Coin hopper and coin processing device

Abstract

To prevent a portion of a rotor abutting a coin from being damaged, the rotor inserting coins stored in a container into a separation hole one by one and pushing and conveying the coin.SOLUTION: A rotor includes a metal rotor 32, a first resin rotor, and a second resin rotor 21. The metal rotor 32 is fixed so as to be interposed between the first resin rotor and the second resin rotor 21. The metal rotor 32 includes pushing pieces 40 each having an arm partly bent and pushing a coin. The pushing piece 40 of the metal rotor 32 protrudes from a pushing piece hole 23 provided in the second resin rotor 21 so as to push a coin on a base. The arm has a third through-hole 38 for engagement with a positioning protrusion 28 protruding from the second resin rotor 21. The metal rotor 32 engages with the positioning protrusions 28 to reduce a behavior such as a displacement of the metal rotor due to a force applied to the pushing pieces 40 when the coin is pushed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

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 2022-48988 A includes a container that stores a large number of coins and a dispensing means that dispenses the coins from the container one by one. An opening is provided at the bottom of the container. A rotating body is disposed on the upper surface of the dispensing means, facing the opening. The rotating body is provided with multiple separation holes into which the coins enter. Coins that enter the separation holes of the rotating body are held on a flat base that faces the back surface of the rotating body and is disposed at a distance. A pusher piece that pushes the coins is provided on the side of the separation hole. As the rotating body rotates, the coins are pushed by the pusher piece 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 dispensed from a dispensing outlet. The rotation of the rotating body also agitates the coins in the container.

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

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

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

[0007] A conventional rotating body is constructed by sandwiching a metal rotating body between two resin rotating bodies. The pusher piece is formed by bending a portion of the metal rotating body. The contact surface of the pusher piece with the coin is flat. The coin is pushed by the contact portion and moves along the contact surface. As the rotating body rotates, the coin gradually moves toward the periphery of the rotating body. The coin gradually moves toward the periphery while rubbing against the surface of the pusher piece. The pusher piece pushes the coin toward the periphery, as its movement in the rotational direction is prevented by the pin. Therefore, it is desirable for the component of the force acting on the coin in the periphery of the pusher piece to be large. Furthermore, because a strong force is applied to the contact portion with the coin, the rotating body needs to be rigid and durable enough to prevent bending.

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

[0009] The coin hopper of the present invention comprises a container for storing coins, a base for supporting the coins, and a rotor having a plurality of separation holes for holding the coins one by one, the rotor being positioned opposite the base, and having a metal rotor with a metal pushing piece for pushing the coins between a first resin rotor and a second resin rotor, the separation holes passing through the rotor so that the coins can pass through the front and back of the rotor, 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 the coins are discharged. In this coin hopper, the metal rotor has arm parts that extend radially from the center of rotation of the rotor and are arranged between the separation holes, and the arm parts protrude from the surface and are between the center of rotation and the tip of the arm parts. the rotating body has a convex portion arranged between the adjacent separation holes of the rotating body, the pushing piece formed by bending the end of the arm portion, and a through hole arranged between the convex portion and the pushing piece, the first resin rotating body or the second resin rotating body has a protrusion protruding from the surface at a position corresponding to the through hole, the rotating body sandwiches the metal rotating body between them, and by engaging the engaging portions of the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body with each other, the pushing piece is exposed from the second resin rotating body toward the base and the protrusion is inserted into the through hole, the first resin rotating body, the second resin rotating body, and the metal rotating body are fixed, and the coin supported by the base and inserted in the separation hole is pushed by the pushing piece to slide on the base. Another aspect of the coin hopper includes a container for storing coins, a base for supporting the coins, and a rotating body that has a plurality of separation holes that hold the coins one by one and is positioned opposite the base, and that has a metal rotating body that is disposed between a first resin rotating body and a second resin rotating body and that has a metal pushing piece that pushes the coins, and by rotating the rotating body, the coins that have entered the separation holes are pushed and moved in the outer circumferential direction of the rotating body, and the coins are discharged. In this coin hopper, the end of the metal rotating body on the downstream side in the rotation direction is bent at a bending portion in the thickness direction of the metal rotating body, and the pushing piece includes a portion that protrudes along the groove of the portion bent at the bending portion, and the protruding portion is oriented in a direction that intersects with the folding direction. the first resin rotating body or the second resin rotating body has a wall portion that abuts against the side surface of the metal rotating body, the rotating body sandwiches the metal rotating body between them, and the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body engage with each other's engaging portions, so that the pushing piece is exposed from the second resin rotating body toward the base and the pushing piece is positioned between the adjacent separation holes, and the first resin rotating body, the second resin rotating body, and the metal rotating body are fixed, and the coin supported by the base and inserted into the separation hole is pushed by the pushing piece to slide on the base. Another aspect of the coin hopper comprises a container for storing coins, a base for supporting the coins, a rotor having a plurality of separation holes for holding the coins one by one, the rotor being arranged opposite the base, and including a metal rotor having a metal pushing piece for pushing the coins between a first resin rotor and a second resin rotor, and a control protrusion arranged on a transport path for the coins held by the rotor, the control protrusion coming into contact with the coin being transported and changing the direction of movement of the coin. The coin hopper transports the coins stored in the container over the base while being held in the separation holes, and the control protrusion causes the coin to come into contact with the control protrusion and change the direction of movement of the coin being transported. In a coin hopper that discharges the coins to the outside, the metal rotating body comprises arm portions arranged radially from the center of rotation of the rotating body, convex portions that protrude from the surface of the arm portions and are arranged between the center of rotation and the tip of the arm portions and between adjacent separation holes of the rotating body, and the pushing piece formed by bending the end of the arm portion, the second resin rotating body is arranged in a position facing the base, the metal rotating body is sandwiched between the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body, the pushing piece is exposed from the second resin rotating body toward the base, and the convex portion is stored between the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body.

