Coin processing device

Abstract

To provide a coin processing device that prevents a coin from sticking to a gate part or chute part without using an external vibrator or the like.SOLUTION: A money processing device 1 includes: a storage part 50 that stores a coin; a coin payment port 22 that discharges a coin to the outside of an enclosure 2; a coin cassette 31 that recovers a coin; a conveyance part 30 that conveys a coin, the conveyance part at least including a payment route R1 from the storage part 50 to the coin payment port 22 and a recovery route R2 from the storage part 50 to the coin cassette 31 through a recovery chute 48; a gate part 47a that guides a coin conveyed from the storage part 50 to either the payment route R1 or the recovery route R2; a switching part 70 that switches the gate part 47a to either a first guiding position or a second guiding position; and a vibration application mechanism 90 that causes the gate part 47a or the recovery chute 48 to vibrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, coin processing devices equipped with an identification unit that identifies coins transported by a coin transport unit have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The identification unit identifies whether or not a coin is acceptable, and if it is an acceptable coin, identifies its denomination and counts it. The coins are stored in a corresponding storage stacker according to the identification result of the identification unit. The coins dispensed from the storage stacker are transported to a coin dispensing port by an intermediate transport path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-89783 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the above-mentioned coin processing device may be provided with a gate unit that can switch the destination of coins being transported on the intermediate transport path between a coin dispensing port and a recovery stacker that recovers some or all of the coins in the storage stacker. In such a coin processing device, it is possible to freely select whether a coin fed from the storage stacker is directly transported to the coin dispensing port or whether it is dropped from the intermediate transport path into a chute unit and transported to the recovery stacker by opening or closing the gate unit. In this case, if the coin has a sticky attachment attached thereto and sticks to the gate unit or the chute unit, there is a risk that the coin cannot be transported smoothly.

[0005] It is also possible to attach a vibration generating device such as a vibrator to the gate and chute to shake off the coins stuck to the gate, etc., but the space and cost required to attach an external vibrator becomes an issue.

[0006] Therefore, a technical problem arises that needs to be solved in order to prevent coins from sticking to the gate section or chute section without using an external vibrator, etc., and the present invention aims to solve this problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the coin processing device of the present invention comprises a storage unit for storing coins, a dispensing port for discharging the coins outside the machine, a collection stacker for collecting the coins, a transport unit for transporting the coins, the transport unit including at least a first transport path from the storage unit to the dispensing port and a second transport path from the storage unit to the collection stacker via a chute unit, a gate unit for guiding the coins transported from the storage unit to either the first transport path or the second transport path, a switching unit for switching the gate unit to either a first guide position, which is the position of the gate unit when the gate unit guides the coin to the first transport path, or a second guide position, which is the position of the gate unit when the gate unit guides the coin to the second transport path, and a vibration imparting mechanism for vibrating the gate unit or the chute unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The present invention prevents coins guided by the gate section from sticking to the gate section or the chute section by having the vibration imparting mechanism vibrate the gate section or the chute section using the driving force that causes the switching section to switch the gate section to the first guiding position or the second guiding position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a currency handling device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a currency handling device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the coin processing section and the safe section. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a gate portion located at a first guide position. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the gate portion positioned at the second guide position. [Figure 7] 13 is a perspective view showing the vibration imparting mechanism when the gate portion is located at a first guide position. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a perspective view showing the vibration imparting mechanism when the gate portion is located at the second guide position. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the output shaft rotates in the forward direction and the crank arm is pushed out. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the arm and the movable member are engaged with each other and the movable member is swinging. [Figure 11] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the moment when the engagement between the arm and the movable member is released and the movable member begins to return to the horizontal position. FIG. [Figure 12] 5 is a schematic diagram showing how vibration generated by the vibration generating unit is transmitted to a gate unit. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the output shaft rotates in the reverse direction and the crank arm is retracted. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the moment when the arm and the movable member engage with each other and the base and the movable member begin to rise; FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the state when the arm and the movable member are disengaged and the base and the movable member start to descend. FIG. [Figure 16] 5 is a schematic diagram showing how vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit are transmitted to the collection chute. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A currency handling device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, hereinafter, when referring to the number, value, amount, range, etc. of components, unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle, the number is not limited to the specific number, and may be more or less than the specific number.

