Toll collection machine, tray, and toll collection machine set

Abstract

To provide a toll collection machine, a tray, and a toll collection machine set that can replenish changes while operating lanes.SOLUTION: The toll collection machine of the present disclosure includes: a guide member that guides input coins; a selector that sorts the coins guided from the guide member according to type; a hopper base that can store the coins sorted by the selector; and a cover that covers an enclosure as a whole and has an openable / closable door on a lateral surface. The guide member has a first opening through which a coin input from a front surface side can be received, and a second opening through which a coin input from a lateral surface side or a rear surface side can be received.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a toll collection machine, a tray, and a toll collection machine set. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to use an existing change dispenser when constructing a toll collection machine at low cost.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic change dispensing system that includes an existing cash register change dispenser. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3190960 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The toll collection machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is inexpensively constructed by using an existing change dispenser. However, in expressway automatic toll collection machines (Multiple and Integrated Toll Collecting Machines: MICs), an operator who collects change refills the machine from the customer service side of the MIC. When using existing change dispensers, the operator cannot refill the change from the side. When refilling the change, the operator must close the lane, open the connecting door of the hopper base from the customer service side, remove the hopper base, and then refill the change. For these reasons, if the customer wants to replenish the change, the hopper base must be removed, and the worker must stop operating the lane. Therefore, with MICs that use existing change dispensers, it is difficult for workers to replenish the change while operating the lane.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a toll collection machine, a tray, and a toll collection machine set that solves the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The toll collection machine of the present disclosure comprises a guide member that guides inserted coins, a selector that sorts the coins guided from the guide member by type, a hopper base that can store the coins sorted by the selector, and a cover that covers the entire housing and has a door that can be opened and closed on the side, and the guide member has a first opening that can accept coins inserted from the front side and a second opening that can accept coins inserted from the side side or back side.

[0008] The tray of the present disclosure includes a tray portion having a flat bottom surface and a sloped portion extending at an angle to the bottom surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The toll collection machine, tray, and toll collection machine set disclosed herein allow change to be replenished while the lane is in operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view I of a toll collection machine set in a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view II of the toll collection machine set in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the periphery of a guide member in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tray according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a coin introduction route in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view of the fee collection machine in the first embodiment as seen from the customer side. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a toll collection machine set according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings and specific configurations used in each embodiment should not be used to interpret the disclosure. The same or corresponding configurations in all drawings will be assigned the same reference numerals, and common descriptions will be omitted.

[0012] First Embodiment A first embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0013] (Configuration of toll collection machine) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toll collection machine 100 includes a hopper base 110, a guide member 120, a selector 130, and a cover 140. The toll collection machine 100 is a Multiple and Integrated Toll Collecting Machine (MIC) for expressways. For example, a vehicle using the MIC travels in a lane L in a direction D. Islands I are laid on both sides of the lane L, and toll collection machines 100 are installed at least on the islands I. The toll collection machine 100 exchanges money with expressway users (hereinafter referred to as users). The surface of the toll collection machine 100 where money is exchanged between the toll collection machine 100 and the user is referred to as a customer service surface F. The toll collection machine 100 has a hopper base communication opening 110D that protects the hopper base 110. The hopper base communication opening 110D is a door that can be opened and closed on the customer service side F. By opening the hopper base communication opening 110D, an operator can remove the hopper base 110 and replenish the change. The hopper base 110 stores coins selected by a selector 130 (described later) as coins for change. The hopper base 110 stores the coins selected by the selector 130 in compartments separated by coin type. The hopper base 110 can store coins that have passed through the selector 130. The hopper base 110 can also store coins directly. For example, an operator can access the hopper base communication port 110D and store coins directly in the hopper base 110. The guide member 120 guides the inserted coin to the selector 130. The guide member 120 has a rectangular cross section and is shaped so that the direction of travel of the coin changes as it approaches the selector 130. This shape is changed as appropriate depending on the positional relationship between the guide member 120 and the selector 130. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide member 120 includes a bottom portion 121, a ceiling portion 122, and a side wall portion 123. The bottom 121 is a member that comes into contact with coins inserted through the first opening 120A (described later). When the coins fall, the bottom 121, together with the ceiling 122 and the side wall 123, prevents the dropped coins from scattering within the guide member 120. The side wall portion 123 guides coins inserted through a first opening 120A (described later) in an upright state. The ceiling portion 122 prevents coins inserted through the first opening 120A from bouncing off. The guide member 120 has a first opening 120A and a second opening 120B. The first opening 120A can accept the coins inserted from the front side, which is the service face F of the fee collection machine 100 located in front of the user. The second opening 120B can receive the coins inserted from the side surface SR (side surface SL) side or the back surface B side. For example, if there is sufficient clearance inside the toll collection machine 100 and an operator can manually insert change directly into the second opening 120B, change may be replenished without using the tray 200 described below. For example, by appropriately changing the shape of the slope portion 220 of the tray 200 (described later) capable of guiding coins to the second opening 120B, the second opening 120B of the guide member 120 can receive coins inserted from the back surface B. In this case, the cover 140 may be provided with an openable door on the back surface B. The second opening 120B is located in the side wall portion 123. For example, the guide member 120 may include a guide portion 120AG at the first opening 120A that makes it easier to receive coins inserted by the user. The selector 130 sorts the coins guided by the guide member 120 according to their types. The selector 130 guides the selected coins to the hopper base 110. For example, the selector 130 is an electronic coin selector that determines the type of coin from the change in magnetic field caused by the coin passing through. The selector 130 is located between the guide member 120 and the hopper base 110. In other words, the selector 130 is located upstream of the guide member 120. The cover 140 covers the entire housing that includes the hopper base 110, the guide member 120, the selector 130, and other components that are components of the toll collection machine 100. The cover 140 has openable and closable doors on the customer side F and the side SR (side SL). The cover 140 has a front door 141F on the customer side F, a side door 141R on the side SR on the user's left hand side, and a side door 141L on the side SL on the user's right hand side.

