Coin hopper and coin processor

Abstract

To prevent damage to a contact area with coins on a rotor that puts the coins stored in a container one by one into a separation hole and pushes and conveys them.SOLUTION: A rotor 5 includes a metal rotor, a first resin rotator 20, and a second resin rotator 21. The metal rotator is fixed by being sandwiched between the first resin rotator 20 and the second resin rotator 21. The metal rotator includes a pushing piece 40 in which a part of each arm is bent to push a coin. The pushing piece 40 of the metal rotator protrudes from a pushing piece hole 23 in the second resin rotator 21 to push the coin on a base. The first resin rotator 20 or the second resin rotator 21 includes a wall portion that is in contact with a side surface on the opposite side provided with the pushing piece 40 of the metal rotator. The wall portion in contact with the side surface of the metal rotator receives a force applied to the pushing piece 40 when the coin is pushed and controls the behavior of the metal rotator arranged between the first resin rotator 20 and the second resin rotator 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin hopper that delivers coins one by one, a rotating body used in the coin hopper, and a coin processing device equipped with the coin hopper. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Coin hoppers are known that include a container for storing a plurality of coins and that discharge the coins stored in the container one by one.

[0003] For example, the coin hopper described in JP 2022-48988 A includes a container for storing a large number of coins and a dispensing means for dispensing the coins in the container one by one. An opening is provided at the bottom of the container. A rotating body is disposed on the upper surface of the dispensing means facing the opening. The rotating body is provided with a plurality of separation holes into which the coins enter. The coins that enter the separation holes of the rotating body are held on a flat base that faces the back surface of the rotating body and is disposed at a distance. In addition, a push piece that pushes the coin is provided on the side of the separation hole. As the rotating body rotates, the coin is pushed by the push piece and moves on the base. The coin that has moved to a predetermined position on the base has its direction of movement changed by a pin of the dispensing means and is discharged from the dispensing outlet. In addition, the coins in the container are stirred by the rotation of the rotating body.

[0004] The pusher comes into contact with the coin that has entered the separation hole, and pushes the coin in the direction of movement as the rotor rotates. The pusher is made of metal to reduce wear and damage caused by contact with the coin.

[0005] Also, coin processing devices equipped with such coin hoppers are known. The coin processing device includes a plurality of coin hoppers, stores coins in the coin hoppers by denomination, and controls the coin hoppers to dispense a desired amount of coins. For example, automatic change dispensers and currency exchange machines are known as coin processing devices. An automatic change dispenser stores inserted coins by denomination and dispenses coins based on the amount of change. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-48988 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Conventional rotating bodies are constructed by sandwiching a metallic rotating body between two resin rotating bodies. The pusher is formed by bending a part of the metallic rotating body. The contact surface of the pusher with the coin is flat. The coin is pushed by the contact portion and moves along the contact surface. As the rotating body rotates, the coin gradually moves toward the periphery of the rotating body. The coin gradually moves toward the periphery while rubbing against the surface of the pusher. The pusher pushes the coin toward the periphery, whose movement in the rotation direction is prevented by the pin. For this reason, it is desirable for the component of the force acting in the periphery direction on the coin from the pusher to be large. In addition, since a strong force is applied to the contact portion with the coin, the rotating body needs to be rigid and durable enough not to bend.

[0008] There has been a demand for a highly rigid rotor that can improve the durability of the rotor that contacts the coins and smoothly move the coins, as well as a coin hopper equipped with the rotor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The coin hopper of the present invention comprises a container for storing coins, a base for supporting the coins, and a rotor having a plurality of separation holes for holding the coins one by one, the rotor being disposed opposite the base, the rotor being provided with a metal rotor having a metal pushing piece for pushing the coins between a first resin rotor and a second resin rotor, the rotor being rotated to push the coins that have entered the separation holes, move the coins in the outer circumferential direction of the rotor, and discharge the coins. The pushing piece is formed by bending an end portion of the metal rotor disposed between adjacent separation holes in the downstream direction in the rotation direction, and the first resin rotor is disposed between the first resin rotor and the second resin rotor. The resin rotating body or the second resin rotating body has a wall portion that abuts against the side of the metal rotating body, and the rotating bodies sandwich the metal rotating body between them, and the engaging portions of the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body are engaged with each other, so that the pushing piece is exposed from the second resin rotating body toward the base and the side of the metal rotating body upstream of the rotation direction of the pushing piece abuts against the wall portion, and the first resin rotating body, the second resin rotating body, and the metal rotating body are fixed, and the coin supported by the base and inserted in the separation hole is pushed by the pushing piece to slide over the base. A coin hopper according to another embodiment includes a container for storing coins, a base for supporting the coins, a rotor having a plurality of separation holes for holding the coins one by one, the rotor being disposed opposite the base, and including a metal rotor having a metal pushing piece for pushing the coin between a first resin rotor and a second resin rotor, the metal rotor having a pushing piece for pushing the coin, and a control protrusion disposed on a transport path for the coin held by the rotor, the control protrusion coming into contact with the coin being transported and changing the direction of movement of the coin. The coin hopper transports the coins stored in the container over the base while being held in the separation holes, and causes the coin to come into contact with the control protrusion and change the direction of movement of the coin being transported. In a coin hopper which discharges the coins to the outside, the metal rotating body comprises an arm portion arranged radially from the center of rotation of the rotating body, a convex portion which protrudes from a surface of the arm portion and is arranged between the center of rotation and the tip of the arm portion and between adjacent separation holes of the rotating body, and the pushing piece formed by bending the end of the arm portion, the second resin rotating body is arranged at a position facing the base, the metal rotating body is sandwiched between the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body, the pushing piece is exposed from the second resin rotating body toward the base, and the convex portion is stored between the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body.