[0011] In addition, when referring to the shape or positional relationship of components, etc., this includes things that are substantially similar or approximate to those shapes, etc., unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly different in principle.

[0012] In addition, the drawings may exaggerate characteristic parts to make the features easier to understand, and the dimensional ratios of the components may not be the same as the actual ones. In addition, in cross-sectional views, hatching of some components may be omitted to make the cross-sectional structure of the components easier to understand.

[0013] <Configuration of currency handling device 1> A currency handling device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the currency handling device 1. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the currency handling device 1. The currency handling device 1 is placed, for example, around a POS register and serves to deposit sales proceeds, dispense change, etc.

[0014] The currency handling device 1 has a housing 2 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the upper left part of the housing 2 in Fig. 1 is a banknote processing part 10 that stores deposited banknotes and dispenses the stored banknotes as needed, the upper right part of the housing 2 in Fig. 1 is a coin processing part 20 that stores deposited coins and dispenses the stored coins as needed, and the lower part of the housing 2 in Fig. 1 is a safe part 30 that stores collected banknotes and coins. The banknote processing part 10, the coin processing part 20 and the safe part 30 are configured to be insertable into or removable from the housing 2 via slide rails or the like (not shown).

[0015] The banknote processing unit 10 is provided with a banknote deposit / withdrawal port 11 on the front surface of the housing 2. The banknote deposit / withdrawal port 11 allows banknotes to be inserted in a stacked state and allows banknotes stored in the banknote processing unit 10 to be dispensed.

[0016] The banknote processing unit 10 is provided with a banknote deposit / withdrawal port 12 below the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 11, through which rejected banknotes that cannot be stored during a deposit process are fed from within the housing 2, and a banknote withdrawal rejected vault 13 that stores banknotes that cannot be withdrawn during a withdrawal process within the housing 2. Note that the banknote processing unit 10 has a known configuration, and therefore a detailed description of the banknote processing unit 10 will be omitted.

[0017] The coin processing unit 20 has a coin deposit port 21, through which coins are inserted, provided on the front surface of the housing 2, and a coin withdrawal port 22, through which stored coins are withdrawn, provided below the coin deposit port 21. The coin withdrawal port 22 also serves as a coin reject port through which coins that cannot be stored in the storage unit 50, which will be described later, are dispensed from within the housing 2.

[0018] The safe unit 30 is provided below the banknote processing unit 10 and the coin processing unit 20. The safe unit 30 is equipped with a coin cassette 31 (described later) capable of storing coins collected during the collection process or the like of the coin processing unit 20, a banknote cassette (not shown) capable of storing banknotes collected during the collection process or the like of the banknote processing unit 10, and a coin bar drawer 32 for storing coin bars.

[0019] 2, the currency handling device 1 is provided with a display unit 3 such as a liquid crystal screen used for operating the currency handling device 1, and an input unit 4 through which operational input is made. The currency handling device 1 is also provided with a management unit 5 that controls the operation of the currency handling device 1 in response to external instructions and input operations made via the input unit 4.

[0020] The operation of the coin processing unit 20 is controlled by a control unit 23. The control unit 23 controls each of the components constituting the coin processing unit 20. The control unit 23 is composed of, for example, a CPU, a memory, etc. The memory of the control unit 23 includes a storage unit 24 in which at least the amount of coins stored in the coin processing unit 20 is updated and recorded as appropriate. Instead of the configuration in which the management unit 5 controls the entire currency processing device 1 and the control unit 23 controls the coin processing unit 20, for example, a configuration in which the entire currency processing device 1 is controlled by a single control unit may be used. The coin processing unit 20 also includes a coin recognition unit 60 that recognizes and counts the denomination of coins inserted into the coin deposit port 21. Details of the coin recognition unit 60 will be described later.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the coin processing unit 20 includes a transport unit 40 that transports coins within the housing 2, and a storage unit 50 that can store coins.

[0022] The conveying unit 40 includes a first conveying path 41 and a second conveying path 42. The first conveying path 41 extends in the left-right direction, and separates coins inserted into the coin deposit port 21 one by one and conveys them leftward toward the second conveying path 42. The second conveying path 42 extends in the front-rear direction, and conveys the coins conveyed by the first conveying path 41 backward toward the storage unit 50.

