Coin hopper and coin processor

Abstract

To provide a coin hopper that can reduce wear of portions of a rotor mounted on the coin hopper, the portions abutting on a coin, prevent damage to the rotor, and suitably convey the coin, the rotor of the coin hopper, and a coin processor.SOLUTION: A rotor 70 has a three-body structure of a first resin rotor, a second resin rotor, and a metal rotor. The metal rotor is partially bent to form two pushing pieces 77, 78 that push a coin. The pushing pieces 77, 78 are respectively inserted into and fitted within through-holes 79, 80 provided in the first resin rotor for fixture. The first resin rotor and the second resin rotor are fixed with the metal rotor sandwiched therebetween for integration. The integrated rotor 70 is rotated to cause the metallic pushing pieces 77, 78 to sequentially abut on a peripheral surface of the coin on a base, thereby pushing the coin in an outer peripheral direction. Since the portions to abut on the coin are metallic, wear of and damage to the rotor can be prevented, and the coin can be suitably conveyed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin hopper that feeds 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] BACKGROUND ART A coin hopper is known that includes a container for storing a plurality of coins and discharges the coins stored in the container one by one.

[0003] For example, the coin hopper described in JP 2008-204156 A includes a storage bowl for storing a large number of coins and a dispensing means for dispensing coins from the storage bowl one by one. An opening is provided at the bottom of the storage bowl. A rotor is disposed on the upper surface of the dispensing means, facing the opening. The rotor is provided with multiple through-holes through which coins can enter. Coins that enter the through-holes of the rotor are held on a flat base disposed on the rear side of the rotor. In addition, a push protrusion is provided on the side of the through-hole for pushing the coins. As the rotor rotates, the coins are pushed by the push protrusions and move on the base. Once the coins reach a predetermined position on the base, their direction of movement is changed by a pin of the dispensing means and they are discharged into an outlet passage. In addition, the rotation of the rotor stirs the coins in the storage bowl.

[0004] The pushing protrusion comes into contact with the coin that has entered the hole, and pushes the coin in the direction of movement as the rotating body rotates. The pushing protrusion is subject to wear and scratches due to contact with the coin. Therefore, a rotating body reinforced with a reinforcing material has been considered. The rotating body is made of resin with a metal plate inserted by integral molding. Reinforcement of the rotating body with the metal plate improves its durability. A coin hopper that takes this kind of durability into consideration has been devised.

[0005] Furthermore, circulating currency issued by a nation includes coins of multiple denominations. Each denomination of coins has a different diameter, thickness, material, and design, so anyone can easily identify the denomination. A coin processing device detects the characteristics of the coin and identifies the denomination. The coin processing device can also store identified coins in containers by denomination. The coin processing device identifies the denomination of the coin, stores the coins by denomination, and dispenses the stored coins as needed. The coin processing device stores coins in a coin hopper by denomination and controls the coin hopper to dispense the desired amount of coins.

[0006] For example, a coin depositing and dispensing machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-151818 is known as an example of a coin processing device. Another example of a coin processing device is an automatic change dispenser. An automatic change dispenser stores inserted coins by denomination. The automatic change dispenser then calculates the denomination and number of coins to dispense based on the amount of change. The automatic change dispenser then controls the coin hopper corresponding to each denomination based on the calculated denomination and number of coins to dispense the coins.

[0007] Compared to metallic rotors, resin rotors can be made lighter but are less durable. Therefore, it has been considered to make part of the rotor out of metal. One such method is the aforementioned rotor in which a metal plate is inserted into resin by integral molding. Another known method is the rotating disk described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-20127. This rotating disk has an extruded disk with metal push projections fixed to a resin disk with screws. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-204156 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-151818 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-20127 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Conventionally, rotors have been considered that are integrally molded from a metal plate and resin. Conventional rotors have a metal plate surrounded by a resin, which strengthens the resin layer. Furthermore, the pusher projections that push the coins are reinforced by a metal plate inside the resin layer. Even if a metal plate is inserted into the rotor, the exposed resin portion can be damaged by contact with the coin. Depending on the location of the damage, the rotor may not function properly. Furthermore, if a foreign object other than a coin falls into the container, the rotor may come into contact with the foreign object, causing wear or damage. In the worst case, the rotor becomes unusable and must be replaced. With an integrally molded rotor, the entire rotor must be replaced even if only one part is defective. This type of rotor requires replacement even if some usable parts remain, resulting in waste.

[0010] Rotating bodies that are integrally molded from resin and metal have the problem of separation due to repeated impacts on the joints between the metal and resin. The strength of the joints can be improved by additional processing such as surface treatment of metal parts and making the shape more complex. However, rotating bodies with improved strength at the joints between the metal and resin have problems such as an increase in the manufacturing process, the complexity of the parts, and the time required to manufacture the parts.

[0011] In addition, the rotating disk, to which the pusher disk equipped with a metal pusher protrusion for pushing the coin is screwed, has the pusher protrusion formed by bending the metal plate twice. The tip of the pusher protrusion abuts against the coin to push it. Because the pusher disk is screwed to the resin disk, force is applied to the bent part of the pusher protrusion when pushing the coin. This raises the risk of the bent part of the pusher protrusion bending and deforming. Furthermore, to ensure sufficient strength, a thick metal plate must be used, which raises the problem of making the rotating disk heavy. Furthermore, because the pusher protrusion is formed by bending the metal plate, the tip of the metal plate abuts against the coin, which raises the problem of the coin being damaged by the edge of the metal plate.

[0012] In addition, because the ejection disc is fixed to the resin disc with screws, the manufacturing process and quality control are complicated, requiring screw tightening, torque management, etc. If the screws become loose, the ejection disc may move relative to the resin disc, causing coins to get under the ejection disc and causing a jam.