[0014] (Tray configuration) As shown in FIG. 4, the tray 200 includes a tray portion 210, a slope portion 220, and an inclined portion 230. The tray 200 is not always installed inside the toll collection machine 100, but is handled by an operator when refilling change. The tray 200 can be combined with the fee collection machine 100 to guide coins to the second opening 120B. The tray portion 210 has a flat bottom surface. For example, one of the four corners of the tray portion 210 is in contact with the inclined portion 230 . The slope portion 220 guides the coin in a lying state to the second opening portion 120B. The slope portion 220 extends at an angle to the tray portion 210 . The slope portion 220 has a width that allows coins to be guided in a lying state. The inclined portion 230 smoothly guides the coins to the slope portion 220 . The inclined portion 230 is angled with the receiving portion 210 . The inclined portion 230 is provided between the tray portion 210 and the slope portion 220 . The inclined portion 230 collects coins present at one end of the tray portion 210 toward the slope portion.

[0015] In the following description, the combination of the toll collection machine 100 and the tray 200 will also be referred to as the "toll collection machine set 900."

[0016] (Coin insertion path) The coin insertion path in this embodiment will be described. The coin insertion path in this embodiment is shown in Figures 5 and 6. In Figure 6, in order to show the complex layout of the toll collection machine 100, a portion of the interior of the toll collection machine 100 is reflected by multiple cubes.

[0017] First, a coin inserted through first opening 120A located on the customer service surface F side passes through guide member 120 and is guided to selector 130. At this time, the coin behaves as follows: the coin rolls while being held upright by side wall 123, i.e., with the circumferential surface of the coin in contact with bottom 121; then, after the direction of travel of the coin changes due to the shape of guide member 120, the coin begins to fall.

[0018] Next, the coins inserted through the first opening 120A are sorted by type by the selector 130 and guided to the hopper base 110.

[0019] Next, the coins inserted through the first opening 120A are stored in the compartments of the hopper base 110 that are divided according to the type of coin. Here, the coins inserted through the first opening 120A are stored as change. (Change replenishment completed through the first opening 120A)

[0020] Next, when inserting coins through the second opening 120B located on the side SR, the worker may insert the coins directly into the second opening 120B or insert the coins through the tray 200. For example, in the former case, if there is sufficient clearance inside the toll collection machine 100 and the worker can insert the change directly into the second opening 120B by hand, the worker may replenish the change without using the tray 200. In the latter case, since there is not sufficient clearance in the toll collection machine 100, the worker may, for example, handle the tray 200 to replenish the change through the second opening 120B. In this case, the worker may bring the slope portion 220 of the tray 200 into contact with the second opening 120B. The toll collection machine 100 has a complex layout inside the cover 140. Since an operator has limited access to the second opening 120B, when refilling change via the tray 200, the slope portion 220 has a certain length from a point with sufficient clearance toward the second opening 120B with less clearance, as shown in FIG.

[0021] Coins inserted through the second opening 120B are first stored in the receiving pan portion 210 of the tray 200.

[0022] Next, the coins inserted through the second opening 120B are gathered up on the inclined portion 230 by an operator who is a collector.

[0023] Next, the coin inserted through the second opening 120B is moved to the slope portion 220 so as to slide due to the inclination of the inclined portion 230.