[0023] A coin identification unit 60 is provided on the second transport path 42. The coin identification unit 60 photographs coins being transported by the second transport path 42 and detects the material of the coin, and identifies the denomination of the coin based on the image showing the outline and pattern of the coin and the material of the coin. The coin identification unit 60 identifies whether the coin is an acceptable coin or an unacceptable coin, and for acceptable coins, identifies the denomination and counts them.

[0024] The second transport path 42 is provided with a collection sorting gate 47 that can be opened and closed, located forward of the coin recognition unit 60. When closed, the collection sorting gate 47 does not allow coins to fall from the second transport path 42, but when opened, allows unacceptable coins that are transported forward by reverse transport caused by the switchback of the second transport path 42 to fall from the second transport path 42. Coins that have fallen from the second transport path 42 by the collection sorting gate 47 are discharged to the coin withdrawal port 22 via the reject chute 44.

[0025] The storage unit 50 is provided behind the coin recognition unit 60, and includes six stackers 51a to 51f for a plurality of denominations, each of which stores coins of a single predetermined denomination and dispenses the stored coins.

[0026] The six stackers 51a to 51f, each of which is classified by denomination, are long in the front-rear direction and are arranged side by side in the left-right direction with their positions in the front-rear direction aligned. In this embodiment, the leftmost stacker 51a stores 5 yen coins, the second stacker 51b stores 1 yen coins, the third stacker 51c stores 10 yen coins, the fourth stacker 51d stores 50 yen coins, the fifth stacker 51e stores 100 yen coins, and the sixth stacker 51f stores 500 yen coins. The denominations of coins stored in the stackers 51a to 51f can be changed as desired.

[0027] The second transport path 42 is provided with a plurality of denomination sorting gates 45a-45f which are provided behind the coin recognition unit 60 and can be opened and closed to allow coins to fall from the second transport path 42. When closed, the denomination sorting gates 45a-45f do not allow coins to fall from the second transport path 42, but when opened based on the recognition result of the coin recognition unit 60, they allow coins to fall from the second transport path 42 into stackers 51a-51f of the corresponding denomination.

[0028] For example, among the denomination sorting gates 45a to 45f, the frontmost denomination sorting gate 45a drops coins from the second transport path 42 into stacker 51b when opened. Similarly, the second denomination sorting gate 45b from the front drops coins from the second transport path 42 into stacker 51a, the third denomination sorting gate 45c from the front drops coins from the second transport path 42 into stacker 51c, the fourth denomination sorting gate 45d drops coins from the front into stacker 51f, the fifth denomination sorting gate 45e drops coins from the front into stacker 51e, and the rearmost denomination sorting gate 45f drops coins from the second transport path 42 into stacker 51d when opened.

[0029] The stackers 51a to 51f have a known configuration, and each includes, for example, a wall portion, an endless transport conveyor, a separation roller, and a feeding mechanism.

[0030] The transport conveyor is disposed below the wall portion and extends forward and backward, and transports forward the coins that have dropped from the denomination sorting gates 45a to 45f onto the wall portion and are stored therein.

[0031] The separation roller is disposed above the transport conveyor, and separates the coins on the transport conveyor one by one by moving the portion facing the transport conveyor in the opposite direction to the transport direction of the transport conveyor.

[0032] The dispensing mechanism is provided at the front end of the transport conveyor, and dispenses the coins one by one onto the third transport path 46 while counting the coins.

[0033] The transport unit 40 includes a third transport path 46 that transports the coins dispensed from the stackers 51a to 51f forward toward the coin dispensing port 22.

[0034] The third transport path 46 is provided with an openable and closable recovery sorting gate 47 for dropping coins. During a dispensing process, the recovery sorting gate 47 is in a closed state so as not to drop coins from the third transport path 46, and transports coins to the coin dispensing port 22, and during a collecting process, the recovery sorting gate 47 is opened so as to drop coins from the third transport path 46 into the coin cassette 31. Below the recovery sorting gate 47, a recovery chute 48 is provided for transporting coins dropped from the third transport path 46 by the recovery sorting gate 47 to the coin cassette 31.