[0013] Conventional coin processing devices using coin hoppers have had the problem of coin payout problems occurring when a malfunction occurs in the rotating body. Therefore, coin hoppers with high durability are desired. Coin hoppers that can be easily maintained in case of malfunction are also desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] 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 fixed to a rotation axis and arranged opposite the base, and by rotating the rotor, the coins that have entered the separation holes are pushed, moved toward the outer periphery of the rotor, and discharged. The rotor comprises a first resin rotor made of resin, a second resin rotor, and a metal rotor having arms that extend radially from the center to the outer periphery corresponding to the separation holes, the arms having pushing pieces formed by bending the edges of the arms, the first resin rotor having pushing piece holes that are arranged corresponding to the pushing pieces and through which the pushing pieces are inserted, the metal rotor is arranged between the first and second resin rotors, and is fixed to the first resin rotor by fitting the pushing pieces into the pushing piece holes, and the coins are pushed by the pushing pieces exposed from the first resin rotor. 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, and is characterized in that a plurality of coin hoppers are arranged, and the coin receiving unit receives the coins discharged from each of the coin hoppers.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is a coin hopper comprising: a container for storing coins; a base for supporting the coins; and a rotating body having a plurality of separation holes for holding the coins one by one, the rotating body being fixed to a rotating shaft and positioned opposite the base; wherein the rotating body rotates to push the coins that have entered the separation holes, moving them toward the periphery of the rotating body and discharging them; wherein the rotating body comprises a first resin rotating body made of resin, a second resin rotating body made of resin, and a metal rotating body having arms extending radially from the center toward the periphery in correspondence with the separation holes; the first resin rotating body has a first abutment portion, and the second resin rotating body has a second abutment portion; and the rotating bodies are fixed in a state in which the metal rotating body is positioned between the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body by engaging the first abutment portion with the second abutment portion. Another aspect of the coin processing device of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned coin hopper and a coin receiving section that receives and collects the coins discharged from the coin hopper, wherein a plurality of coin hoppers are arranged, and the coin receiving section receives the coins discharged from each of the coin hoppers. Another aspect of the present invention is a coin hopper comprising 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, fixed to a rotation shaft, and disposed opposite the base, wherein the rotor rotates to push the coins that have entered the separation holes, move them in the outer circumferential direction of the rotor, and discharge the coins. The rotor comprises a first resin rotor made of resin, and a metal rotor with metal pusher pieces for pushing the coins, disposed at each of the separation holes, and a second resin rotating body made of resin, wherein the first resin rotating body has a first abutment portion, the second resin rotating body has a second abutment portion, the metal rotating body is arranged between the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body with the pushing piece exposed from the first resin rotating body, the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body are fixed by engaging the first abutment portion with the second abutment portion, and the coin on the base is pushed by the pushing piece exposed from the first resin rotating body. Another aspect of the coin processing device of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned coin hopper and a coin receiving section that receives and collects the coins discharged from the coin hopper, wherein a plurality of coin hoppers are arranged, and the coin receiving section receives the coins discharged from each of the coin hoppers. In another aspect of the present invention, a coin hopper rotor includes 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 fixed to a rotation shaft and disposed opposite the base, and by rotating the rotor, the coins that have entered the separation holes are pushed and moved in the outer circumferential direction of the rotor, and are discharged. The rotor includes a first resin rotor made of resin, and a metal rotor with metal pusher pieces for pushing the coins, which are disposed for each separation hole. The metal rotating body has a rolling body and a second resin rotating body made of resin, wherein the first resin rotating body has a first abutment portion, the second resin rotating body has a second abutment portion, the metal rotating body is arranged between the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body with the pushing piece exposed from the first resin rotating body, the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body are fixed by engaging the first abutment portion with the second abutment portion, and the coin on the base is pushed by the pushing piece exposed from the first resin rotating body. Another aspect of the present invention is a coin hopper comprising 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, fixed to a rotation shaft, and disposed opposite the base, wherein the rotor is rotated to push the coins that have entered the separation holes, move them in the outer circumferential direction of the rotor, and discharge the coins. The rotor comprises a first resin rotor, a metal rotor with metal pusher pieces for pushing the coins, disposed at each of the separation holes, and a second resin rotor. The coin-shaped ... Another aspect of the coin processing device of the present invention includes the above-mentioned coin hopper and a coin receiving unit that receives and collects the coins discharged from the coin hopper, and is characterized in that a plurality of coin hoppers are arranged, and the coin receiving unit receives the coins discharged from each of the coin hoppers. Another aspect of the present invention is a coin hopper rotor comprising 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, fixed to a rotation shaft, and disposed opposite the base, and by rotating the rotor, the coins that have entered the separation holes are pushed, moved in the outer circumferential direction of the rotor, and discharged. In this coin hopper rotor, the rotor comprises a first resin rotor made of resin, a metal rotor having metal pusher pieces that push the coins and are disposed at each of the separation holes, and a second resin rotor. and a second resin rotating body made of metal, wherein the first resin rotating body has a first abutment portion, the second resin rotating body has a second abutment portion, the metal rotating body is sandwiched between the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body with the pushing piece exposed from the first resin rotating body, the first resin rotating body, the metal rotating body and the second resin rotating body are fixed by engaging the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion, and the coin on the base is pushed by the pushing piece exposed from the first resin rotating body. Another aspect of the present invention is a coin hopper comprising: 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, fixed to a rotation axis, and disposed opposite the base; and control pins disposed in a transport path for the coins held by the rotor, which come into contact with the transported coins and change the direction of movement of the coins. The coin hopper transports the coins stored in the container over the base while they are held in the separation holes, causing the coins to come into contact with the control pins and move the coins in the discharging direction. The rotors comprise a first resin rotor made of resin, and a metal rotor with metal pusher pieces for pushing the coins, which are disposed for each of the separation holes. and a second resin rotating body made of resin, wherein the metal rotating body has a first through hole, the first resin rotating body or the second resin rotating body has a positioning protrusion at a position corresponding to the first through hole, the first resin rotating body has a first abutment portion, and the second resin rotating body has a second abutment portion, the metal rotating body is sandwiched between the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body with the pushing piece exposed from the first resin rotating body, the positioning protrusion fits into the first through hole and restricts relative movement with the metal rotating body in the rotational direction, and the first resin rotating body, the metal rotating body, and the second resin rotating body are fixed by engaging the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion. Another aspect of the coin processing device of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned coin hopper and a coin receiving section that receives and collects the coins discharged from the coin hopper, wherein a plurality of coin hoppers are arranged, and the coin receiving section receives the coins discharged from each of the coin hoppers.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, a rotating body of a coin hopper includes a container for storing coins, a base for supporting the coins, a rotating body having a plurality of separation holes for holding the coins one by one, the rotating body being fixed to a rotation axis and arranged opposite the base, and a control pin that is arranged in a transport path for the coins held by the rotating body and comes into contact with the transported coins to change the direction of movement of the coins, and the coin hopper transports the coins stored in the container over the base while being held in the separation holes, causing the coins to come into contact with the control pins and move the coins in the discharge direction, the rotating body includes a first resin rotating body made of resin, and a metal pushing piece that pushes the coins is arranged for each of the separation holes. The metal rotating body has a rotating body and a second resin rotating body made of resin, wherein the metal rotating body has a first through hole, the first resin rotating body or the second resin rotating body has a positioning protrusion at a position corresponding to the first through hole, the first resin rotating body has a first abutment portion, and the second resin rotating body has a second abutment portion, the metal rotating body is sandwiched between the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body with the pushing piece exposed from the first resin rotating body, the positioning protrusion fits into the first through hole and restricts relative movement with the metal rotating body in the rotational direction, and the first resin rotating body, the metal rotating body, and the second resin rotating body are fixed by engaging the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, the durability of the rotating body and coin hopper can be improved. A coin hopper with improved durability can reduce or prevent coin dispensing problems in a coin processing device. Furthermore, a rotating body, coin hopper, and coin processing device with excellent maintainability can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coin hopper. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the coin hopper with the coin container removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rotor. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the rear side of the rotating body. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear side of the rotating body. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a first diagram illustrating the structure of the rotor. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a second diagram illustrating the structure of the rotor. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the coin hopper. FIG. 8(a) is a diagram illustrating a first state of operation of the coin hopper. FIG. 8(b) is a diagram illustrating a second state of operation of the coin hopper. FIG. 8(c) is a diagram illustrating a third state of operation of the coin hopper. FIG. 8(d) is a diagram illustrating a fourth state of operation of the coin hopper. FIG. 8(e) is a diagram illustrating a fifth state of operation of the coin hopper. FIG. 8(f) is a diagram illustrating a sixth state of operation of the coin hopper. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a coin processing device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the second rotating body. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a first diagram illustrating the structure of an example of the second rotating body. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a second diagram illustrating the structure of an example of the second rotating body. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a third diagram illustrating the structure of an example of the second rotating body. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the back side illustrating an example of the second rotating body. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a top view illustrating an example of the third rotating body. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a first diagram illustrating the structure of an example of the third rotating body. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a second diagram illustrating the structure of the third example of the rotating body. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the rear surface side illustrating an example of the third rotating body. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a first diagram illustrating the structure of an example of the fourth rotating body. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a second diagram illustrating the structure of the fourth example of the rotating body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each drawing is merely a schematic illustration to allow a sufficient understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. Furthermore, in each drawing, common or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0020] First, the coin hopper will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the coin hopper.

[0021] The coin hopper 1 comprises a container 2 for storing coins 10, and a main body 3 for separating and dispensing 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 provided at the top of the main body 3. The guide unit 8 is arranged 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.

[0022] The rotor 5 is provided with a plurality of separation holes 6. The separation holes 6 are through-holes that penetrate the rotor 5 from front to back. The coin 10 enters the separation holes 6 and is slid on the base 7 by the rotor 5. A control pin is provided at a predetermined position on the base 7. When the coin 10 comes into contact with the control pin, it changes course toward the payout outlet 4 and is discharged from the payout outlet 4.

[0023] A flat base 7 is provided on the top of the main body 3, and a rotating body 5 rotates above it. A guide portion 8 for the container 2 is arranged along the outer periphery of the rotating body 5. The rotating body 5 faces the opening of the guide portion 8. The base 7 is inclined so that the side where the payout outlet 4 is located is vertically higher than the opposite side. Because the base 7 is inclined, coins 10 tend to collect on the lower side of the container 2. As the rotating body 5 passes under the accumulated coins 10, the coins 10 enter the separation hole 6. The coins 10 are carried to the payout outlet 4 by the rotating body 5.

[0024] In this way, the coin hopper 1 places the coins 10 in the container 2 one by one into the separation holes 6 of the rotor 5, carries them to the payout outlet 4, and discharges them.