[0010] The coin processing device of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned coin hopper and a coin receiving unit that receives and collects the coins discharged from the coin hopper, wherein a plurality of coin hoppers are arranged, and the coin receiving unit receives the coins discharged from each of the coin hoppers.

[0011] The rotating body of the coin hopper of the present invention is characterized in that it is a rotating body used in the coin hopper described above. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the durability and rigidity of the rotor and the coin hopper, and to smooth the movement of coins in the coin hopper. Also, a coin processing device equipped with the coin hopper of the present invention can reduce or prevent failure to pay out coins. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coin hopper. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rotor. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second resin rotating body that constitutes the rotating body. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a metal rotor that constitutes the rotor. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second resin rotating body and the metal rotating body combined together. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rotor as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first resin rotating body as viewed from the rear surface side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rotor with the second resin rotor removed, as viewed from the back side. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the coin hopper, where FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the first state of the coin hopper, FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the second state of the coin hopper, FIG. 9C is a diagram showing the third state of the coin hopper, and FIG. 9D is a diagram showing the fourth state of the coin hopper. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a coin processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each drawing is merely a schematic illustration to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In each drawing, common or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0015] First, the coin hopper will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the coin hopper. Coins 10 are hard coins, medals, tokens, etc. Coins 10 are circular or polygonal metal plates.

[0016] The coin hopper 1 comprises a container 2 for storing coins 10, and a main body 3 for separating and paying out the coins 10 one by one. The container 2 can be attached to and detached from the main body 3. A guide unit 8, which is a substantially circular opening, is provided at the bottom of the container 2. A rotating body 5 is disposed at the top of the main body 3. The guide unit 8 is disposed along the outer periphery of the rotating body 5, and guides the coins 10 so that they are piled up on the rotating body 5.

[0017] The rotating body 5 is provided with a plurality of separation holes 6. The separation holes 6 are through holes that penetrate the front and back of the rotating body 5. The base 7 has a flat surface, and the rotating body 5 is rotatably disposed at a position facing the flat surface of the base 7. The flat surface of the base 7 and the rotating body 5 are separated by a predetermined distance that prevents the coin 10 from entering between them. The coin 10 enters the separation hole 6 and is held on the base 7. As the rotating body 5 rotates, the coin 10 is pushed by the rotating body 5 and slides on the base 7. Between the outer periphery and the separation hole 6, the rotating body 5 is provided with a groove through which the coin 10 can pass. A control protrusion, which will be described later, that prevents the movement of the coin 10 transported by the rotating body 5 is provided at a predetermined position on the base 7. The control protrusion protrudes from the surface of the base 7. For example, the control protrusion is a control pin such as a pin or a control plate such as a plate. The control protrusion prevents the movement of the coin 10 in the rotation direction, changes the movement direction of the coin 10, and guides the coin 10 toward the outer periphery. The coin 10 that comes into contact with the control protrusion changes course toward the payout outlet 4, passes through a groove provided between the separation hole 6 and the outer periphery of the rotor 5, and is discharged from the payout outlet 4 in the discharge direction. When the coin 10 held by the rotor 5 is transported to a predetermined position, it is guided toward the payout outlet 4 by the control protrusion.

[0018] A flat base 7 is provided on the top of the main body 3, and the rotor 5 rotates above it. A guide portion 8 for the container 2 is arranged along the outer periphery of the rotor 5. The base 7 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction so that the payout outlet 4 is high and the opposite side is low. Because the base 7 is inclined, coins 10 gather on the lower side of the container 2. As the rotor 5 passes under the piled up coins 10, the coins 10 enter the separation hole 6. The coins 10 are transported by the rotor 5.

[0019] In this way, coin hopper 1 uses rotor 5 with separation hole 6, and by rotating rotor 5, coins 10 in container 2 are placed one by one into separation hole 6 and discharged from payout outlet 4. For example, if rotor 5 wears or deforms and coin 10 gets stuck between base 7 and rotor 5, coin hopper 1 will not be able to transport coin 10 properly, and in the worst case scenario, coin hopper 1 will be damaged. By using rotor 5 in which wear and deformation are prevented or reduced, coin hopper 1 can transport coins 10 appropriately.

[0020] Furthermore, the size, material, design, and other elements of the coin 10 differ for each denomination. The coin processing device is provided with a coin hopper 1 of a predetermined denomination at a predetermined position. To this end, the coin hopper 1 is provided with an identification hole 9 corresponding to the denomination. The coin processing device has a protrusion corresponding to the identification hole 9 arranged at a predetermined position. The coin hopper 1 with the corresponding identification hole 9 is set at a predetermined position on the coin processing device. The protrusion corresponding to the identification hole 9 prevents the coin hopper 1 from being installed incorrectly. The position and shape of the identification hole 9 and the protrusion corresponding to the identification hole 9 can be changed.