[0035] As a result, for example, if it is found after a deposit process that the amount of stored coins in any of stackers 51a-51f exceeds a preset predetermined amount, a certain amount of coins from stackers 51a-51f whose stored amount exceeds the predetermined amount are collected as excess stored coins (overflow coins) in the coin cassette 31 so as not to affect the subsequent deposit process. Alternatively, at the closing time of the store or the like in which the currency processing device 1 is installed, in the case of full collection in which all currency in the currency processing device 1 is collected, or in the case of residual collection in which the remaining currency is collected while leaving some currency for the next day's change, the coins in stackers 51a-51f to be collected are collected in the coin cassette 31. Hereinafter, the coin transport path from the third transport path 46 to the coin withdrawal port 22 will be referred to as the "first transport route (withdrawal route R1)", and the coin transport path from the third transport path 46 via the collection chute 48 to the coin cassette 31 will be referred to as the "second transport route (collection route R2)".

[0036] The control unit 23 determines the amount of coins stored in each stacker 51a to 51f based on the amount of coins deposited in each stacker 51a to 51f, which is based on the recognition results of the coin recognition unit 60, and the amount of coins dispensed from the stackers 51a to 51f, which is based on the counting amount of the dispensing mechanism of each stacker 51a to 51f.

[0037] <Configuration of collection sorting gate 47> Next, the configuration of the recovery sorting gate 47 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] 4, the collecting / sorting gate 47 includes a gate portion 47a formed long in the left-right direction. The gate portion 47a receives the coins transported on the third transport path 46, and guides the coins to the coin dispensing port 22 or the collecting chute 48.

[0039] A switching unit 70 that switches the position of the gate unit 47a is provided behind the gate unit 47a. The switching unit 70 includes a switching motor 71 that can output a rotational force in a forward direction D1 or a reverse direction D2 via an output shaft 72. The switching motor 71 is fixed to a frame 80 provided in the coin processing unit 20. A tip of the output shaft 72 is rotatably supported by an end plate 73 of the frame 80.

[0040] A link plate 74 is connected to the tip side of the output shaft 72. The link plate 74 is rotatable around the output shaft 72 in conjunction with the rotation of the output shaft 72. The link plate 74 is connected to the rear end of a crank arm 75 via a pin 74a provided at a position offset from the output shaft 72. A large pin diameter portion 76 is attached to the axial center of the pin 74a. The crank arm 75 extends in the front-rear direction and is connected to the rear surface of the gate portion 47a via a pin 47b.

[0041] When the switching motor 71 is driven and the output shaft 72 rotates in the forward direction D1, the link plate 74 also rotates about the output shaft 72 until the large pin diameter portion 76 contacts the front receiving portion 73a of the end plate 73, the crank arm 75 moves so as to be pulled out forward, and the gate portion 47a moves to the first guiding position blocking the collection chute 48, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, the gate portion 47a guides the coins transported by the third transport path 46 to the coin withdrawal port 22, in other words, the coins transported by the third transport path 46 are guided by the collection sorting gate 47 to the withdrawal route R1.

[0042] In addition, when the switching motor 71 is driven and the output shaft 72 rotates in the reverse direction D2, the link plate 74 also rotates about the output shaft 72 until the large pin diameter portion 76 contacts the rear receiving portion 73b of the end plate 73, the crank arm 75 moves so as to be pulled backward, and the gate portion 47a moves to the second guiding position that opens the collection chute 48, as shown in Fig. 6. At this time, the gate portion 47a guides the coins transported by the third transport path 46 to the collection chute 48, in other words, the coins transported by the third transport path 46 are guided by the collection sorting gate 47 to the collection route R2.

[0043] Returning to Fig. 4, a torque limiter 77 is provided between the switching motor 71 of the output shaft 72 and the link plate 74. After the recovery sorting gate 47 is switched to the first or second guide position, the torque limiter 77 blocks the transmission of rotational force to the link plate 74 and the crank arm 75 located on the tip side of the torque limiter 77 on the output shaft 72.

[0044] 4, 7 and 8, the coin processing section 20 is provided with a vibration imparting mechanism 90 that vibrates the recovery sorting gate 47 or the recovery chute 48 by utilizing the driving force of the switching section 70 switching the gate section 47a to the first guide position or the second guide position. The vibration imparting mechanism 90 is provided with a rotating arm section 91, a vibration generating section 92, and a transmission section 93.

[0045] The rotating arm portion 91 includes a rotating shaft 91a that is provided coaxially with the output shaft 72 between the switching motor 71 and the torque limiter 77 and is rotatable together with the output shaft 72, and four arms 91b that extend substantially radially from the rotating shaft 91a. The number of arms 91b may be three or less or five or more.