[0025] Furthermore, the size, material, design, and other elements of coins 10 differ for each denomination. In the coin processing device, a coin hopper 1 of a predetermined denomination is attached to a predetermined position. For this purpose, the coin hopper 1 is provided with an identification hole 9 corresponding to the denomination. The coin processing device is provided with a protrusion corresponding to the identification hole 9 at a predetermined position. The coin hopper 1 having the corresponding identification hole 9 is set at a predetermined position in the coin processing device.

[0026] The coin hopper 1 will now be described in more detail. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the coin hopper with the coin container removed.

[0027] The coin hopper 1 is provided with a motor 11 for driving the rotor 5. The rotation of the motor 11 is controlled by a control circuit (not shown). A gear (not shown) is provided inside the main body 3, connecting the motor 11 to a rotating shaft (not shown) to which the rotor 5 is fixed. The rotating shaft passes through a through-hole provided in the base 7. The rotor 5 is fixed to the rotating shaft protruding from the base 7. The agitating unit 12 is a protrusion located at the center of rotation of the rotor 5, and agitates the coins 10 to prevent them from remaining in an uneven position. A mechanism for fixing the rotor 5 to the rotating shaft is provided inside the agitating unit 12. Strength can be improved by making the part fixed to the rotating shaft out of metal. For example, the agitating unit 12 may be made of metal. The rotor 5 is also provided with agitating blades 18. The agitating blades 18 are protrusions provided on the surface of the rotor 5. The agitating blades 18 agitate the accumulated coins 10. The agitating blades 18 are arranged radially from the center of the rotor 5. In addition, in order to enhance the stirring capacity, recesses are provided between adjacent stirring blades 18, making the surface of the rotor 5 complex.

[0028] The unevenness on the surface of the rotor 5 effectively agitates the accumulated coins 10, making it easier for the coins 10 to enter the separation hole 6. This makes the rotor 5 thick. To make the rotor 5 lighter, part of the rotor 5 is made of plastic and part is made of metal. The rotor 5 can be made lighter while maintaining its strength. Also, by making the part of the rotor 5 that comes into contact with the coins 10 out of metal, wear and damage due to contact with the coins 10 can be prevented.

[0029] The rotor 5 rotates counterclockwise. A groove is provided on the back side of the rotor 5 to avoid the control pin 13. A pushing piece for pushing the coin 10 is also provided on the back side of the rotor 5. A groove is also provided between the outer periphery of the rotor 5 and the separation hole 6, through which the coin 10 can pass. The coin 10 that enters the separation hole 6 abuts against the control pin 13 and is guided toward the payout outlet 4. The coin 10 is pushed between the fixed roller 15 and the moving roller 16. The moving roller 16 is biased toward the fixed roller 15. When more than half of the coin 10 enters between the fixed roller 15 and the moving roller 16, the coin 10 passes between the fixed roller 15 and the moving roller 16. At that time, the coin 10 is forcefully moved toward the payout outlet 4 by the biasing force of the moving roller 16. The discharge sensor 14 detects the coin 10 being dispensed. The detection result is output to a control circuit (not shown). The control circuit can count the coins 10 being dispensed. The control pin 13 is disposed on the transport path along which the coin 10 is transported by the rotating body 5 .

[0030] An outer wall 17 is provided on the outside of the outer periphery of the rotor 5 to restrict the movement of the coin 10. The outer wall 17 is not provided at least between the fixed roller 15 and the moving roller 16 in order to guide the coin 10 to the payout outlet 4. The coin 10 can be moved from this portion towards the payout outlet 4.

[0031] Next, the rotating body 5 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rotating body. A commonly used coin 10 is made of metal. The upper surface side of the rotating body 5 is a first resin part 20 made of resin such as plastic. From the viewpoints of strength, durability, processability, etc., the material of the first resin part 20 is preferably engineering plastic. The rotating body 5 is divided into three members, which will be described later.

[0032] The rotating body 5 is subject to wear due to contact with the coins 10. Therefore, to reduce or prevent wear, the rotating body 5 has metal and resin portions. The entire rotating body 5 can be made of metal. However, to make the rotating body 5 lighter, it is preferable to make a portion of the rotating body 5 out of resin such as plastic. Furthermore, by making the portion 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 portion of the rotating body 5 that is subject to heavy wear out is the pushing piece that pushes the coin 10 inserted into the separation hole 6. The pushing piece pushes the coin 10 while it is in contact with the control pin 13 (Figure 2), fixed roller 15 (Figure 2), and moving roller 16 (Figure 2). Therefore, a force equivalent to the pushing force acts on the pushing piece as a reaction force. The force is particularly exerted on the end of the pushing piece. Therefore, making the pushing piece out of metal improves durability. The pushing piece is located on the back side of the rotating body 5.

[0033] The rotating body 5 is provided with five separation holes 6. The rotating body 5 is provided with at least one separation hole 6. The maximum number of separation holes 6 is determined based on the size of the rotating body 5 and the size of the coin 10.

[0034] Next, a description will be given of the back side of the rotating body 5. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the back side of the rotating body.

[0035] A shaft hole 23 is provided in the center of the rotor 5, into which the rotor shaft of the rotor 5 is inserted. The rotor shaft has a locking portion that passes through the center of the shaft and is arranged perpendicular to the axial direction. A shaft locking groove 24 that engages with the locking portion is provided in the center of the rotor 5.

[0036] The first resin part 20 has five separation holes 6 that are equidistant from the center of rotation and spaced at equal intervals. The separation holes 6 are through-holes that penetrate the front and back of the first resin part 20. The area surrounding the separation holes 6 is thickly formed. The part of the metal part 22 other than the pusher piece 25 is made of a flat metal plate and is arranged parallel to the base 7 (Fig. 2). The pusher piece 25 is formed by bending the edge of the flat plate approximately perpendicular to the direction of the base 7 (Fig. 2). The surface of the pusher piece 25 that comes into contact with the coin is flat. For example, the metal part 22 can be easily made by cutting out the outer periphery from a flat plate using press processing and then bending the pusher piece 25 area using press processing. The metal part 22 does not require surface treatment to create minute irregularities on its surface.

[0037] A recess 31 is formed on the back surface side of the first resin part 20 of the rotating body 5. The recess 31 has a central portion including the periphery of the shaft hole 23 and the shaft locking groove 24, a peripheral portion of the first resin part 20, and a peripheral portion of the separation hole 6 protruding from it, and opens to the back surface side of the rotating body 5. A positioning protrusion 33 is provided in the recess 31 between adjacent separation holes 6. The positioning protrusion 33 is a protrusion provided on the back surface side of the first resin part 20. A metal part 22 is housed in the recess 31. The metal part 22 has a protruding portion in the center of the first resin part 20 and a through hole in a portion corresponding to the positioning protrusion 33. The metal part 22 fits into the protruding portion in the center of the first resin part 20 and is fixed to the first resin part 20. The metal part 22 arranged in the recess 31 fits into the positioning protrusion 33 and is fixed to the first resin part 20. The metal part 22 is a metal plate made of an iron alloy such as stainless steel or an aluminum alloy. The metal part 22 has a bent part between adjacent separation holes 6, and the bent part functions as a pusher piece 25. Each positioning protrusion 33 is arranged at an equal distance from the rotation center of the rotor 5. The pusher pieces 25 are arranged on a circumference whose radius is the distance from the rotation center to the positioning protrusion 33. In addition, the reversing piece 26 that comes into contact with the coin when the rotor 5 is rotated in the reverse direction is also arranged on a circumference whose radius is the distance from the rotation center to the positioning protrusion 33. The pusher piece 25 is made by bending a flat plate, so the surface that comes into contact with the coin is flat.

[0038] The reversing piece 26 is arranged on the forward rotation side of the separation hole 6 of the rotor 5. The pushing piece 25 is arranged on the reverse rotation side of the separation hole 6 of the rotor 5. The pushing piece 25 pushes the coin 10 when the rotor 5 rotates forward, and the reversing piece 26 pushes the coin 10 when the rotor 5 rotates reverse. In other words, the coin that enters the separation hole 6 is positioned between the pushing piece 25 and the reversing piece 26 and is transported.

