HCa, HCb for all denominations, but is provided only for the communication ports HAa, HAb, HBa, HBb for some denominations. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the component cost required for the conveyance switching mechanism 34 and to save space. Also, by configuring in this way, the process of rotating the movable member 3421 of the conveyance switching mechanism 34 is reduced compared to rotating the movable member 3421 for all denominations. Therefore, coins are less likely to jam during storage, and coins can be stored at a higher speed.

[0040] In the embodiment, of the communication ports HCa and HCb (second communication ports) for two coins (e.g., a 100 yen coin and a 500 yen coin), the communication port HCa corresponding to the 100 yen coin, whose outer diameter is smaller than that of the 500 yen coin, is arranged upstream of the communication port HCb corresponding to the 500 yen coin. In other words, when a plurality of second communication ports not provided with the conveyance switching mechanism 34 are arranged on the conveyance surface 333b, the second communication ports are arranged so that the size of the second communication ports becomes smaller toward the upstream side. As a result, coins corresponding to each second communication port can be appropriately stored even if the conveyance switching mechanism 34 is not provided.

[0041] Although not shown in the figures, the change depositing and dispensing machine 100 may further include a banknote storage and dispensing device, a banknote introduction port, a banknote recognition unit, a banknote transport unit, and a banknote payout outlet. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the banknote recognition unit, the banknote transport unit, and the banknote storage and dispensing device, and controls each of these units. The banknote recognition unit identifies the denomination of the banknote from, for example, the print pattern (including watermark), the material of the printing ink, and / or the length and width of the banknote. The banknote storage and dispensing device stores and dispenses multiple types of banknotes (for example, 1,000 yen bills, 5,000 yen bills, and 10,000 yen bills) by type. The banknote recognition unit identifies the denomination of the banknote introduced into the banknote introduction port. The banknote transport unit has a transport path that transports the banknotes whose denominations have been recognized to the banknote storage and dispensing device. The banknote payout outlet pays out the banknotes in the banknote storage and dispensing device as change.

[0042] The above describes the embodiments of the change depositing and dispensing machine and the coin storage device with reference to the drawings. However, the change depositing and dispensing machine and the coin storage device are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all components shown in the embodiments. The drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component for ease of understanding, and the number of each component shown may differ from the actual number due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, each component shown in the above embodiments is an example, and is not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effect of this configuration.

[0043] (1) The coin recognition unit 20 may recognize only the denominations corresponding to the coin storage chambers 1A and 1B. In this case, if the recognition result of the coin recognition unit 20 is not the denomination corresponding to the coin storage chambers 1A and 1B, the control unit 50 maintains all of the transport switching mechanisms 34 in the default state. Even with this configuration, coins of any denomination are properly stored in the corresponding coin storage chambers.

[0044] (2) In the embodiment, the coin storage chambers 1A and 1B are shown as an example of the first storage section and the first storage chamber, but there may be at least one first storage section and one first storage chamber. Also, the first chamber 1Ca and the second chamber 1Cb of the coin storage chamber 1C are shown as an example of the second storage section and the second storage chamber, but there may be one second storage section and one second storage chamber, or three or more second storage sections and chambers. In this case, the first communication openings and the second communication openings may be provided in the same number as the number of the corresponding first storage chambers or second storage chambers. When there are three or more second storage chambers, each second storage chamber is arranged so that the outer diameter of the coin to be stored therein becomes smaller toward the upstream side in the conveying direction. Also, each second communication opening communicating with each second storage chamber may be arranged on the conveying surface 333b facing the corresponding second storage chamber.

[0045] (3) The structure of the transport switching mechanism 34 in the embodiment is not limited to that shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B. For example, the movable member 3421 may be rotated so that the end of the movable member 3421 is positioned lower than the transport surface 333b by the operation of the switching unit 341. [Industrial Applicability]

[0046] The present invention can be used in automatic payment machines installed in vending machines, self-service gas stations, or supermarkets. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1 Coin storage 1A~1C Coin Storage Room 10 Coin slot 20 Coin Identification Unit 30 Coin transport device 33 Transport Path 34 Transport switching mechanism 40 Coin outlet 50 Control section 100 Change deposit / withdrawal machine 333a, 333b conveying surface 341 Switching section 342 Lid

Claims

1. A conveying path for conveying coins; a coin storage unit including a first storage unit and a second storage unit in which the coins are stored by denomination and which are provided opposite the transport path; a storage control unit that controls storage of the coins transported to the transport path in the coin storage unit, the first storage section and the second storage section are arranged in parallel along a transport direction of the transport path, and the second storage section is disposed downstream of the first storage section in the transport direction; the transport path includes a first communication port communicating with the first storage unit, and a second communication port disposed downstream of the first communication port and communicating with the second storage unit, The storage control unit includes a lid portion provided for the first communication opening, and if the transported coin is of a denomination corresponding to the first storage unit, controls the lid portion to place the first communication opening in a first state, and if the transported coin is not of a denomination corresponding to the first storage unit, controls the lid portion to place the first communication opening in a second state. A coin storage device, wherein the first state is a state in which the transported coin can pass through the first communication opening, and the second state is a state in which the transported coin cannot pass through the first communication opening.

2. The first storage unit has a plurality of first storage chambers for storing coins of different denominations, the transport path includes a plurality of first communication ports and a plurality of second communication ports each communicating with the plurality of first storage chambers, the cover portion includes a plurality of cover members provided for the plurality of first communication ports, The storage control unit is if the transported coin is of a denomination corresponding to one of the plurality of first storage chambers, a cover member for the first communication port corresponding to the one first storage chamber is controlled to set the first communication port corresponding to the one first storage chamber to the first state, and a cover member for the first communication port corresponding to another first storage chamber is controlled to set the first communication port corresponding to the other first storage chamber to the second state; A coin storage device as described in claim 1, wherein if the transported coin is not of a denomination corresponding to the plurality of first storage chambers, the plurality of cover members are controlled to bring the first communication openings corresponding to each of the plurality of first storage chambers into the second state.

3. the second storage unit has a plurality of second storage chambers for storing coins of denominations different from those corresponding to the first storage unit and having different outer diameters from each other; the transport path includes a plurality of second communication openings each of which is in communication with the second storage chamber and has a size different from one another; the plurality of second storage chambers are arranged along the conveying direction in ascending order of outer diameter of the coins to be stored in each second storage chamber; The coin storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of second communication openings are provided opposite each of the plurality of second storage chambers, and the size of the plurality of second communication openings is smaller toward the upstream side in the conveying direction.

4. A discrimination unit that discriminates the denomination; A conveying mechanism that conveys the coins whose denominations have been identified by the discriminator to the conveying path, The coin storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the storage control unit controls the lid unit based on a discrimination result of the discrimination unit.

5. The coin storage device according to claim 4 , wherein the discrimination unit discriminates the denomination corresponding to the first storage unit and does not discriminate the denomination corresponding to the second storage unit.

6. The coin storage device according to claim 1 , a discharge mechanism for discharging coins stored in the coin storage device; A change deposit and dispensing machine equipped with

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