[0046] The vibration generating unit 92 includes a base member 94 and a movable member 95. The base member 94 is connected to the frame 80 via guide pins 94c, 94d that are inserted through slits 94a, 94b that are formed along the vertical direction, and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the frame 80. A first bulging portion 94e that is formed in a substantially semicircular shape is provided at the lower end of the base member 94. A tension spring (not shown) is hung between the right side surface of the base member 94 and the lower surface 81 of the frame 80 to pull the base member 94, which has moved relative to the lower surface 81, back toward the lower surface 81.

[0047] A support portion 96 is provided at the front end of the left side surface 94f of the base member 94. The support portion 96 is formed in a substantially L-shape when viewed from the side, and an apex 96a is disposed at a position capable of supporting the substantially horizontal movable member 95.

[0048] The movable member 95 is connected to the base member 94 via a pin 95a at the approximate center. The movable member 95 is configured to be able to swing between a standby position where the movable member 95 is positioned approximately horizontally and a swing position where the front side of the movable member 95 rises around the pin 95a. On the other hand, the movable member 95 cannot swing such that the rear side of the movable member 95 rises around the pin 95a from the standby position because the front side of the movable member 95 is supported by the support portion 96. In addition, the movable member 95 is configured to be able to move vertically relative to the frame 80 together with the base member 94 in a state where the front side of the movable member 95 is supported by the support portion 96. A pull spring (not shown) is hung between the spring mounting portion 95b at the upper part of the movable member 95 and the spring mounting portion 96b at the lower part of the support portion 96 to pull the movable member 95, which has moved relative to the spring mounting portion 96b, back toward the spring mounting portion 96b.

[0049] Furthermore, a bearing 95c serving as an engagement member is provided upright on the rear side of the movable member 95. The bearing 95c is disposed in a position within the movable member 95 where the arm 91b can be engaged with and disengaged from the bearing 95c.

[0050] The transmission part 93 is connected to the frame 80 via a pin 93d and is configured to be able to swing around the pin 93d. The transmission part 93 includes a front transmission part 93a, a first receiving part 93b, and a second bulging part 93c. The front transmission part 93a is provided at the front end of the transmission part 93 and is configured to be able to come into contact with the second receiving part 75a formed in a substantially semicircular shape on the lower surface of the crank arm 75. The first receiving part 93b is provided at the upper rear end of the transmission part 93 and at a position facing the first bulging part 94e. The second bulging part 93c is formed in a substantially semicircular shape and is provided at the lower rear end of the transmission part 93.

[0051] <Applying vibration to gate portion 47a when withdrawal route R1 is selected> Next, a manner in which the vibration imparting mechanism 90 vibrates the gate portion 47a in conjunction with switching of the gate portion 47a will be described.

[0052] 9, when the output shaft 72 rotates in the forward direction D1, the link plate 74 also rotates in the forward direction D1, and the crank arm 75 starts to be pulled forward. As the link plate 74 is pulled forward, the second receiving portion 75a also moves forward, and the transmission part 93 swings around the pin 93d, so that the second receiving portion 75a continues to abut against the front transmission part 93a and the first receiving portion 93b abuts against the first bulging part 94e.

[0053] When the output shaft 72 is further rotated in the forward direction D1, the gate portion 47a is switched to the first guide position as shown in Fig. 10. When the gate portion 47a moves to the first guide position, the large pin diameter portion 76 comes into contact with the end plate 73, restricting further rotation of the link plate 74, and the torque limiter 77 stops transmitting the rotational force to the link plate 74 and the crank arm 75.

[0054] On the other hand, on the base end side of the output shaft 72 relative to the torque limiter 77, the switching motor 71 continues to rotate in the forward rotation direction D1 even after the gate portion 47a is switched to the first guide position.

[0055] Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 10, when the output shaft 72 rotates further in the forward direction D1 with the arm 91b engaged with the bearing 95c, the movable member 95 as a link member swings around the pin 95a so that the tip side is lifted up against the biasing force of a tension spring (not shown).

[0056] Next, as shown in FIG. 11, when the output shaft 72 rotates in the forward direction D1 to the extent that the engagement between the arm 91b and the bearing 95c is released, the movable member 95 swings around the pin 95a so that the tip side lowers and returns to a horizontal position due to the biasing force of the tension spring (not shown).