[0039] A linear locking fitting groove 37 is formed in the peripheral portion of the first resin part 20, in a portion that forms the inner wall of the recess 31. The locking fitting groove 37 is formed in the inner wall on the outer periphery of the recess 31. The locking fitting groove 37 is a groove that fits with a locking fitting protrusion (described below) that is provided in the second resin part 21. The locking fitting groove 37 is arranged along the outer periphery of the first resin part 20, and has a narrow, elongated shape.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear surface of the rotating body 5. This is a perspective view of the rotating body 5 as viewed from the rear surface. The rotating body 5 includes a metal part 22 and resin parts, namely, a first resin part 20 and a second resin part 21. The metal part 22 is inserted into a recess 31 in the first resin part 20. The second resin part 21 is fixed to the first resin part 20. The metal part 22 is sandwiched and fixed between the first resin part 20 and the second resin part 21. The second resin part 21 has a push piece hole 30, which is a through hole, at a position corresponding to the push piece 25 of the metal part 22. The second resin part 21 also has a through hole in a portion corresponding to the positioning protrusion 33. The second resin part 21 covers the metal part 22 to prevent it from coming out of the recess 31. The push piece 25 passes through the push piece hole 30 and is positioned to protrude from the resin part. The metal part 22 can be fixed to the second resin part 21 by fitting the pusher pieces 25 into the pusher piece holes 30. The first resin part 20 and the second resin part 21 can also be said to be a first resin rotor that forms the resin part of the rotor 5, and the metal part 22 can also be said to be a metal rotor that forms the metal part of the rotor 5. The pusher pieces 25 are arranged for each separation hole 6 provided in the rotor 5. The central convex part 34 corresponds to the pusher piece 25 and is provided at a position adjacent to the pusher piece 25. In other words, the central convex part 34 is provided for each pusher piece 25, preventing deformation of the pusher pieces 25 in the rotation direction of the rotor 5. The only metal part exposed from the second resin part 21 towards the base 7 is the pusher piece 25 exposed from the pusher piece hole 30. The part of the metal part that comes into contact with the coin is minimized. It can also be said that the part of the resin part that receives a strong force from the coin 10 has been replaced with a metal part.

[0041] A first step portion 28 and a second step portion 29 are arranged on the outer periphery of the first resin portion 20, corresponding to each separation hole 6. The first step portions 28 and second step portions 29, which are provided to correspond to the separation holes 6, form an uneven surface on the outer periphery of the first resin portion 20. Five outer peripheral convex portions 32 are formed on the outer periphery of the first resin portion 20. Concave portions are formed between the outer peripheral convex portions 32, allowing the coin 10 that has entered the separation hole 6 to pass through. The coin 10 that has entered through the separation hole 6 can move through a passage that is wider than the opening of the separation hole 6, which is provided on the back side of the first resin portion 20 and the second resin portion 21. The passage is set to be wide enough to fit one coin 10, so that when a coin 10 is present, other coins 10 cannot enter through the separation hole 6.

[0042] The second resin part 21 has a base part 36 extending radially, and an inner peripheral convex part 35 and a central convex part 34 that protrude from the base part 36. The central convex part 34 has a through hole through which the positioning protrusion 33 passes. The second resin part 21 is made of a resin such as plastic. The second resin part 21 is preferably made of an engineering plastic. The second resin part 21 is also preferably made of the same material as the first resin part 20. Since the second resin part 21 does not come into contact with the coin 10, it can also be made of a resin that is less durable in contact with the coin 10 than the first resin part 20.

[0043] The rotating body 5 is located above the base 7 (Fig. 2). In order for the rotating body 5 to rotate, a groove is required to avoid the control pin 13 (Fig. 2). The pushing piece 25, the central convex portion 34, and the reversing piece 26 are arranged between the inner peripheral convex portion 35 and the outer peripheral convex portion 32, and together they form a concentric concave-convex shape. When the rotating body 5 rotates, the control pin 13 (Fig. 2) passes through the concentrically formed concave portion. The surfaces of the pushing piece 25, the central convex portion 34, the reversing piece 26, the inner peripheral convex portion 35, and the outer peripheral convex portion 32 are formed to be approximately flush. The positioning protrusion 33 is arranged to be flush with the central convex portion 34 or not to protrude.

[0044] The coin 10 entering the separation hole 6 is surrounded by the pusher piece 25, the reversing piece 26, the central convex portion 34, and the outer peripheral convex portion 32, and is conveyed while its movement range is limited. When the rotor 5 rotates forward, it is pushed by the pusher piece 25 to move. When the rotor 5 rotates reversely, it is pushed by the reversing piece 26 to move. The reversing piece 26 is made of resin, but like the pusher piece 25, it can also be formed by bending the metal portion 22. The rotor 5 is rotated reversely less frequently than forward. Therefore, the reversing piece 26 is less likely to be worn or damaged by contact with the coin 10 than the pusher piece 25. The reversing piece 26 can be made of resin, but is more preferably made of metal. Like the pusher piece 25, the reversing piece 26 can be formed by bending a portion of the metal portion 22. The metal portion 22 is made of a harder material than the first resin portion 20 and the second resin portion 21. The metal portion 22 can sufficiently enhance the durability of the rotor 5. If the durability of the rotating body 5 is sufficiently high, the frequency of replacement of the rotating body 5 will decrease. If the durability of the rotating body 5 is sufficient, the first resin part 20 and the second resin part 21 may be fixed together with an adhesive. Furthermore, the first resin part 20 and the second resin part 21 may be fixed together using a fitting mechanism and adhesion. When fixed together with adhesion, the parts can be replaced by peeling off the adhesive part. Furthermore, the resin part can be replaced while leaving the metal part 22.

[0045] Coins 10 accumulate on the first resin portion 20. Since coins 10 may fall and hit the first resin portion 20 from above, the first resin portion 20 must be sufficiently durable. Comparing the thicknesses of the first resin portion 20 and the second resin portion 21 between adjacent separation holes 6 in the rotation direction of the rotor 5, the first resin portion 20 is thicker than the second resin portion 21. Preferably, the first resin portion 20 is thicker than the combined thickness of the second resin portion 21 and the metal portion 22 in the aforementioned location. By making the first resin portion 20 thicker, the durability of the first resin portion 20 can be increased. The durability of the rotor 5 is improved by the metal portion 22 and the first resin portion 20 that push the coins 10. Such a rotor 5 can reduce the possibility of fatal damage that would require replacement.

[0046] Next, the second resin part 21 and the metal part 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a first diagram illustrating the structure of the rotating body. Fig. 7 is a second diagram illustrating the structure of the rotating body. Fig. 6 is a diagram viewed from the metal part 22 side, and Fig. 7 is a diagram viewed from the second resin part 21 side.

[0047] The second resin part 21 has a pusher piece hole 30 formed therein corresponding to the pusher piece 25. The pusher piece hole 30 is a through-hole that penetrates the second resin part 21 from the front to the back. The pusher piece 25 fits into the pusher piece hole 30.

[0048] A first through hole 38 with a circular opening is provided in the center of the second resin part 21. A third through hole 40 with a circular opening is provided in the center of the metal part 22. The first through hole 38 and the third through hole 40 have the same opening diameter. The first through hole 38 and the third through hole 40 fit into the central protruding part of the first resin part 20 (Fig. 5). The metal part 22 has five arms on which pushing pieces 25 are formed. A pushing piece 25 is provided on each of the five arms. The five pushing pieces 25 are configured as an integrated part. The metal part 22 and the second resin part 21 are easily attached and detached.

[0049] Each of the five arms extending radially from the center of the second resin portion 21 has a second through hole 39 with a circular opening. Each of the five arms extending radially from the center of the metal portion 22 has a fourth through hole 41 with a circular opening. The second through hole 39 and the fourth through hole 41 have the same diameter. The second through hole 39 and the fourth through hole 41 have openings with shapes corresponding to the positioning protrusion 33 (FIG. 5). That is, the second through hole 39 and the fourth through hole 41 have openings with the same shape. The positioning protrusion 33 (FIG. 5) fits into the second through hole 39 and the fourth through hole 41. The positioning protrusion 33 (FIG. 5) positions the pushing piece 25 and the central protrusion 34 at predetermined positions. That is, by fitting the second through hole 39 and the fourth through hole 41 into the positioning protrusion 33, the pushing piece 25 can be positioned adjacent to the central protrusion 34. The positioning protrusions 33 can also be considered as engagement protrusions that engage the second resin portion 21 and the metal portion 22 with the first resin portion 20 .