[0021] Inside the main body 3, there is a motor (not shown) and a control circuit (not shown) for driving the rotating body 5. The motor and the rotating body 5 are connected by a transmission mechanism including gears and a rotating shaft (not shown). The motor rotates under the control of the control circuit, and drives the rotating body 5 connected to the motor. The rotating shaft passes through a through hole provided in the base 7, and the rotating body 5 is fixed to the rotating shaft protruding from the base 7.

[0022] Next, the rotating body 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rotating body. The upper surface side of the rotating body 5 is a first resin rotating body 20 made of resin such as plastic. The back surface side of the rotating body 5 is a second resin rotating body 21 made of resin such as plastic. The rotating body 5 is provided with three separation holes 6 penetrating the front and back of the rotating body 5. The rotating body 5 is provided with at least one separation hole 6. The maximum number of separation holes 6 that can be arranged in the rotating body 5 is determined based on the size of the rotating body 5 and the size of the coin. The discharge groove 22 is a groove that is arranged on the back surface side of the rotating body 5 and is provided between the separation hole 6 and the outer periphery of the rotating body 5. The coin passes through the discharge groove 22 and is discharged from the separation hole 6 to the outside of the rotating body 5.

[0023] The material of the first resin rotor 20 and the second resin rotor 21 is preferably engineering plastic in terms of strength, durability, workability, weight, etc. The first resin rotor 20 and the second resin rotor 21 are fixed, and a metallic rotor described later is sandwiched between them. The stirring protrusion 14 is a protrusion arranged on the surface side of the rotor 5, i.e., on the surface of the first resin rotor 20. The stirring protrusion 14 stirs the accumulated coins. The stirring protrusion 14 also prevents the coins from remaining on the surface of the first resin rotor 20. The shaft hole 11 is a hole provided at the rotation center of the rotor 5, in which the rotation shaft is arranged.

[0024] The rotating body 5 is subject to wear and damage due to contact with the coin. Therefore, in order to reduce or prevent wear, a part of the rotating body 5 is made of metal. The entire rotating body 5 can be made of metal, but in order to make the rotating body 5 lighter, it is preferable to make a part of the rotating body 5 of resin such as plastic. By making the part of the rotating body 5 that is subject to heavy wear out of metal, the durability of the rotating body 5 can be increased. The part of the rotating body 5 that is subject to heavy wear out is the part that pushes the coin inserted in the separation hole 6. The part that pushes the coin pushes the coin when the coin is in contact with the control pin 13 (see FIG. 9), the fixed roller 55 (see FIG. 9), and the moving roller 56 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later. A force equivalent to the pushing force is applied to the part that pushes the coin as a reaction force. In particular, a large force is applied to the part that contacts the coin. Therefore, it is necessary to make the part that pushes the coin out of metal to improve durability. The part that pushes the coin is located on the back side of the rotating body 5.

[0025] Next, a description will be given with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second resin rotating body that constitutes the rotating body.

[0026] At the center of the second resin rotating body 21, an axis hole frame 31 that forms an axis hole into which the rotating shaft is inserted stands upright from the bottom surface 27 of the second resin rotating body 21. At the outer periphery of the second resin rotating body 21, a frame 15 that stands upright from the bottom surface 27 is formed. The frame 15 is formed with a discharge groove 22 that is a recess through which the coin passes when discharged. A push pin hole 30 through which a push pin 42 (see FIG. 6) described later is inserted is provided in a thick portion that protrudes inward of the frame 15.

[0027] The bottom surface portion 27 is provided with a push piece hole 23 corresponding to the separation hole 6. A push piece 40 (see FIG. 4) of a metal rotating body 32 (see FIG. 4) described later fits into the push piece hole 23. The bottom surface portion 27 is provided with a first through hole 29 along the frame portion 15. A hook 47 (see FIG. 7) of a first resin rotating body 20 described later is inserted into the first through hole 29 and hooked onto the second resin rotating body 21, thereby fixing the second resin rotating body 21 and the first resin rotating body 20 (see FIG. 6).

[0028] Positioning protrusions 28 are erected on the bottom surface portion 27 in correspondence with the push piece holes 23. The positioning protrusions 28 protrude from the flat surface of the second resin rotating body 21. Three positioning protrusions 28 are provided. Each of the positioning protrusions 28 fits into a corresponding third through hole 38 (see FIG. 4) of the metal rotating body 32 (see FIG. 4) described later, and the flat surface on which the positioning protrusions 28 are provided contacts the flat surface of the metal rotating body 32 (see FIG. 4). The positioning protrusions 28 are protrusions protruding from the bottom surface portion 27, and the tip is divided into multiple columnar bodies. The positioning protrusions 28 erected from the bottom surface portion 27 are provided with grooves 25, and the tip side is divided into multiple columnar bodies 26. The tip of each positioning protrusion 28 is inserted into a hole in the first resin rotating body 20 (see FIG. 7) and fixed. Since pillar portion 26 is inserted into the hole in a bent state, the reaction force creates a large frictional force, making it difficult for pillar portion 26 to come out of the hole. There is no groove portion 25 on the bottom surface portion 27 side of positioning projection 28, and base portion 24 is formed. The inner periphery of third through hole 38 (see FIG. 4) comes into contact with and fits into the outer periphery of base portion 24.