[0057] 12, when the movable member 95 returns to the horizontal position, the movable member 95 collides with the top portion 96a serving as a vibration generating member, generating vibration. This vibration is transmitted from the support portion 96 to the base member 94, then from the first bulging portion 94e to the first receiving portion 93b, and then through the transmission portion 93, from the front transmission portion 93a to the second receiving portion 75a, and then through the crank arm 75 to the gate portion 47a.

[0058] In this manner, the vibration generating unit 92 generates vibration by converting the rotational motion of the arm 91b into a reciprocating (swinging) motion of the movable member 95. This causes the coins stuck to the gate portion 47a to be shaken off.

[0059] Furthermore, even after the gate portion 47a is switched to the first guiding position, as long as the switching motor 71 continues to rotate in the forward direction D1, the vibration generating portion 92 continues to generate vibration by converting the rotational motion of the arm 91b into reciprocating (oscillating) motion of the movable member 95.

[0060] In other words, when the rotating arm portion 91 rotates in the forward direction D1 with the arm 91b engaged with the bearing 95c, the tip side of the movable member 95 swings around the pin 95a so as to be lifted, and when the engagement between the arm 91b and the bearing 95c is released, the movable member 95 swings around the pin 95a so as to return to a horizontal position due to the force of the tension spring, and the movable member 95 collides with the top 96a, vibrating the recovery chute 48.

[0061] <Applying vibration to the recovery chute 48 when recovery route R2 is selected> Next, a manner in which the vibration mechanism 90 vibrates the collection chute 48 in conjunction with the switching of the gate portion 47a will be described.

[0062] First, as shown in FIG. 13, when the output shaft 72 rotates in the reverse direction D2, the link plate 74 also rotates in the reverse direction D2, and the crank arm 75 starts to be pulled backward.

[0063] When the output shaft 72 of the switching motor 71 is further rotated in the reverse direction D2, the crank arm 75 is further retracted and the arm 91b engages with the bearing 95c, as shown in Fig. 14. When the output shaft 72 is further rotated in the reverse direction D2 with the arm 91b engaged with the bearing 95c, the base member 94 and the movable member 95 as the sliding members rise from a position (initial position) where the first bulging portion 94e contacts the first receiving portion 93b against the biasing force of a tension spring (not shown). At this time, the front transmission portion 93a of the transmission portion 93 is not in contact with the second receiving portion 75a, and the second bulging portion 93c is inclined so as to contact the collection chute 48.

[0064] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, when the base member 94 and the movable member 95 rise to a point where the engagement between the arm 91b and the bearing 95c is released, the base member 94 and the movable member 95 begin to descend so as to return to their initial positions by the biasing force of a tension spring (not shown).

[0065] 16, when the movable member 95 returns to the initial position, the first bulging portion 94e serving as a vibration generating member collides with the first receiving portion 93b, generating vibrations. The vibrations are transmitted through the transmission portion 93, and then transmitted from the second bulging portion 93c to the collection chute 48.

[0066] In this way, the vibration generating unit 92 generates vibration by converting the rotational motion of the arm 91b into a reciprocating (up and down) motion of the movable member 95. This causes the coins stuck to the collection chute 48 to be shaken off.

[0067] Furthermore, when gate portion 47a is switched to the second guide position as shown in FIG. 16, large pin diameter portion 76 comes into contact with end plate 73, restricting further rotation of link plate 74. Therefore, even if output shaft 72 continues to rotate thereafter, torque limiter 77 stops the transmission of rotational force to link plate 74 and crank arm 75.

[0068] On the other hand, on the base end side of the output shaft 72 relative to the torque limiter 77, even after the gate portion 47a has been switched to the second guide position, as long as the switching motor 71 continues to rotate in the reverse direction D2, the vibration generating portion 92 continues to generate vibration by converting the rotational motion of the arm 91b into reciprocating (up and down) motion of the movable member 95.

[0069] In other words, when the rotating arm portion 91 rotates with the arm 91b engaged with the bearing 95c, the base member 94 and the movable member 95 rise, and when the engagement between the arm 91b and the bearing 95c is released, the base member 94 and the movable member 95 descend due to the force of the tension spring, causing the first bulge portion 94e to collide with the first receiving portion 93b, vibrating the recovery chute 48.