[0050] The second resin portion 21 and the metal portion 22 overlap each other in a top view. The metal portion 22 is arranged so that the metal portion 22 does not protrude from the second resin portion 21 except for the portion of the pushing piece 25 in a top view.

[0051] Arm side surfaces 44 at the tips of the five radially extending portions of the second resin part 21 are arc-shaped corresponding to the recesses 31 (FIG. 4). Locking engagement protrusions 42 are provided on the arm side surfaces 44. The locking engagement protrusions 42 are linear protrusions provided on the arm side surfaces 44. The locking engagement protrusions 42 fit into the locking engagement grooves 37 (FIG. 4). By fitting the locking engagement protrusions 42 into the locking engagement grooves 37 (FIG. 4), the metal part 22 and the second resin part 21 can be fixed to the first resin part 20 (FIG. 4). In other words, it can be said that the first resin part 20 (FIG. 4) is provided with a first coupling part, which is the locking engagement groove 37, and the second resin part 21 is provided with a second coupling part, which is the locking engagement protrusions 42. By coupling the first coupling part and the second coupling part, the first resin part 20 and the second resin part 21 are fixed to each other. Furthermore, the adhesive can also strengthen the fixation between the first resin portion 20 and the second resin portion 21.

[0052] A thick portion 43 is provided at each of the tip portions of the five portions extending radially from the center of the second resin portion 21. The thick portions 43 are arranged at equal distances from the rotation center of the second resin portion 21. The thick portions 43 improve the strength of the outer periphery of the second resin portion 21 and prevent deformation such as bending or twisting when fixed to the first resin portion 20 (FIG. 4). The thick portions 43 improve the strength so that the locking fitting protrusions 42 do not deform. The thick portions 43 are approximately equal to the thickness of the metal portion 22 and twice as thick as the base portion 36. The locking fitting protrusions 42 are arranged at the center of the thick portions 43 in the thickness direction.

[0053] The central protrusion 34, which protrudes from the base 36 of the second resin part 21, is located adjacent to the pusher hole 30. That is, when the second resin part 21 and the metal part 22 are fitted together, the pusher piece 25 and the central protrusion 34 are adjacent to each other. When the pusher piece 25 pushes a coin, a force is applied to the pusher piece 25. When a force is applied to the pusher piece 25, the pusher piece 25 is prevented from deforming by the adjacent central protrusion 34. Although the central protrusion 34 is made of resin, it is not directly abutted by the coin, so it is not scraped by the coin. When the pusher piece 25 pushes a coin while the coin is abutting against the control pin 13 (FIG. 2) or the moving roller 16, the pusher piece 25 receives a strong force. If the pusher piece 25 is made of plastic, there is a risk of the pusher piece 25 being damaged. Even if the pusher piece 25 is made of metal, there is a risk of the pusher piece 25 being bent in the opposite direction to the rotation direction. Since the central convex portion 34 is disposed adjacent to the pusher piece 25, the central convex portion 34 can prevent deformation of the pusher piece 25. In addition, the entire surface of the pusher piece 25 that contacts the central convex portion 34 is in contact with and supported by the central convex portion 34. Since the entire surface is supported, the pusher piece 25 can be prevented from bending when it comes into contact with the coin 10. The width of the central convex portion 34 is approximately the same as that of the pusher piece 25, but the length of the central convex portion 34 is longer than the width of the central convex portion 34, thereby increasing strength in the rotational direction. The central convex portion 34 will not deform even if force is applied from the pusher piece 25.

[0054] Next, the operation of dispensing coins from the coin hopper will be described using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the coin hopper. Figure 8(a) is a diagram illustrating a first state illustrating the operation of the coin hopper. Figure 8(b) is a diagram illustrating a second state illustrating the operation of the coin hopper. Figure 8(c) is a diagram illustrating a third state illustrating the operation of the coin hopper. Figure 8(d) is a diagram illustrating a fourth state illustrating the operation of the coin hopper. Figure 8(e) is a diagram illustrating a fifth state illustrating the operation of the coin hopper. Figure 8(f) is a diagram illustrating a sixth state illustrating the operation of the coin hopper.

[0055] 8(a) to 8(f) are top views with the container 2 (FIG. 1) and the first resin part 20 (FIG. 3) removed so that the contact state between the coin 10 and the rotating body 5 can be seen. The state changes in the order of FIG. 8(a) to FIG. 8(f). The coin 10 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0056] The rotating body 5 rotates counterclockwise, moving the coin 10 that has entered the recess of the rotating body 5. The coin 10 is pushed by the pusher piece 25 and transported while surrounded by the outer wall 17 and the recess of the rotating body 5. The pusher piece 25 passes between the two control pins 13.

[0057] 8(a) shows a state in which the coin 10 has moved to a position where it abuts against the control pin 13. The coin 10 is also in contact with the side wall of the second resin part 21 and the pushing piece 25.

[0058] As the rotor 5 rotates, the coin 10 is pushed in the direction of rotation of the rotor 5 by the pusher piece 25. However, the movement of the coin 10 in the direction of rotation of the rotor 5 is restricted by the control pin 13. Therefore, the coin 10 changes its movement direction towards the payout outlet 4. A force that changes the movement direction of the coin 10 is applied to the pusher piece 25.

[0059] FIG. 8(b) shows the state in which coin 10 moves in the direction of payout outlet 4 and comes into contact with moving roller 16. As rotating body 5 rotates, coin 10 is pushed by pushing piece 25. Coin 10 moves away from control pin 13 on the center side of rotating body 5 and comes into contact with control pin 13 on the outside. As the rotation progresses, the contact position of pushing piece 25 with coin 10 moves in a direction away from the center of rotating body 5.

[0060] FIG. 8(c) shows a state in which coin 10 moves in the direction of payout outlet 4 as rotor 5 rotates, and comes into contact with fixed roller 15 and moving roller 16. Pushed by pushing piece 25, coin 10 moves in the direction of payout outlet 4 and separates from control pin 13. When coin 10 is not in contact with fixed roller 15 and moving roller 16, the gap between fixed roller 15 and moving roller 16 is smaller than the diameter of coin 10. However, as rotor 5 continues to rotate, coin 10 pushes moving roller 16, and the gap between fixed roller 15 and moving roller 16 widens. Since moving roller 16 can move in the direction away from fixed roller 15, coin 10 can move in the direction of payout outlet 4. A force pushing moving roller 16 is applied to pushing piece 25.

[0061] 8(d) shows a state in which coin 10 is moving between fixed roller 15 and moving roller 16 in the direction of payout outlet 4. When coin 10 comes into contact with both fixed roller 15 and moving roller 16 and is further pushed by pushing piece 25, moving roller 16 moves in a direction away from fixed roller 15. Coin 10 passes between fixed roller 15 and moving roller 16 and further moves in the direction of payout outlet 4.

[0062] 8(e) shows the state where the gap between the fixed roller 15 and the moving roller 16 is equal to the diameter of the coin 10. The coin 10 continues to move toward the payout outlet 4, and is pushed by the pushing piece 25 until the gap between the fixed roller 15 and the moving roller 16 exceeds the diameter of the coin 10.

[0063] Since the coin 10 comes into contact with the outer peripheral end of the pusher piece 25 of the rotor 5, the reaction force generated when the coin 10 is pushed is applied to the end of the pusher piece 25. In other words, a strong force is applied to the pusher piece 25, and if the pusher piece 25 is made of resin, it will be deformed and worn. For example, if the edge of the coin 10 hits the resin part hard, the resin part may be scraped off.

[0064] Figure 8(f) shows the state in which the coin 10 leaves the pushing piece 25 and moves towards the payout outlet 4. The moving roller 16 is biased by a spring in the direction approaching the fixed roller 15. The coin 10 is pushed by the pushing piece 25 until the gap between the fixed roller 15 and the moving roller 16 becomes the diameter of the coin 10. Once this state is exceeded, the coin 10 is pushed by the moving roller 16 and moves towards the payout outlet 4. The moving roller 16 moves towards the fixed roller 15 while pushing against the side of the coin 10. The moving roller 16 returns to its initial position.