[0029] Next, a description will be given with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a metal rotor that constitutes the rotor.

[0030] The metal rotor 32 has a second through hole 35 at the center of rotation, and three arm parts 34 extending radially from the center part 33 of the metal rotor 32. The metal rotor 32 can be formed by processing one metal plate. For example, the metal rotor 32 can be easily made by cutting out the outer periphery and through hole parts of a flat metal plate by press processing, and bending the pushing piece 40 and the first rib 37 parts by press processing. The metal rotor 32 is a metal plate such as an iron alloy such as stainless steel or an aluminum alloy. Each arm part 34 has a first rib 37 to improve strength. The first rib 37 is a convex part protruding from the surface of the arm part 34 in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The back side of the convex part is recessed. In addition to deforming the metal rotor, the convex part may be a part to which another metal plate of a desired shape is fixed by welding or the like. The first rib 37 may be changed in size and shape. The first rib 37 is disposed at approximately the center of the rotation direction of each arm portion 34. It is disposed along a line extending from the center portion 33 of the metal rotor 32 toward the tip. The first rib 37 extends in a direction intersecting the rotation direction in which the metal rotor 32 rotates. The longitudinal direction of the first rib 37 is disposed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the rotation direction. The first rib 37 resists forces in various directions, including the rotation direction, applied to the arm portion 34, and prevents the arm portion 34 from bending. In addition, a step portion 36 is provided on the side of each arm portion 34. The step portion 36 separates each arm portion 34, making it difficult for forces to be transmitted to other arm portions 34. The arm portion 34 can be formed without the step portion 36, but it is preferable to have the step portion 36. The step portion 36 is also a branching position that separates the center portion 33 and the arm portion 34.

[0031] If the metal rotor 32 moves inside the first resin rotor 20 (see FIG. 8) and the second resin rotor 21 (see FIG. 5), which are made of resin, the insides of the first resin rotor 20 (see FIG. 8) and the second resin rotor 21 (see FIG. 5) will be damaged, and the damage will gradually increase with each use, causing the metal rotor 32 to rattle. The arm portion 34 on which the first rib 37 is arranged is highly rigid and does not easily bend. The metal rotor 32, which has multiple arm portions 34, is highly rigid, and bending is suppressed even if a strong force is applied when it comes into contact with a coin.

[0032] A third through hole 38 is provided at the tip of each arm portion 34. A push piece 40 is provided at the tip of each arm portion 34. The third through hole 38 is disposed upstream of the push piece 40 provided on the same arm portion 34 in the rotation direction. The push piece 40 is formed by bending a protrusion provided at the tip of the arm portion 34 at a curved portion 39 by approximately 90 degrees. There is a groove at the base of the protrusion, and the tip side of the push piece 40 is separated from the arm portion 34. The tip side of the protrusion separated from the arm portion 34 is curved toward the center portion 33 to form a curved portion 41. The curved portion 39 is the base of the protrusion, and is a portion bent from the end of the groove of the protrusion. The curved portion 39 is bent along an extension line of the groove. The push piece 40 has a curved portion 41. The push piece 40 is formed by bending the protrusion twice. The first bent portion for forming the push piece 40 is the bent portion 39, and the second bent portion is the curved portion 41. The shape of the curved portion 41 can be changed by changing the position and amount of bending. The curved portion 41 is separated from the main body of the arm portion 34 by a groove, so it can be bent independently of the arm portion 34. In addition, by making the basic portion of the metal rotating body 32 common and changing only the shape of the push piece 40, it is easy to manufacture the metal rotating body 32 with the push piece 40 corresponding to coins 10 of various sizes. The end of the arm portion 34 where the push piece 40 is provided is a portion including the edge of the arm portion 34, and is not necessarily the tip. In addition, the tip of the arm portion 34 is approximately half the area on the tip side of the arm portion 34 including the tip. For example, it can be determined based on the distance from the center of rotation of the metal rotating body 32 to the base and tip of the arm portion 34.

[0033] Next, explanation will be given with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the second resin rotor and the metal rotor combined together, showing the state in which the metal rotor 32 is fitted into the second resin rotor 21.

[0034] The shaft hole frame portion 31 erected from the bottom surface portion 27 fits into the second through hole 35, the positioning protrusions 28 erected from the bottom surface portion 27 fit into the third through hole 38, and the push piece 40 fits into the push piece hole 23 provided in the bottom surface portion 27, thereby fixing the metal rotating body 32 and the second resin rotating body 21. The second resin rotating body 21 and the metal rotating body 32 can be separated and joined. The second resin rotating body 21 is provided with a push piece hole 23 corresponding to the shape of the push piece 40. If the shape of the push piece 40 changes, the shape of the push piece hole 23 must also be changed.

[0035] The surface of the metal rotating body 32 opposite to the surface on which the first rib 37 is provided is flat and is placed on the flat bottom surface portion 27 of the second resin rotating body 21. Each arm portion 34 is disposed between adjacent separation holes 6. The metal rotating body 32 may have a protruding portion of the first rib 37 on both the front and back surfaces, or may have a protruding portion on one of the surfaces. For example, when the protruding portion of the first rib 37 is provided on the second resin rotating body 21 side of the metal rotating body 32, a recess is provided at a corresponding position of the second resin rotating body 21. The first rib 37 is sandwiched between the second resin rotating body 21 and the first resin rotating body 20 (see FIG. 8) and is stored therebetween.