[0070] <Configuration of the currency handling device 1 according to this embodiment (summary)> In this way, the currency processing device 1 of this embodiment is configured to include a storage unit 50 that stores coins, a coin withdrawal port 22 that discharges coins outside the housing 2, a coin cassette 31 that collects coins, a transport unit 40 that transports coins and includes at least a withdrawal route R1 from the storage unit 50 to the coin withdrawal port 22 and a collection route R2 from the storage unit 50 to the coin cassette 31 via a collection chute 48, a gate unit 47a that guides coins transported from the storage unit 50 to either the withdrawal route R1 or the collection route R2, a switching unit 70 that switches the gate unit 47a between either a first guide position or a second guide position, and a vibration mechanism 90 that vibrates the gate unit 47a or the collection chute 48.

[0071] According to this configuration, the vibration mechanism 90 vibrates the gate portion 47a or the collection chute 48 using the driving force that causes the switching unit 70 to switch the gate portion 47a to the first guiding position or the second guiding position, thereby preventing coins guided by the gate portion 47a from sticking to the gate portion 47a or the collection chute 48.

[0072] In addition, in the currency processing device 1 of this embodiment, the switching unit 70 is a switching motor 71 having an output shaft 72 connected to a crank arm 75 of the gate unit 47a and capable of rotating in a forward direction D1 or a reverse direction D2, and when the switching motor 71 rotates in the forward direction D1, the gate unit 47a is switched to a first guide position and the vibration imparting mechanism 90 vibrates the gate unit 47a by the rotational force of the switching motor 71 transmitted via the output shaft 72, and when the switching motor 71 rotates in the reverse direction D2, the gate unit 47a is switched to a second guide position and the vibration imparting mechanism 90 vibrates the collection chute 48 by the rotational force of the switching motor 71 transmitted via the output shaft 72.

[0073] According to this configuration, the switching of the gate portion 47a and the switching of the vibration target (the gate portion 47a or the recovery chute 48) can be performed in conjunction with the switching of the rotation direction of the switching motor 71.

[0074] In addition, the currency processing device 1 of this embodiment is further configured to include a torque limiter 77 that is provided between the output shaft 72 and the crank arm 75 and cuts off the transmission of the rotational force associated with the rotation of the switching motor 71 in the forward direction D1 to the crank arm 75 after the gate portion 47a is switched to the first guide position.

[0075] According to this configuration, even after the gate portion 47a is switched to the first guiding position, the vibration imparting mechanism 90 can continue to vibrate the gate portion 47a.

[0076] In addition, the currency processing device 1 of this embodiment is further configured to include a torque limiter 77 that is provided between the output shaft 72 and the crank arm 75 and cuts off the transmission of the rotational force associated with the rotation of the switching motor 71 in the reverse direction D2 to the crank arm 75 after the gate portion 47a is switched to the second guide position.

[0077] According to this configuration, the vibration mechanism 90 can continue to vibrate the collection chute 48 even after the gate portion 47a is switched to the second guiding position.

[0078] In addition, the currency processing device 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the vibration imparting mechanism 90 includes a rotating arm portion 91 connected to the output shaft 72 and rotating according to the rotational direction of the switching motor 71, a vibration generating portion 92 that converts the rotational motion of the rotating arm portion 91 into reciprocating motion to generate vibration, and a transmission portion 93 that transmits the vibration generated by the vibration generating portion 92 to the gate portion 47a or the collection chute 48.

[0079] According to this configuration, the vibration generating unit 92 converts the rotational motion of the rotating arm unit 91 into reciprocating motion to generate vibration, and the transmission unit 93 transmits the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit 92 to the gate unit 47a or the collection chute 48, thereby preventing the coins from sticking to the gate unit 47a or the collection chute 48.