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

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

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the durability and rigidity of the rotor and coin hopper, thereby enabling smoother movement of coins in the coin hopper. Furthermore, a coin processing device equipped with the coin hopper of the present invention can reduce or prevent coin dispensing failures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

[0014] 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.

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

[0016] The coin hopper 1 comprises a container 2 for storing coins 10, and a main body 3 for separating and 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 disposed at the top of the main body 3. The guide unit 8 is disposed along the outer periphery of the rotating body 5, and guides the coins 10 so that they are deposited on the rotating body 5.

[0017] The rotating body 5 has a plurality of separation holes 6. The separation holes 6 are through-holes that penetrate the front and back of the rotating body 5. The base 7 has a flat surface, and the rotating body 5 is rotatably disposed at a position facing the flat surface of the base 7. The flat surface of the base 7 and the rotating body 5 are separated by a predetermined distance so that the coin 10 cannot enter between them. The coin 10 enters the separation holes 6 and is held on the base 7. As the rotating body 5 rotates, the coin 10 is pushed by the rotating body 5 and slides on the base 7. Between the outer periphery of the rotating body 5 and the separation holes 6, the rotating body 5 has a groove through which the coin 10 can pass. A control protrusion (described later) that prevents the movement of the coin 10 transported by the rotating body 5 is provided at a predetermined position on the base 7. The control protrusion protrudes from the surface of the base 7. For example, the control protrusion may be a control pin such as a pin or a control plate such as a plate. The control protrusion prevents the movement of the coin 10 in the rotational direction, changes the movement direction of the coin 10, and guides the coin 10 toward the outer periphery. The coin 10 that comes into contact with the control protrusion changes course toward the payout outlet 4, passes through the groove provided between the separation hole 6 and the outer periphery of the rotating body 5, and is discharged from the payout outlet 4 in the discharge direction. When the coin 10 held by the rotating body 5 is transported to a predetermined position, it is guided toward the payout outlet 4 by the control protrusion.

[0018] A flat base 7 is provided on the top of the main body 3, and the 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 base 7 is inclined relative to the horizontal so that the payout outlet 4 is high and the opposite side is low. Because the base 7 is inclined, coins 10 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 transported by the rotating body 5.

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

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

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

[0022] Next, the rotating body 5 will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the rotating body. The top side of the rotating body 5 is a first resin rotating body 20 made of resin such as plastic. The back side of the rotating body 5 is a second resin rotating body 21 made of resin such as plastic. The rotating body 5 has three separation holes 6 that penetrate the front and back of the rotating body 5. The rotating body 5 is provided with at least one separation hole 6. The maximum number of separation holes 6 that can be arranged in the rotating body 5 is determined based on the size of the rotating body 5 and the size of the coins. The ejection groove 22 is arranged on the back side of the rotating body 5 and is a groove provided between the separation hole 6 and the outer periphery of the rotating body 5. Coins pass through the ejection groove 22 and are ejected from the separation hole 6 to the outside of the rotating body 5.

[0023] The material of the first resin rotating body 20 and the second resin rotating body 21 is preferably engineering plastic in terms of strength, durability, processability, weight, etc. The first resin rotating body 20 and the second resin rotating body 21 are fixed together, with a metal rotating body (described later) sandwiched between them. The agitating protrusions 14 are protrusions arranged on the surface side of the rotating body 5, i.e., on the surface of the first resin rotating body 20. The agitating protrusions 14 agitate the accumulated coins. The agitating protrusions 14 also prevent the coins from remaining on the surface of the first resin rotating body 20. The shaft hole 11 is provided at the rotation center of the rotating body 5, and is a hole in which the rotation shaft is arranged.