[0036] Next, a description will be given of Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the rotor as viewed from the rear side.

[0037] In the rotating body 5, the first resin rotating body 20 and the second resin rotating body 21 are fixed by hooks 47. The hooks 47 are provided corresponding to the spaces between adjacent separation holes 6. In this example, there are three hooks 47. The position and shape of the hooks 47 may be changed. Also, the arrangement of the hooks and the parts that hook onto the hooks may be reversed. The first resin rotating body 20 and the second resin rotating body 21 can be separated and joined. The rotating body 5 is easy to assemble, replace parts, perform maintenance, and perform other operations.

[0038] When the bottom surfaces of the discharge groove 22 and the pin clearance groove 46 are the bottom surface of the back side of the second resin rotating body 21, the inner rib 43, the middle rib 44, and the outer rib 45 stand upright from the bottom surface of the back side. The bottom surface of the back side is a flat surface.

[0039] The inner rib 43 has a shaft hole 11 at its center through which the rotating shaft passes. The middle rib 44 has a pusher hole 23 at the base of the end in the rotation direction of the rotor 5. The pusher piece 40 that passes through the pusher piece hole 23 passes through the pusher piece hole 23 and comes into contact with the side of the end of the middle rib 44 adjacent to the pusher piece hole 23. The pusher piece 40 is exposed from the pusher piece hole 23 of the second resin rotor 21. The middle rib 44 receives the force applied when the pusher piece 40 pushes the coin, and prevents the pusher piece 40 from deforming or rattling. The middle rib 44 comes into contact with the surface of the pusher piece 40 opposite the surface that comes into contact with the coin, and supports the pusher piece 40. The push piece 40 is preferably supported by a wide surface of the side surface of the middle rib 44, and more preferably, the side surface of the middle rib 44 contacts the entire surface of one side of the push piece 40. The middle rib 44 receives the force applied to the push piece 40 together with the push piece 40, so the thickness in the rotation direction of the rotating body is made thicker than the push piece 40 to prevent bending. The shape of the part of the middle rib 44 that contacts the push piece 40 corresponds to the shape of the push piece 40. The middle rib 44 has a shape that follows the shape of at least a part of the curved portion 41. The middle rib 44 may be shaped along the entire surface of the curved portion 41. The push piece hole 23 is a through hole that corresponds to the shape of the push piece 40, and the push piece 40 fits into the push piece hole 23. Furthermore, the push piece 40 protrudes from the push piece hole 23 on the back side of the second resin rotating body 21 toward the base 7 (see FIG. 9). Pusher piece 40 has curved portion 41 and a curved surface, so the coin can move smoothly as it rubs against the surface of pusher piece 40. As rotor 5 rotates, pusher piece 40 enters between the center of the rotor and the coin, and the point of contact between pusher piece 40 and the coin gradually approaches the line connecting the center of rotor 5 and the center of the coin.

[0040] The middle rib 44 has a shape in which the periphery protrudes from the surface of the second resin rotor 21 and the center is recessed. Also, since the middle rib 44 has a shape corresponding to the curved portion 41 of the pusher piece 40, it has a shape that protrudes in the rotation direction of the rotor 5. Therefore, the middle rib 44 is less likely to bend elastically than when the pusher piece 40 is flat. The surface of the contact portion of the rotor 5 with the coin is hard, but the middle rib 44 can cause a very small amount of bending.

[0041] The pin receiver 48 of the outer rib 45 is disposed on the opposite side of the push pin 42 to the direction of rotation of the rotor 5, and receives the force applied when the push pin 42 abuts against the coin. The push pin hole 30 is provided at the base of the end of the outer rib 45. The push pin 42 that passes through the push pin hole 30 abuts against the pin receiver 48 at the end of the outer rib 45. The pin receiver 48 of the outer rib 45 receives the force applied to the push pin 42, and prevents the push pin 42 from deforming or rattling. The opposite side of the push pin 42 that abuts against the coin is supported by the pin receiver 48 of the outer rib 45. The outer rib 45 forms the outer peripheral surface of the second resin rotor 21. The push pin 42 is cylindrical and has a curved surface. The coin moves while rubbing its side against the surface of the push pin 42. Since the surface of the push pin 42 is curved, the coin that moves while rubbing against the surface of the push pin 42 moves smoothly without getting caught by the push pin 42. The push pin 42 is located in a position that protrudes from the outer rib 45 in the rotation direction of the rotor 5, so that it is possible to prevent the push pin 42 from coming into contact with the resin part of the coin. The push pin 42 is located upstream of the push piece 40 in the rotation direction of the rotor 5. The push pin 42 pushes the coin pushed by the push piece 40, following the push piece 40.

[0042] A pin clearance groove 46 is formed between the inner rib 43 and the middle rib 44. A pin clearance groove 46 is formed between the middle rib 44 and the outer rib 45. The pin clearance groove 46 is a groove in which a control pin 13 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later, is disposed so as not to come into contact with the rotating body 5.