[0065] The moving roller 16 is biased by a spring in a direction approaching the fixed roller 15, and the biasing force of the spring causes the moving roller 16 to move toward the fixed roller 15. The coin 10 is pushed by the moving roller 16 toward the payout outlet 4. The discharge sensor 14 also detects that the coin 10 has passed.

[0066] The end of the contact surface of the pusher piece 25 closest to the center of the rotor 5 is referred to as the first end, and the end farther away is referred to as the second end. When the coin 10 is in contact only with the control pin 13 closest to the center of the rotor 5, the first end of the pusher piece 25 makes contact. When the coin 10 is in contact only with the control pin 13 farther from the center of the rotor 5, the second end of the pusher piece 25 makes contact. That is, when viewed from above, the surface of the pusher piece 25 that contacts the coin 10 is disposed in a direction that intersects with a line passing through the center of the rotor 5. As the rotor 5 rotates, the contact position between the pusher piece 25 and the coin 10 moves from the side toward the center of rotation of the rotor 5 to the side away from the center of rotation. As the rotor 5 rotates, the coin 10 moves in a direction away from the center of rotation. Since the control pin 13 is disposed in a predetermined position on the base 7, when the coin 10 is transported to this predetermined position, its direction of movement is changed and it is ejected.

[0067] When the pushing piece 25 abuts against the control pin 13, it changes the direction of movement of the coin 10 from the direction of rotation of the rotor 5 to the direction between the fixed roller 15 and the moving roller 16. Therefore, a force is applied to the coin 10 in a direction that intersects with the direction of rotation of the rotor 5. Depending on the direction of the force, the rotation of the rotor 5 may stop, causing a jam. In the worst case, the parts may be damaged.

[0068] Furthermore, the length of the surface of the pusher piece 25 that contacts the coin 10 is smaller than the distance between the two control pins 13. In other words, the pusher piece 25 passes between the two control pins 13 as the rotor 5 rotates. Furthermore, since the end of the surface of the pusher piece 25 that contacts the coin 10 comes into contact with the coin 10, a strong force is applied to the end. For this reason, it is preferable to use a metal, in particular a hard metal such as an iron alloy such as stainless steel, a titanium alloy, or an aluminum alloy.

[0069] Next, a coin processing device will be described. Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a coin processing device.

[0070] The coins 10 stored in the storage container 60 of the coin processing device 50 are of a mixed denomination. The coin processing device 50 separates the coins 10 stored in the storage container 60 by denomination and stores them in the coin hopper 1. The coin processing device 50 is also a device that discharges coins 10 from the coin hopper 1 based on instructions from an external device. Such a coin processing device 50 is installed in a POS system, a currency exchange machine, etc.

[0071] The coin processing device 50 comprises a separation unit 51, a recognition unit 52, and a sorting unit 53. Coins 10 of different denominations are mixed and inserted into a storage container 60. The separation unit 51 transfers the coins 10 one by one to the recognition unit 52. The recognition unit 52 uses a sensor (not shown) to detect the characteristics of the coins 10 being transported one by one and identifies the denomination. The coins 10 whose denomination has been identified are transferred from the recognition unit 52 to the sorting unit 53. The sorting unit 53 stores the coins 10 whose denomination has been identified in the corresponding coin hopper 1.

[0072] In the sorting section 53, coins 10 are transported by transport pins 54 along rails 58. A sorting flap 55 is arranged along the rails 58. The sorting flap 55 changes the path along which the coins 10 move by a drive unit (not shown). Depending on the state of the sorting flap 55, the coins 10 either drop onto a slider 56 or pass through without being dropped. When the coins 10 drop onto the slider 56, they pass through a guide path 57 and are stored in the container 2 of the coin hopper 1.

[0073] Coins 10 whose denomination has been identified are stored in one of four coin hoppers 1, or are guided to a reject passage 61 and discharged to a dispensing tray 62. As four coin hoppers 1 are arranged, coins 10 of four different denominations can be stored, and coins of other denominations are not accepted and are discharged. Coins 10 are discharged onto a discharge belt 59 from multiple coin hoppers 1 arranged in a row. In other words, the discharge belt 59 can also be said to be a coin receiving section that receives coins 10 discharged from multiple coin hoppers 1 arranged in a row. By rotating the discharge belt 59, coins 10 can be collected in one place.

[0074] The coins 10 discharged from the payout outlet 4 of the coin hopper 1 are placed on the discharge belt 59. The discharge belt 59 is driven by a drive unit (not shown) and transports the coins 10 to the dispensing tray 62.

[0075] Next, a second example of the rotating body will be described with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 14. The second rotating body 70 can be applied to the rotating body of the coin hopper described above. Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the second rotating body.

[0076] The second rotating body 70 has a second metal part, which is a metallic rotating body described below, sandwiched between two resin rotating bodies, a third resin part 72 and a fourth resin part 73. The resin rotating body is preferably made of a plastic that is easy to process and highly durable, such as engineering plastic. The metallic rotating body is preferably made of a metal that is easy to process and highly durable, such as an iron alloy, titanium alloy, or aluminum alloy.

[0077] The third resin part 72 is provided with stirring protrusions 71 between the separation holes 6 for stirring the coins in the container. The second rotating body 70 is provided with stirring parts 12 at the position that is the center of rotation. The stirring protrusions 71 are protrusions that extend radially from the stirring part 12 that is arranged on the surface of the third resin part. By rotating the second rotating body 70, the stirring parts 12 and the stirring protrusions 71 stir the coins in the container.

[0078] The fourth resin part 73 has a wall part 76 that stands along the outer periphery. The wall part 76 has a plurality of locking protrusions 75. The locking protrusions 75 are caught at predetermined positions on the outer periphery of the third resin part 72, fixing the third resin part 72 and the fourth resin part 73 together. The fourth resin part 73 has an ejection groove 27 through which coins to be ejected for each separation hole 6 pass.

[0079] A reversing piece 26 that comes into contact with a coin when the second rotating body 70 is rotated in the reverse direction is provided on the downstream side of the separation hole 6 in the rotation direction of the second rotating body 70. The ejection groove 27 allows the coin to move from the inner periphery side of the wall portion 76 to the outer periphery side.

[0080] Next, the structure of the second rotating body 70 will be described. Fig. 11 is a first diagram illustrating the structure of an example of the second rotating body. Fig. 11 also shows a state in which the second metal part 74 is fitted into the fourth resin part 73 of the second rotating body 70. Fig. 12 is a second diagram illustrating the structure of an example of the second rotating body. Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the fourth resin part 73, which is a part of the second rotating body 70.

[0081] A rotation shaft is inserted through a third shaft hole 83 at the rotation center of the second metal part 74. The second metal part 74 has metal plate arms that are equally spaced apart and radiate in three directions around the third shaft hole 83 between adjacent separation holes 6. The tip of each of the metal plate arms extending in the three directions has a bent part that is bent at approximately a right angle. The bent parts are a second pusher piece 77 and a third pusher piece 78 that push the coin. The second pusher piece 77 is inserted into a second pusher piece hole 79 that penetrates the front and back of the fourth resin part 73, and its tip protrudes from the back side of the fourth resin part 73. The third pusher piece 78 is inserted into a third pusher piece hole 80 that penetrates the front and back of the fourth resin part 73, and its tip protrudes from the back side of the fourth resin part 73.

[0082] A peripheral through-hole 82 is provided along the base of the wall portion 76 of the fourth resin portion 73. The peripheral through-hole 82 is a through-hole that penetrates the front and back of the fourth resin portion 73. The peripheral through-hole 82 is provided at a position corresponding to the locking protrusion 75. When the third resin portion 72 is hooked onto the locking protrusion 75, this makes the wall portion 76 more flexible and prevents damage.

[0083] Two locking protrusions 75 are disposed between adjacent separation holes 6. A third pushing piece 78 is disposed between adjacent locking protrusions 75. The rotation center of the second metal portion 74 of the second rotating body 70 is fixed to the rotation shaft.