[0024] The rotor 5 is subject to wear and damage due to contact with coins. Therefore, to reduce or prevent wear, a portion of the rotor 5 is made of metal. While the entire rotor 5 can be made of metal, it is preferable to make a portion of the rotor 5 out of resin such as plastic in order to make the rotor 5 lighter. By making the portion of the rotor 5 that is subject to heavy wear out of metal, the durability of the rotor 5 can be improved. The portion of the rotor 5 that is subject to heavy wear is the portion that pushes the coin inserted into the separation hole 6. The portion that pushes the coin pushes the coin when the coin is in contact with the control pin 13 (see Figure 9), fixed roller 55 (see Figure 9), and movable roller 56 (see Figure 9), which will be described later. The portion that pushes the coin is subjected to a reaction force equivalent to the pushing force. A particularly large force is applied to the portion that comes into contact with the coin. Therefore, it is necessary to make the portion that pushes the coin out of metal to improve durability. The portion that pushes the coin is located on the back side of the rotor 5.

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

[0026] At the center of second resin rotating body 21, shaft hole frame 31, which forms a shaft hole into which a rotating shaft is inserted, stands upright from bottom surface 27 of second resin rotating body 21. At the outer periphery of second resin rotating body 21, frame 15 is formed which stands upright from bottom surface 27. Frame 15 is formed with ejection groove 22, which is a recess through which coins pass when ejected. A thick portion protruding inward of frame 15 is provided with push pin hole 30 through which push pin 42 (see FIG. 6), described later, is inserted.

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

[0028] Positioning protrusions 28 are provided on the bottom surface 27 in correspondence with the push piece holes 23. The positioning protrusions 28 protrude from the flat surface of the second resin rotating body 21. Three positioning protrusions 28 are provided. Each positioning protrusion 28 fits into a corresponding third through hole 38 (see FIG. 4) of the metal rotating body 32 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, so that the flat surface on which the positioning protrusions 28 are provided comes into contact with the flat surface of the metal rotating body 32 (see FIG. 4). The positioning protrusions 28 are protrusions protruding from the bottom surface 27, and their tips are divided into multiple columnar bodies. The positioning protrusions 28 that protrude from the bottom surface 27 are provided with grooves 25, and their tip side is divided into multiple columnar bodies 26. The tips of the positioning protrusions 28 are inserted into holes in the first resin rotating body 20 (see FIG. 7) and fixed. Since the pillar 26 is inserted into the hole in a bent state, the reaction force increases the frictional force, making it difficult for the pillar 26 to come out of the hole. The bottom surface 27 side of the positioning projection 28 does not have the groove 25, and forms the base 24. The outer periphery of the base 24 comes into contact with and fits into the inner periphery of the third through-hole 38 (see Figure 4).

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

[0030] The metal rotor 32 has a second through-hole 35 at its center of rotation and three arms 34 extending radially from a center 33 of the metal rotor 32. The metal rotor 32 can be formed by processing a single metal plate. For example, the metal rotor 32 can be easily produced by cutting out the outer periphery and through-holes from a flat metal plate using press work, and then bending the push piece 40 and first rib 37 using press work. The metal rotor 32 is a metal plate made of an iron alloy such as stainless steel or an aluminum alloy. Each arm 34 is provided with a first rib 37 to improve strength. The first rib 37 is a convex portion protruding from the surface of the arm 34 in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The back side of the convex portion is recessed. In addition to deforming the metal rotor, the convex portion may be formed by welding or other means to which another metal plate of a desired shape is attached. The first rib 37 may also have different dimensions and shapes. The first ribs 37 are disposed approximately at the center of each arm portion 34 in the rotational direction. They are disposed along a line extending from the center portion 33 of the metal rotor 32 toward the tip. The first ribs 37 extend in a direction intersecting the rotational direction of the metal rotor 32. The longitudinal direction of the first ribs 37 is disposed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the rotational direction. The first ribs 37 resist forces acting on the arm portions 34 in various directions, including the rotational direction, and prevent the arm portions 34 from bending. In addition, a step portion 36 is provided on the side of each arm portion 34. The step portion 36 separates the arm portions 34 and makes it difficult for forces to be transmitted to other arm portions 34. The arm portions 34 can be formed without the step portion 36, but it is preferable to have one. The step portion 36 also serves as a branch point separating the center portion 33 and the arm portions 34.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0040] The middle rib 44 has a shape in which the periphery protrudes from the surface of the second resin rotating body 21 and the center is recessed. Furthermore, the middle rib 44 has a shape that corresponds to the curved portion 41 of the pushing piece 40, so it protrudes in the direction of rotation of the rotating body 5. Therefore, the middle rib 44 is less likely to elastically deform than if the pushing piece 40 were flat. The surface of the contact portion of the rotating body 5 with the coin is hard, but the middle rib 44 allows for very slight bending.