[0043] Since the first resin rotating body 20 and the second resin rotating body 21 are separable, the pushing pin 42 can be attached and detached, and each part can be easily replaced.

[0044] Next, a description will be given with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the first resin rotating body as viewed from the rear surface side.

[0045] The first resin rotating body 20 is provided with hooks 47 standing upright from the bottom surface 51 and rib-like wall portions 49. The first resin rotating body 20 is provided with hooks 47 at three locations on the outer periphery. The hooks 47 are arranged between adjacent separation holes 6. The tips of the hooks 47 are provided with protrusions that protrude outward, and can be fixed to other components by hooking the protrusions. The wall portions 49 are formed concentrically around the shaft hole 11.

[0046] The rib relief groove 50 is provided at a position corresponding to the protruding portion of the first rib 37 (see FIG. 8) of the metal rotating body 32 (see FIG. 8). The rib relief groove 50 supports the metal rotating body 32 (see FIG. 8) with the wall portion 49 clear of the first rib 37 (see FIG. 8). The positioning protrusion receiving hole 58 is fitted with the corresponding positioning protrusion 28 (see FIG. 5). The positioning protrusion 28 (see FIG. 5) may have a different shape or size, or may be disposed on the first resin rotating body 20. In this case, the corresponding positioning protrusion receiving hole 58 is disposed on the second resin rotating body 21 (see FIG. 5).

[0047] Next, explanation will be given with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the rotor with the second resin rotor removed, as viewed from the back side. This is a view of the metal rotor 32 and the pushing pin 42 placed on the wall part 49 of the first resin rotor 20.

[0048] The first rib 37 of the metal rotating body 32 is disposed between the adjacent separation holes 6. Further, the pushing pieces 40 are disposed corresponding to the respective separation holes 6.

[0049] The end of the push pin 42 is provided with an expanded diameter portion 54, which has a larger diameter than the cylindrical pin. The diameter of the expanded diameter portion 54 is larger than the diameter of the opening of the push pin hole 30 (see 6), so the push pin 42 cannot pass through the push pin hole 30.

[0050] The first rib 37 protrudes from the surface of the metal rotating body 32 in the direction of the first resin rotating body 20, but the back surface of the metal rotating body 32 is recessed. The first rib 37 is disposed at a position corresponding to the rib relief groove 50 (see FIG. 7) of the first resin rotating body 20, the third through hole 38 is disposed at a position corresponding to the positioning protrusion 28 (see FIG. 5), and the shaft hole frame portion 31 is disposed at a position corresponding to the second through hole 35.

[0051] Pusher piece 40 is curved. The tip side of pusher piece 40 protrudes to a position where it overlaps thick portion 53 of wall portion 49 in top view, but does not overlap the opening of separation hole 6. Pusher piece 40 is designed so that no force is applied in any direction other than the direction of pushing the coin. For example, arm portion 34 is positioned so that it does not overlap separation hole 6 in top view, so that the coin comes into contact with pusher piece 40 after entering separation hole 6 and is pushed. Arm portion 34 is covered by first resin rotating body 20, so it does not directly collide with the falling coin when it is inserted.

[0052] The wall portion 49 forming the edge of the separation hole 6 has a thin portion 52 and a thick portion 53 corresponding to the shape of the step portion 36 provided on the side surface of the metal rotor 32. The transition portion between the thin portion 52 and the thick portion 53 corresponds to the shape of the step portion 36. A part of the side surface of the metal rotor 32 including the step portion 36 contacts the wall portion 49. By contacting the wall portion 49 with the side surface of the metal rotor 32, the position of the metal rotor 32 on the first resin rotor 20 is determined and fixed. In addition, by contacting the wall portion 49 with a part of the side surface including the step portion 36 of the metal rotor 32, the force in the rotation direction applied to the pushing piece 40 when the coin is pushed can be received over a wide area, and the force can be distributed and received. Furthermore, the first ribs 37 engage with the corresponding rib relief grooves 50 (see FIG. 7), the third through holes 38 engage with the corresponding positioning projections 28 (see FIG. 5), and the side surfaces of the arms 34 engage with the corresponding wall portions 49, thereby restricting and preventing rattling in the rotational direction of the metal rotating body 32. The metal rotating body 32 is supported by a plurality of portions of the first resin rotating body 20.

[0053] An example has been described in which the wall portion 49 that contacts the side of the metal rotating body 32 including the step portion 36 is arranged on the first resin rotating body 20, but the wall portion 49 may also be arranged on the second resin rotating body 21 (see Figure 5), and the shape and dimensions may be changed.

[0054] Next, explanation will be given with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the coin hopper, in which FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing the first state of the coin hopper, FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing the second state of the coin hopper, FIG. 9(c) is a diagram showing the third state of the coin hopper, and FIG. 9(d) is a diagram showing the fourth state of the coin hopper. FIG. 9(a) to FIG. 9(d) show the states that change in the order shown by the arrows. Explanation will be given with reference to FIG. 9(a) to FIG. 9(d) about the operation of discharging the coin 10 that has entered the separation hole 6. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the rotating body 5 as viewed from above, and the pin escape groove 46, the control pin 13, the push piece 40, the push pin 42, and other parts that are hidden by the back surface of the rotating body 5 and cannot be seen are shown with dashed lines. The coin 10 is also shown with dashed lines. The control pin 13 is arranged in two places, one close to the rotating shaft 12 and the other close to the outer periphery. The rotating body 5 rotates counterclockwise around the rotating shaft 12. The control pin 13 is disposed in a transport path along which the coin 10 is transported by the rotor 5. The pin escape grooves 46 are disposed concentrically around the rotation axis 12 so that the control pin 13 does not come into contact with the rotor 5 as it rotates.