[0024] Next, the coin inserted through the second opening 120B is guided to the second opening 120B along the slope portion 220. At this time, the coin moves in a sliding manner while lying flat. Here, coins inserted through the second opening 120B pass through the slope portion 220 of the tray 200 and join the guide member 120 having the second opening 120B, and are stored as change, just like coins inserted through the first opening 120A. (Change replenishment completed through the second opening 120B)

[0025] (Action and effect) According to the toll collection machine 100 of the embodiment, by providing the guide member 120 having the second opening 120B, it is possible to replenish change through the second opening 120B that is located in a different position from the hopper base 110. This eliminates the need for an operator to directly replenish change to the hopper base 110, and eliminates the need to stop operation of the traffic lane to replenish change to the hopper base 110. Therefore, the toll collection machine 100 according to the embodiment can replenish change while operating the lane.

[0026] According to the tray 200 of the embodiment, a large number of coins can be processed by the receiving portion 210, and in addition, by adjusting the orientation of the coins by the slope portion 220, it is possible to prevent the coins from clogging in the guide member 120 where the coins meet, and change can be replenished efficiently. In addition, the tray 200 can guide coins to the toll collection machine 100 even with limited clearance due to the slope portion 220. This eliminates the need for workers to directly replenish change to the hopper base 110, and eliminates the need to stop lane operations to replenish change to the hopper base 110. Therefore, the tray 200 according to the embodiment can replenish change while operating the lane.

[0027] In the comparative example, a conventional MIC has an access part (e.g., hopper base connection port 110D) to the hopper base 110 that stores change in front of the user. One reason for this is that the direction in which a highway user (user) who is driving a car can exchange money with the MIC is limited to one direction, facing the MIC. In conventional MICs, an access part to the hopper base 110 is provided in front of the user. Therefore, when using an existing change dispenser, an operator must access the hopper base 110 from the front to replenish change, which requires closing the lane and halting lane operation. Stopping lane operation can reduce user convenience. To improve user convenience, it is possible to replenish change from a location other than the front of the MIC that faces the user. However, in this case, it is difficult to inexpensively provide an access part to the hopper base 110 from a location other than the front.

[0028] In the toll collection machine 100 according to the present embodiment and the comparative example, the second opening 120B is located in the side wall portion 123 of the guide member 120. Therefore, an operator can replenish change through the second opening 120B without accessing the hopper base 110. Therefore, the fee collection machine 100 according to this embodiment can be easily modified at low cost compared to modifications that require providing an access portion to the hopper base 110 from other than the front.

[0029] In another comparative example, in a conventional MIC, an operator had to access the hopper base communication port 110D and then directly replenish coins into the hopper base 110. This could lead to the operator mistakenly replenishing coins into a room other than the room where the hopper base 110 was located. In such cases, the toll collection machine of the comparative example could end up handing over an amount of coins to the user that was different from the amount that should have been given.

[0030] According to the toll collection machine 100 of this embodiment and the comparative example, the toll collection machine 100 of this embodiment can replenish change from the second opening 120B located upstream of the selector 130, thereby guiding coins selected by the selector 130 to the hopper base 110. This makes it less likely for an operator to make a human error, and allows the appropriate amount to be given to the user.

[0031] In another comparative example, due to the current increase in ETC usage among users, single-tier MICs, which are more space-saving, have appeared and are becoming more popular, replacing two-tier MICs. Single-tier MICs have a compact design, with the operation panel and cash receipt section on one level. Conventional two-tier MICs have one level for each of these, for a total of two levels. With single-tier MICs, expressway operators can enjoy two benefits: reduced MIC implementation costs and space savings. However, in a single-tier MIC, the layout inside the MIC is complicated to save space, so when an operator needs to replenish change, access to the hopper base 110 where the change is stored is more limited in a single-tier MIC than in a two-tier MIC. Therefore, the worker had to replenish the change under conditions where access to the hopper base 110 was restricted. In addition, since stopping the operation of the aforementioned lanes could reduce convenience for users, it was necessary for the toll collection machine 100 to be able to replenish change from a side other than the front facing the user.

[0032] According to the toll collection machine set 900 according to this embodiment and the comparative example, the toll collection machine set 900 according to this embodiment can replenish change via the tray 200. Therefore, an operator can replenish change in a single-tier MIC with limited access without compromising user convenience.