[0080] Furthermore, the present invention can be modified in various ways other than those described above without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention extends to such modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1: Currency handling equipment 10: banknote processing section, 11: banknote deposit / withdrawal port, 12: banknote deposit reject port, 13: banknote withdrawal reject storage 20: coin processing unit, 21: coin deposit port, 22: coin withdrawal port, 23: control unit, 24: memory unit 30: Safe, 31: Coin cassette, 32: Coin drawer 40: conveying section, 41: first conveying path, 42: second conveying path, 43: reject sorting gate, 44: reject chute, 45a to 45f: denomination sorting gate, 46: third conveying path, 47: recovery sorting gate, 47a: gate section, 47b: pin, 48: recovery chute (chute section) 50: Storage unit, 51a~51f: Stacker 60: Coin Identification Unit 70: switching portion, 71: switching motor, 72: output shaft, 73: end plate, 73a: front receiving portion, 73b: rear receiving portion, 74: link plate, 74a: pin, 75: crank arm, 75a: second receiving portion, 76: large pin diameter portion, 77: torque limiter 80: Frame, 81: Bottom 90: vibration imparting mechanism, 91: rotating arm portion, 91a: rotating shaft, 91b: arm, 92: vibration generating portion, 93: transmission portion, 93a: front transmission portion, 93b: first receiving portion, 93c: second bulging portion, 93d: pin, 94: base member, 94a to 94b: slits, 94c to 94d: guide pins, 94e: first bulging portion, 94f: left side surface, 95: movable member, 95a: pin, 95b: spring mounting portion (of movable member), 95c: bearing, 96: support portion, 96a: top portion, 96b: spring mounting portion (of support portion) D1: forward direction, D2: reverse direction R1: Withdrawal route (first transport route), R2: Collection route (second transport route)

Claims

1. A storage section for storing coins; A dispensing port for discharging the coins to the outside of the machine; A recovery stacker for recovering the coins; a transport unit that transports the coins, the transport unit including at least a first transport route from the storage unit to the withdrawal port and a second transport route from the storage unit to the collection stacker via a chute unit; a gate unit that guides the coins transported from the storage unit to either the first transport route or the second transport route; a switching unit that switches the gate unit to either a first guide position, which is a position of the gate unit when the gate unit guides the coin to the first transport route, or a second guide position, which is a position of the gate unit when the gate unit guides the coin to the second transport route; a vibration imparting mechanism that vibrates the gate portion or the chute portion; A coin processing device comprising:

2. the switching unit is a switching motor having an output shaft connected to a crank arm of the gate unit and capable of rotating in a forward direction or a reverse direction, When the switching motor rotates in the forward direction, the gate portion is switched to the first guide position, and the vibration imparting mechanism vibrates the gate portion by the rotational force of the switching motor transmitted via the output shaft, The coin processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the switching motor rotates in the reverse direction, the gate section is switched to the second guide position, and the vibration mechanism vibrates the chute section by the rotational force of the switching motor transmitted via the output shaft.

3. The coin processing device according to claim 2, further comprising a torque limiter provided between the output shaft and the crank arm, which blocks the transmission of rotational force associated with the rotation of the switching motor in the forward direction to the crank arm after the gate portion is switched to the first guide position.

4. The coin processing device according to claim 2, further comprising a torque limiter provided between the output shaft and the crank arm, which blocks the transmission of rotational force associated with the rotation of the switching motor in the reverse direction to the crank arm after the gate portion is switched to the second guide position.

5. The vibration imparting mechanism includes: a rotating arm portion connected to the output shaft and rotating in accordance with a rotation direction of the switching motor; a vibration generating unit that converts the rotational motion of the rotating arm unit into a reciprocating motion to generate vibration; a transmission unit that transmits the vibration to the gate unit or the chute unit; The coin processing device according to claim 2, further comprising:

6. The rotating arm portion includes a plurality of arms extending substantially radially from a rotating shaft that is coaxial with the output shaft, The vibration generating unit is an engagement member with which the arm can be freely engaged and disengaged; a link member provided with the engaging member, the link member swinging in response to rotation of the arm in the normal rotation direction by engaging and disengaging the arm with the engaging member; a vibration generating member that is provided between the link member and the transmission unit in a state of contact with the link member and generates the vibration by receiving the link member that swings; The coin processing device according to claim 5, further comprising:

7. The rotating arm portion includes a plurality of arms extending substantially radially from a rotating shaft that is coaxial with the output shaft, The vibration generating unit is an engagement member with which the arm can be freely engaged and disengaged; a slide member provided with the engaging member, the slide member reciprocating up and down in response to the rotational movement of the arm in the reverse direction by engaging and disengaging the arm with the engaging member; a vibration generating member that is provided integrally with the slide member and that collides with the transmission part as the slide member reciprocates up and down to generate the vibration; The coin processing device according to claim 5, further comprising:

8. The coin processing device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the transmission unit includes a receiving unit that receives the vibration generating unit.

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