[0055] The fixed roller 55, the moving roller 56, and the guide 57 constitute a mechanism for ejecting the coin 10 to the outside with force. The moving roller 56 is movable along the guide 57, and is biased by a spring in the direction of the fixed roller 55. The moving roller 56 is pushed by the coin 10 and moves in a direction away from the fixed roller 55. The coin 10 is pushed between the moving roller 56 and the fixed roller 55. As the movement of the coin 10 progresses and the distance between the fixed roller 55 and the moving roller 56 exceeds the diameter of the coin 10, the moving roller 56 moves toward the fixed roller by the force of the spring. The coin 10 is pushed by the moving roller 56, passes through the ejection groove 22, and is pushed out with force to the outside.

[0056] 9(a) shows the first state in which the coin 10 that has entered the preceding separation hole 6 of the rotor 5 is pushed and conveyed by the pushing piece 40 and is about to come into contact with the control pin 13. Also, the coin 10 is about to enter the succeeding separation hole 6.

[0057] After this, the coin 10 pushed by the pushing piece 40 first comes into contact with the control pin 13 close to the rotating shaft 12, and changes its moving direction toward the ejection groove 22. The pushing piece 40 further pushes the coin 10 that has come into contact with the control pin 13, so a large force is applied to the pushing piece 40.

[0058] Next, in the diagram showing the second state in FIG. 9(b), the coin 10 is pushed by the push piece 40, and a part of the coin 10 is pushed out of the rotating body 5. The coin 10 leaves the control pin 13 close to the rotating shaft 12, and passes through the discharge groove 22 while abutting against the control pin 13 close to the outer periphery of the rotating body 5, and a part of the coin 10 is pushed out of the rotating body 5. The coin 10 abuts against the moving roller 56, and pushes the moving roller 56 to move. The coin 10 moves while changing the abutment position with the push piece 40. The contact position of the push piece 40 with the coin 10 moves in a direction away from the center of the rotating body 5 as the rotation of the rotating body 5 progresses. The curved portion 41 can increase the movement distance of the coin 10 on the push piece 40 per unit rotation angle of the rotating body 5. Since the push piece 40 is curved, the push piece 40 moves to enter between the coin 10 and the rotating shaft 12. The coin 10 moves so as to be pushed along the surface of the pusher piece 40 in the direction away from the rotation shaft 12. The coin 10 can move while smoothly sliding on the surface of the pusher piece 40.

[0059] Next, in the third state shown in FIG. 9(c), the coin 10 is further pushed by the pusher piece 40 while moving. The coin 10 is guided in its moving direction by the control pin 13 and the fixed roller 55. The coin 10, pushed by the pusher piece 40, moves between the fixed roller 55 and the moving roller 56 while pushing the moving roller 56. Even if the coin 10 moves and is separated from the pusher piece 40, the coin 10 is pushed by the pusher pin 42. The coin 10 moves outward between the fixed roller 55 and the moving roller 56. The coin 10 is pushed by at least the pusher piece 40 or the pusher pin 42 until the moving roller 56 changes its moving direction toward the fixed roller 55 after the gap between the fixed roller 55 and the moving roller 56 reaches the diameter of the coin 10.

[0060] Next, in the fourth state shown in FIG. 9(d), the coin 10 continues to move, and after the gap between the fixed roller 55 and the moving roller 56 reaches the diameter of the coin 10, the moving roller 56 moves toward the fixed roller 55. Since the moving roller 56 is biased toward the fixed roller 55, the moving roller 56 moves toward the fixed roller 55. At this time, the coin 10 is pushed out by the returning force of the moving roller 56. The coin 10 moves vigorously in the ejection direction. The pushing pin 42 is positioned so that the coin 10 does not come into contact with the resin portion.

[0061] When the pusher piece 40 or the pusher pin 42 pushes the coin 10 while the coin 10 is in contact with the control pin 13, the fixed roller 55 or the moving roller 56, a strong force is applied to the pusher piece 40 or the pusher pin 42. If the contact part of the pusher piece 40 or the pusher pin 42 with the coin 10 were made of resin, it would be deformed and worn out. By making the pusher piece 40 or the pusher pin 42 of metal, the rotating body 5 can reduce or prevent deformation and wear.

[0062] Next, the coin processing device will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the coin processing device.

[0063] The coins 10 stored in the storage container 70 of the coin processing device 60 are of multiple denominations. The coin processing device 60 separates the coins 10 stored in the storage container 70 by denomination and stores them in the coin hopper 1. The coin processing device 60 also ejects the coins 10 from the coin hopper 1 based on an instruction from an external device. Such a coin processing device 60 is installed in a POS system, a currency exchange machine, etc.