[0033] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the toll collection machine 100 of the toll collection machine set 900 is provided with a second opening 120B that can accept coins inserted from the side or rear side, allowing an operator to replenish change through the second opening 120B. This eliminates the need for an operator to replenish change directly into the hopper base 110, and therefore eliminates the need to stop operation of a traffic lane to replenish change into the hopper base 110. In contrast, the toll collection machine set 900 according to this embodiment focuses on the toll collection machine 100 having a complex layout. The toll collection machine set 900 according to this embodiment is newly provided with a guide 300 so that an operator can easily bring the second opening 120B of the toll collection machine 100 into contact with the tray 200. Hereinafter, a toll collection machine set 900 according to the present disclosure will be described as a second embodiment with reference to FIG.

[0034] (composition) As shown in FIG. 7, the toll collection machine set 900 includes a toll collection machine 100, a tray 200, and a guide 300. The guide 300 guides the slope portion 220 of the tray 200 to the second opening 120B of the guide member 120 within the complex layout of the toll collection machine 100. For example, the guide 300 may be configured with a rod-shaped member. For example, the guide 300 may have one rod-shaped member (not shown) on the top surface, one rod-shaped member on the bottom surface, and one rod-shaped member on each of the side surfaces. The guide 300 has a distance between the rod-shaped members on the side surfaces that is equal to the length between the outer surfaces of the slope portion 220. This allows the worker to move the slope portion 220 of the tray 200 along the members on the side surfaces of the guide 300 and bring it into contact with the second opening 120B.

[0035] (Action and effect) The toll collection machine set 900 according to this embodiment allows change to be replenished via the tray 200. Therefore, an operator can replenish change through the second opening 120B without accessing the hopper base 110. This allows an operator to replenish change without closing a lane and halting lane operation. Therefore, the toll collection machine set 900 according to the present disclosure can replenish change while operating the lane.

[0036] In addition, the operator can move the sloped portion 220 of the tray 200 along the member on the side of the guide 300 to contact the second opening 120B. That is, by providing the guide 300, the toll collection machine set 900 can always position the tray at a fixed position within the toll collection machine 100, which has limited access. This allows the worker to efficiently replenish change.

[0037] (Other embodiments) The above describes in detail the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like are also included within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0038] For example, the second opening 120B may have a guide portion that receives the sloped portion 220 of the tray 200. For example, the second opening 120B may have a guide that receives the sloped portion 220 and supports the periphery of the contact portion between the sloped portion 220 and the second opening 120B.

[0039] For example, the openable doors (141F, 141R, 141L) provided on the front and side surfaces of the cover 140 may be double-hinged doors. The openable doors (141F, 141R, 141L) provided on the front and side of the cover 140 are single-wing doors, and may be either right-opening or left-opening.

[0040] The selector 130 may also be a mechanical coin selector that discriminates coins based on their diameter, thickness, weight, etc.

[0041] For example, the tray 210 may have a side wall portion so that it can receive a large amount of change when receiving change. This allows the tray 210 to guide a large number of coins to the second opening 120B, thereby improving the efficiency of change replenishment.

[0042] For example, the inclined portion 230 may be located in the center of the tray portion 210 and may be shaped like a funnel.

[0043] For example, the angle of the slope portion 220 may be appropriately changed relative to the tray portion 210. By appropriately changing the angle of the slope portion 220, the falling speed of coins passing through the first opening 120A and coins passing through the second opening 120B can be made uniform, thereby preventing coin jamming. This allows the worker to efficiently replenish change. For example, the angle of the slope portion 220 may be adjustable.

[0044] For example, the slope portion 220 may have a side wall portion that restricts the direction of travel of the coin when guiding the coin to the second opening 120B. This allows the slope portion 220 to smoothly guide the coin to the second opening 120B, thereby improving the efficiency of change replenishment.

[0045] Although an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, this embodiment is shown by way of example and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. This embodiment and its modifications are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as well as within the scope of the present disclosure and its equivalents.

[0046] <Additional Notes> The toll collection machine 100, the tray 200 and the toll collection machine set 900 described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0047] (1) The toll collection machine 100 of the first embodiment comprises a guide member 120 that guides inserted coins, a selector 130 that sorts the coins guided from the guide member 120 by type, a hopper base 110 that can store the coins sorted by the selector 130, and a cover 140 that covers the entire housing and has doors (141R, 141L) that can be opened and closed on the side, and the guide member 120 has a first opening 120A that can accept coins inserted from the front side and a second opening 120B that can accept coins inserted from the side side or the back side.

[0048] According to the toll collection machine 100 of the first aspect, by providing the guide member 120 having the second opening 120B, it is possible to replenish change through the second opening 120B that is located in a different position from the hopper base 110. This eliminates the need for an operator to replenish change directly into the hopper base 110, and eliminates the need to stop operation of the traffic lane to replenish change into the hopper base 110. Therefore, the toll collection machine 100 according to the embodiment can replenish change while operating the lane.