[0084] A fifth through hole 84 is provided on the upstream side of the second pushing piece 77 of the second metal part 74 in the rotation direction. The fifth through hole 84 is arranged in each arm of the second metal part 74. The fifth through hole 84 is a through hole that penetrates the front and back of the second metal part 74. A protrusion, which will be described later, fits into the fifth through hole 84, and the protrusion prevents rattling of the second metal part 74 in the rotation direction. The fourth resin part 73 is provided with a second positioning protrusion 81, which fits into a sixth through hole 85 of the second metal part 74. The second positioning protrusion 81 indicates the fixed position of the second metal part 74 relative to the fourth resin part 73.

[0085] The fourth resin part 73 is provided with a seventh through hole 102 at a position corresponding to the fifth through hole 84. The seventh through hole 102 is a through hole that penetrates the front and back of the fourth resin part 73. A protrusion, which will be described later, fits into the fifth through hole 84 and the seventh through hole 102, and the protrusion prevents rattling of the second metal part 74 and the fourth resin part 73 in the rotational direction.

[0086] The fourth resin part 73 is provided with a second shaft hole 87. The second shaft hole 87 is provided with a rotation stop hole 88. A rotation shaft is inserted into the second shaft hole 87, and a rotation stop lever fixed perpendicular to the rotation shaft is fitted into the rotation stop hole 88. The rotation shaft and the fourth resin part 73 are fixed so that the rotation of the fourth resin part 73 is linked to the rotation of the rotation shaft. The cross section of the rotation shaft may be made non-circular and the rotation stop hole 88 may be made a corresponding shape, thereby similarly transmitting the rotation of the rotation shaft to the fourth resin part 73.

[0087] Next, a description will be given of the third resin portion 72. Fig. 13 is a third diagram illustrating the structure of an example of the second rotating body.

[0088] The third resin portion 72 has a front side provided with a stirring portion 12. The third resin portion 72 has a back side provided with a second recess 89 that houses the second metal portion 74. The second recess 89 is formed along the outer shape of the second metal portion 74.

[0089] The third resin portion 72 has a fourth shaft hole 93 at its rotation center. A rotation shaft is inserted into the fourth shaft hole 93.

[0090] The second recess 89 is provided with three third positioning protrusions 90. The third positioning protrusions 90 are arranged at positions corresponding to the fifth through hole 84 of the second metal part 74 and the seventh through hole 102 of the fourth resin part 73, and fit into the respective holes. The third positioning protrusions 90 fit into the fifth through hole 84 and the seventh through hole 102, and the third positioning protrusions 90 prevent rattling in the rotational direction between the third resin part 72, the fourth resin part 73, and the second metal part 74. The second rotating body 70 rotates as a unit of three members. The cross section of the third positioning protrusions 90 is circular, but is not limited to this shape and may be polygonal or elliptical, although a shape that is easy to process is preferable.

[0091] A peripheral surface 91, which is the side surface of the third resin part 72, is provided with a locking recess 92. The locking recess 92 is arranged at a position corresponding to the locking protrusion 75. The locking protrusion 75 engages with the locking recess 92, fixing the third resin part 72 and the fourth resin part 73. The second metal part 74 is sandwiched and fixed between the third resin part 72 and the fourth resin part 73. The second rotating body 70 can be easily assembled and disassembled. The locking recess 92 is an abutment part that abuts against the locking protrusion 75, and the locking protrusion 75 can also be said to be an abutment part that abuts against the locking recess 92.

[0092] Next, the back side of the second rotating body 70 will be described. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the back side illustrating an example of the second rotating body. The second rotating body 70 has a second metal part 74 sandwiched between a third resin part 72 and a fourth resin part 73, and the third resin part 72 and the fourth resin part 73 are fitted together and fixed.

[0093] A fourth resin part 73 is disposed on the rear surface side of the second rotating body 70. A groove is provided on the rear surface side of the fourth resin part 73 to avoid the control pin when the second rotating body 70 rotates. A first escape groove 100 and a second escape groove 101 in the fourth resin part 73 are grooves through which the control pin passes without coming into contact. To form these grooves, the fourth resin part 73 is provided with a second central convex part 97, a second inner peripheral convex part 98, and a second outer peripheral convex part 99.

[0094] The second inner peripheral convex portion 98 is disposed between the first escape groove 100 and the second escape groove 101. The second inner peripheral convex portion 98 is disposed upstream of the second pushing piece 77 in the rotation direction of the second rotor 70. The second inner peripheral convex portion 98 is adjacent to the second pushing piece 77 and resists the force exerted when the second pushing piece 77 contacts the coin, preventing deformation of the second pushing piece 77.

[0095] A seventh through hole 102 is arranged in the second inner peripheral convex portion 98. The seventh through hole 102 is arranged on the upstream side of the second pushing piece 77 in the rotation direction of the second rotating body 70, and the third positioning protrusion 90 fits into the seventh through hole 102. When a coin is pushed by the second pushing piece 77, the greatest force is applied to the upstream side of the second pushing piece 77 in the rotation direction of the second rotating body 70. For this reason, the third positioning protrusion 90 is provided on the upstream side of the second pushing piece 77 in the rotation direction of the second rotating body 70. The third positioning protrusion 90 firmly connects the third resin part 72, the fourth resin part 73, and the second metal part 74 to prevent them from shifting from one another.

[0096] A second pushing piece hole 79 is provided adjacent to the second inner peripheral convex portion 98 on the downstream side of the second inner peripheral convex portion 98 in the direction of rotation of the second rotating body 70. A first buffer portion 94 is provided on the side of the second pushing piece hole 79 of the second inner peripheral convex portion 98 toward the rotation center of the second rotating body 70. A third pushing piece hole 80 is provided adjacent to the second outer peripheral convex portion 99 on the downstream side of the second outer peripheral convex portion 99 in the direction of rotation of the second rotating body 70. A second buffer portion 95 and a third buffer portion 96 are provided on the side of the third pushing piece hole 80 of the second outer peripheral convex portion 99 toward the rotation center of the second rotating body 70 and on the outer periphery.

[0097] The first buffer section 94 prevents the coin from contacting the edge of the second pusher piece 77. Contact with the edge of the second pusher piece 77 could result in damage to the coin. The first buffer section 94 covers the edge of the coin that first contacts the second pusher piece 77 when the second rotating body 70 rotates. This is because this part is prone to damaging the coin. In this example, it covers one edge of the second pusher piece 77, but it may cover both sides. The second buffer section 95 and the third buffer section 96 cover both edges of the third pusher piece 78, preventing the edge from contacting the coin. The first buffer section 94, the second buffer section 95, and the third buffer section 96 can be made of resin because they do not press the coin with a strong force.

[0098] The second shaft hole 87 is wider than the third shaft hole 83. Therefore, the periphery of the third shaft hole 83 of the second metal portion 74 is exposed from the second shaft hole 87. The second metal portion 74 is fixed by abutting against the rotating shaft. By abutting and fixing a predetermined position on the rotating shaft and the periphery of the third shaft hole 83, the distance between the second metal portion 74 and the base can be made constant. The second metal portion 74 is fixed by abutting predetermined positions against each other. Although an example has been shown in which a protrusion is disposed in the third resin portion 72 and a through hole is disposed in the fourth resin portion 73, a configuration in which a through hole is disposed in the third resin portion 72 and a protrusion is disposed in the fourth resin portion 73 may also be used.

[0099] Next, a third example of the rotating body will be described with reference to Figs. 15 to 18. The third rotating body 110 can be applied to the rotating body of the coin hopper described above. First, the external shape of the third rotating body 110 will be described with reference to Figs. 15 and 18. Fig. 15 is a top view illustrating an example of the third rotating body. Fig. 15 is a view of the third rotating body 110 as seen from directly above. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the back side illustrating an example of the third rotating body.

[0100] The third rotor 110 has three separation holes 6 arranged therein. On the top surface of the third rotor 110, stirring protrusions 71 extend radially from the stirring portion 12.

[0101] The third rotating body 110 includes a fifth resin part 111 on the upper surface side, a sixth resin part 112 on the back surface side, and a third metal part 113 (described later) sandwiched between them. The fifth resin part 111 has a second locking recess 115 that engages with a second locking protrusion 114 provided on the sixth resin part 112, thereby fixing the fifth resin part 111 and the sixth resin part 112 together. The third rotating body 110 is easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0102] The second locking recesses 115 are arranged on the outer periphery of the fifth resin portion 111 and are provided between adjacent separation holes 6 so as to sandwich the stirring protrusions 71 therebetween.