[0064] The coin processing device 60 comprises a separation unit 61, a recognition unit 62, and a sorting unit 63. Coins 10 of different denominations are inserted into a storage container 70 in a mixed state. The separation unit 61 passes the coins 10 one by one to the recognition unit 62. The recognition unit 62 uses a sensor (not shown) to detect the characteristics of the coins 10 transported one by one and identifies the denomination. The coins 10 whose denomination has been identified are passed from the recognition unit 62 to the sorting unit 63. The sorting unit 63 stores the coins 10 whose denomination has been identified in the corresponding coin hopper 1.

[0065] In the sorting section 63, the coins 10 are transported by transport pins 64 along rails 68. A sorting flap 65 is arranged along the rails 68. The sorting flap 65 changes the movement path of the coins 10 by a drive unit (not shown). Depending on the state of the sorting flap 65, the coins 10 are either dropped onto the slider 66 or pass through without being dropped. When the coins 10 are dropped onto the slider 66, they pass through a guide path 67 and are stored in the container 2 of the coin hopper 1.

[0066] The coins 10 whose denomination has been identified are stored in one of the four coin hoppers 1, or are guided to a reject passage 71 and discharged to a dispensing tray 72. Since four coin hoppers 1 are arranged, four different denominations of coins 10 can be stored, and other denominations are not accepted and are discharged. Coins 10 are discharged onto a discharge belt 69 from a number of coin hoppers 1 arranged in a row. In other words, the discharge belt 69 can also be said to be a coin receiving section that receives coins 10 discharged from the multiple coin hoppers 1 arranged in a row. By rotating the discharge belt 69, the coins 10 can be collected in one place.

[0067] The coin 10 discharged from the payout outlet 4 of the coin hopper 1 is placed on the discharge belt 69. The discharge belt 69 is driven by a drive unit (not shown) to transport the coin 10 to the dispensing tray 72. [Industrial Applicability]

[0068] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in a coin hopper that discharges coins one by one, a rotating body used in a coin hopper, and a coin processing device equipped with a coin hopper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 Coin Hopper 2 containers 3. Main unit 4. Payment outlet 5 Rotating Body 6 separation hole 7. Bass 8 Guide section 9 Identification hole 10 Coins 11 Shaft hole 12 Rotation axis 13 Control Pins 14 Stirring projection 15 Frame section 20 First resin rotor 21 Second resin rotor 22 Discharge groove 23 Push-button hole 24 base 25 Groove 26 Pillar section 27 Bottom part 28 Positioning projection 29 First through hole 30 Push pin hole 31 Shaft hole frame 32 Metal Rotating Body 33 Center 34 Arm section 35 Second through hole 36 Step 37 First Rib 38 Third Through Hole 39 Music section 40 Push piece 41 Curved section 42 Push pin 43 Inner rib 44 Middle rib 45 Outer Rib 46 Pin relief groove 47 Hook 48 pin receiver 49 Wall 50 Rib relief groove 51 Bottom 52 Thin section 53 Thick part 54 Expanded diameter part 55 Fixed roller 56 Moving Roller 57 Guide 58 Positioning protrusion hole 60 Coin processing device 61 Separation part 62 Identification section 63 Sorting section 64 Carrying pin 65 Diversion flap 66 Slider 67 Guideway 68 Rail 69 Discharge belt 70 Storage Container 71 Reject Passage 72 Dispensing Tray

Claims

1. A container for storing coins; a base for supporting the coin; a rotating body having a plurality of separation holes for holding the coins one by one, and disposed at a position facing the base, the rotating body being a metal rotating body having a metal pushing piece for pushing the coins between a first resin rotating body and a second resin rotating body; having In a coin hopper, the rotating body is rotated to push the coin that has entered the separation hole, move the coin in the outer circumferential direction of the rotating body, and discharge the coin. the pushing piece is formed by bending an end portion on a downstream side in a rotation direction of the metal rotating body that is disposed between the adjacent separation holes, the first resin rotating body or the second resin rotating body has a wall portion that abuts against a side surface of the metal rotating body, The rotating body sandwiches the metal rotating body, and engages the engaging portions of the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body, so that the first resin rotating body, the second resin rotating body, and the metal rotating body are fixed in a state in which the pushing piece is exposed from the second resin rotating body toward the base and the side surface of the metal rotating body upstream of the rotation direction of the pushing piece is in contact with the wall portion, A coin hopper characterized in that the coin inserted in the separation hole and supported by the base is pushed by the pushing piece to slide on the base.

2. 2. The coin hopper according to claim 1, wherein the second resin rotor has a through hole corresponding to a shape of the pushing piece, and the pushing piece is inserted into the through hole.

3. 3. The coin hopper according to claim 1, wherein the pushing piece is formed by bending the metallic rotor in a thickness direction of the metallic rotor, and a surface with which the coin comes into contact is curved.

4. 3. The coin hopper according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion is formed on an edge of the separation hole.

5. 3. The coin hopper according to claim 1, wherein the metal rotor has a rib protruding from a surface thereof.

6. The coin hopper according to claim 1 ; a coin receiving section for receiving and collecting the coins discharged from the coin hopper, The coin processing device is characterized in that a plurality of the coin hoppers are arranged, and the coin receiving section receives the coins discharged from each of the coin hoppers.

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