[0049] (2) The fare collection machine 100 according to the second aspect is the fare collection machine 100 of (1), wherein the guide member 120 has a side wall portion 123 for guiding the inserted coin in an upright position, and the second opening 120B is located in the side wall portion 123.

[0050] The guide member 120 adjusts the direction of the coins, preventing them from getting stuck in the rails, and allowing the worker to efficiently replenish the change. Furthermore, since second opening 120B is located in side wall 123, an operator can access cover 140 through doors (141R, 141L) that can be opened and closed on the side of cover 140, and replenish change.

[0051] (3) The tray 200 according to the first embodiment includes a receiving portion 210 having a flat bottom surface, and a sloped portion 220 extending at an angle to the bottom surface.

[0052] According to the tray 200 of the first embodiment, a large number of coins can be processed by the receiving portion 210, and in addition, by adjusting the orientation of the coins by the slope portion 220, it is possible to prevent the coins from clogging in the guide member 120 where the coins meet, and to efficiently replenish change. In addition, the tray 200 can guide coins to the toll collection machine 100 even with limited clearance due to the slope portion 220. This eliminates the need for workers to directly replenish change to the hopper base 110, and eliminates the need to stop lane operations to replenish change to the hopper base 110. Therefore, the tray 200 according to the embodiment can replenish change while operating the lane.

[0053] (4) The tray 200 according to the second aspect is the tray 200 of (3), wherein the slope portion 220 has a width that allows coins to be guided in a lying state.

[0054] The sloped portion 220 adjusts the orientation of the coins, allowing the worker to efficiently replenish the change.

[0055] (5) The tray 200 according to the third aspect is the tray 200 of (3) or (4), and further includes an inclined portion 230 provided between the receiving portion 210 and the slope portion 220, for collecting coins present at one end of the receiving portion 210.

[0056] By providing the tray 200 with the inclined portion 230, it becomes easier for the worker to collect the coins in one place, which allows the worker to efficiently replenish the change.

[0057] (6) A fare collection machine set 900 according to a first aspect includes the fare collection machine 100 of (1) or (2) and the tray 200 of any one of (3) to (5).

[0058] According to the toll collection machine set 900 of the first aspect, change can be replenished via the tray 200. Therefore, the worker can replenish change through the second opening 120B without accessing the hopper base 110. This allows the worker to replenish change without closing the lane and stopping operation of the lane. Therefore, the toll collection machine set 900 according to the present disclosure can replenish change while operating the lane. In addition, workers can replenish change for toll collection machines 100 with limited access while operating the lane.

[0059] (7) The toll collection machine set 900 according to the second aspect is the toll collection machine set 900 according to (6), further comprising a guide 300 for guiding the slope portion 220 of the tray 200.

[0060] Since the toll collection machine set 900 further includes the guide 300, the worker can move the slope portion 220 of the tray 200 along the member on the side of the guide 300 and bring it into contact with the second opening 120B. That is, by providing the guide 300, the toll collection machine set 900 can always position the tray at a fixed position within the toll collection machine 100, which has limited access. This allows the worker to efficiently replenish change. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 100 Toll collection machine 110 Hopper Base 110D Hopper base connection port 120 Guide member 120A first opening 120AG guide part 120B Second opening 121 Bottom 122 Ceiling 123 Side wall 130 Selector 140 Cover 141F front door 141R: Door on the left side of the passenger 141L Side door on the user's right hand side 200 trays 210 Receptacle 220 Slope section 230 Slope 300 Guide 900 Toll Collection Machine Set

Claims

1. a guide member for guiding inserted coins; a selector that sorts the coins guided by the guide member by type; a hopper base capable of storing the coins selected by the selector; a cover that covers the entire housing and has an openable door on the side; Equipped with The guide member is a first opening capable of receiving the coin inserted from the front side; a second opening capable of receiving the coin inserted from the side or rear side; have Toll collection machine.

2. the guide member has a side wall portion for guiding the inserted coin in an upright state, The second opening is located in the side wall portion. The toll collection machine according to claim 1.

3. a tray portion having a flat bottom surface; a slope portion extending at an angle to the bottom surface; Equipped with Tray.

4. The slope portion has a width that allows the coin to be guided in a lying state. The tray of claim 3.

5. provided between the tray portion and the slope portion, The coin collecting mechanism further includes an inclined portion for collecting coins present at one end of the tray portion. The tray of claim 3.

6. The toll collection machine according to claim 1 or 2; The tray according to claim 3; Equipped with Toll collection machine set.

7. Further provided is a guide for guiding the slope portion of the tray. A toll collection machine set according to claim 6.

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