[0103] A fourth pushing piece 116 and a fifth pushing piece 117 protrude from predetermined positions on the sixth resin part 112 to the rear surface side and push the coin.

[0104] The fifth resin part 111 is provided with a fourth positioning protrusion 119, which fits into through holes provided in the third metal part 113 and the sixth resin part 112, which will be described later. At least one fourth positioning protrusion 119 is arranged on the upstream side of each fourth pushing piece 116 in the rotation direction of the third rotor 110, up to the separation hole 6. The fourth positioning protrusion 119 fits into the through hole, and the fourth positioning protrusion 119 prevents the fifth resin part 111, the sixth resin part 112, and the third metal part 113, which will be described later, from wobbling relative to each other in the rotation direction. In addition, the base of the fourth pushing piece 116 is supported by the sixth resin part 112 on the upstream side in the rotation direction of the third rotor 110. Although a force is applied to the fourth pushing piece 116 when pushing the coin, the fourth pushing piece 116 is prevented from bending.

[0105] A rotating shaft is inserted into the sixth shaft hole 122 of the sixth resin part 112, and the sixth resin part 112 is fixed to the rotating shaft.

[0106] A fourth positioning protrusion 119 is provided at a position corresponding to the fourth pushing piece 116, and another fourth positioning protrusion 119 is provided between the center of rotation. The fifth resin part 111, the sixth resin part 112, and a third metal part 113 (described later) are prevented from rattling with each other by the fourth positioning protrusion 119. The third rotating body 110 rotates as a unit of three members.

[0107] Next, the inside of the third rotating body 110 will be described. Fig. 16 is a first diagram illustrating the structure of an example of the third rotating body. It is a perspective view of a state in which the fifth resin part 111 and the third metal part 113 are fixed together.

[0108] The back surface side of fifth resin part 111 is provided with a recess for accommodating third metal part 113, and third metal part 113 is accommodated in this recess. Fourth positioning protrusion 119 is provided in the recess. Second locking recess 115 is also provided in the recess.

[0109] The third metal part 113 has a fifth shaft hole 118 at the center of rotation. A rotating shaft is inserted into and fixed in the fifth shaft hole 118. The third metal part 113 has arms that extend radially in three equiangular directions from the fifth shaft hole 118. The third metal part 113 has a through hole into which a fourth positioning protrusion 119 is fitted. The tip side of the third metal part 113 is provided with a fourth pushing piece 116 and a fifth pushing piece 117.

[0110] Next, the inside of the third rotating body 110 will be described from another angle. Fig. 17 is a second diagram illustrating the structure of an example of the third rotating body. It is a perspective view of a state in which the sixth resin part 112 and the third metal part 113 are fixed together.

[0111] The sixth resin part 112 is provided with a fourth pusher hole 120 through which the fourth pusher piece 116 of the third metal part 113 is inserted. The fourth pusher piece 116 is inserted into the fourth pusher hole 120 and protrudes from the back surface side of the sixth resin part 112. The fifth pusher piece 117 is arranged along the outer periphery of the sixth resin part 112 and protrudes from the back surface side of the sixth resin part 112.

[0112] The sixth resin part 112 is provided with a second locking protrusion 114. The second locking protrusion 114 is a snap fit and engages with a second locking recess 115 to fix the fifth resin part 111 and the sixth resin part 112. The second locking protrusion 114 and the second locking recess 115 have abutting portions that abut against each other. In addition, the third metal part 113 has an eighth through hole 121 arranged at a position corresponding to the fourth positioning protrusion 119.

[0113] Next, a fourth example of the rotating body will be described with reference to Figs. 19 and 20. The fourth rotating body 140 can be applied to the rotating body of the coin hopper described above. The fourth rotating body 140 is an example in which the pushing pieces are not integral but are divided and arranged for each separation hole. Fig. 19 is a first diagram illustrating the structure of an example of the fourth rotating body. Fig. 19 shows an example of divided pushing pieces. Fig. 20 is a second diagram illustrating the structure of an example of the fourth rotating body. Fig. 20 shows an example of a rotating body that fixes the divided pushing pieces.

[0114] The fourth metal part 130 is formed by cutting out a portion of the third metal part 113 described in FIGS. 16 and 17 that includes the fourth pushing piece 116, the fifth pushing piece 117, and the eighth through hole 121. The fourth metal part 130 is formed by bending a metal plate to form the fourth pushing piece 116 and the fifth pushing piece 117, and then drilling a hole in the metal plate to form the eighth through hole 121. By using multiple pushing pieces to make the part smaller, it is possible to save material. However, the manufacturing process becomes complicated because multiple parts must be assembled.

[0115] The fourth rotating body 140 has the fourth metal part 130 sandwiched between a seventh resin part 141 and an eighth resin part 142. The fourth pushing piece 116 and the fifth pushing piece protrude from the rear surface side of the fourth rotating body 140.

[0116] The fourth rotating body 140 has a hole at its rotation center similar to the sixth shaft hole 122 described in Figures 16 and 17. The fourth rotating body 140 is fixed to a rotating shaft that is inserted through the sixth shaft hole 122.

[0117] 16 and 17, a protrusion similar to fourth positioning protrusion 119 is provided in a recess of seventh resin part 141 that accommodates fourth metal part 130. When fourth metal part 130 is accommodated in that recess, fourth positioning protrusion 119 fits into eighth through hole 121. Fourth positioning protrusion 119 prevents fourth metal part 130 from rattling in the rotational direction of fourth rotating body 140.

[0118] The eighth resin part 142 is provided with locking protrusions and locking recesses at four locations, similar to the second locking protrusions 114 and the second locking recesses 115 described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. The seventh resin part 141 is provided with locking recesses at positions corresponding to the second locking protrusions 114. When the second locking protrusions 114 engage with the locking recesses, the seventh resin part 141 and the eighth resin part 142 are fixed together, sandwiching the fourth metal part 130 therebetween. [Industrial Applicability]

[0119] The present invention can be used in a coin hopper that discharges coins one by one, and in a coin processing device equipped with a coin hopper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 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 Motor 12 Stirring section 13 control pins 14 Emission sensor 15 Fixed roller 16 Moving roller 17 Exterior Wall 18 Mixing blade 20 First resin part 21 Second resin part 22 Metal parts 23 Shaft hole 24 Shaft locking groove 25 Push piece 26 Reverse Piece 27 Discharge groove 28 First step 29 Second step 30 Push-button hole 31 Recess 32 Outer periphery convex part 33 Positioning protrusion 34 Central convex part 35 Inner circumferential convex part 36 Base 37 Locking fitting groove 38 First through hole 39 Second through hole 40 Third through hole 41 Fourth Through Hole 42 Locking fitting protrusion 43 Thick part 44 Arm side 50 Coin Processing Device 51 Separation section 52 Identification unit 53 Sorting section 54 Carrying pin 55 Diversion flap 56 Slider 57 Guideway 58 Rail 59 Discharge belt 60 Storage container 61 Reject Passage 62 Dispensing tray 75 Locking protrusion 76 Wall 77 2nd push piece 78 3rd push piece 91 Peripheral surface 92 Locking recess 94 1st buffer section 95 Second buffer section 96 Third buffer section

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, fixed to a rotating shaft, and disposed opposite the base; In a coin hopper that rotates the rotating body to push the coin that has entered the separation hole, move the coin in the outer periphery of the rotating body, and discharge the coin, the rotating body includes a first resin rotating body made of resin, a second resin rotating body made of resin, and a metal rotating body having arms extending radially from a center toward an outer periphery in correspondence with the separation holes, The arm has a pushing piece formed by bending an edge of the arm, the first resin rotating body is disposed corresponding to the pushing piece and has a pushing piece hole through which the pushing piece is inserted, the metal rotating body is disposed between the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body, and is fixed to the first resin rotating body by fitting the pushing piece into the pushing piece hole; A coin hopper characterized in that the coins are pushed by the pushing piece exposed from the first resin rotor.

2. 2. The coin hopper according to claim 1, wherein the pushing piece has a flat surface that comes into contact with the coin.

3. a control pin that is disposed to protrude from the base and that abuts against the coin that is pushed by the pushing piece and moves on the base to change the direction of movement of the coin; 3. The coin hopper according to claim 1, wherein the pushing piece passes beside the control pin.

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

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