[0041] The pin receiver 48 of the outer rib 45 is positioned on the opposite side of the push pin 42 from the direction of rotation of the rotor 5, and receives the force applied when the push pin 42 comes into contact with the coin. The push pin hole 30 is provided at the base of the end of the outer rib 45. The push pin 42 passed through the push pin hole 30 comes into contact with the pin receiver 48 at the end of the outer rib 45. The pin receiver 48 of the outer rib 45 receives the force applied to the push pin 42 and prevents deformation and rattle of the push pin 42. The side of the push pin 42 opposite the surface that comes into contact with the coin is supported by the pin receiver 48 of the outer rib 45. The outer rib 45 forms the outer peripheral surface of the second resin rotor 21. The push pin 42 is cylindrical and has a curved surface. The coin moves while rubbing its side against the surface of the push pin 42. Because the surface of the push pin 42 is curved, coins that move while rubbing against the surface of the push pin 42 move smoothly without getting caught on the push pin 42. The push pin 42 is located in a position that protrudes from the outer rib 45 in the direction of rotation of the rotating body 5, preventing it from coming into contact with the resin part of the coin. The push pin 42 is located upstream of the push piece 40 in the direction of rotation of the rotating body 5. The push pin 42 pushes the coin that has been pushed by the push piece 40, following the push piece 40.

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

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

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

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

[0046] The rib relief grooves 50 are provided at positions corresponding to the protruding portions of the first ribs 37 (see FIG. 8) of the metal rotating body 32 (see FIG. 8). The rib relief grooves 50 support the metal rotating body 32 (see FIG. 8) with the wall portions 49 clear of the first ribs 37 (see FIG. 8). The positioning protrusion receiving holes 58 are fitted with corresponding positioning protrusions 28 (see FIG. 5). The positioning protrusions 28 (see FIG. 5) may have different shapes and dimensions, or may be disposed on the first resin rotating body 20. In this case, the corresponding positioning protrusion receiving holes 58 are disposed on the second resin rotating body 21 (see FIG. 5).

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

[0048] The first ribs 37 of the metal rotor 32 are disposed between the adjacent separation holes 6. Also, the pushing pieces 40 are disposed corresponding to the respective separation holes 6.

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

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

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

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

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

[0054] Next, we will explain the operation of the coin hopper using Figure 9. Figure 9 explains the operation of the coin hopper. Figure 9(a) shows the first state of the coin hopper, Figure 9(b) shows the second state of the coin hopper, Figure 9(c) shows the third state of the coin hopper, and Figure 9(d) shows the fourth state of the coin hopper. Figures 9(a) to 9(d) show the states that change in the order indicated by the arrows. The operation of discharging a coin 10 that has entered the separation hole 6 will be explained using Figures 9(a) to 9(d). Figure 9 is a top view of the rotor 5, and dashed lines indicate parts that are hidden behind the back of the rotor 5, such as the pin clearance groove 46, control pin 13, push piece 40, and push pin 42. The coin 10 is also shown in dashed lines. The control pin 13 is located in two positions: close to the rotor shaft 12 and close to the outer periphery. The rotor 5 rotates counterclockwise around the rotor shaft 12. The control pin 13 is arranged in the transport path along which the coin 10 is transported by the rotating body 5. The pin escape grooves 46 are arranged concentrically around the rotation axis 12 so that the control pin 13 does not come into contact with the rotating body 5.

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

[0056] First, in the first state shown in Figure 9(a), a coin 10 that has entered the preceding separation hole 6 of the rotor 5 is pushed and transported by the pushing piece 40, and is shown in a state just before it comes into contact with the control pin 13. Also, the subsequent separation hole 6 is just about to receive the coin 10.

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

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

[0059] Next, in the third state shown in Figure 9(c), the coin 10 moves while being further pushed by the pusher piece 40. The coin 10's movement direction is guided by the control pin 13 and the fixed roller 55. The coin 10, pushed by the pusher piece 40, moves between the fixed roller 55 and the moving roller 56 while pushing the moving roller 56. As the coin 10 moves, even when it separates from the pusher piece 40, the coin 10 is pushed by the pusher pin 42. The coin 10 moves outward between the fixed roller 55 and the moving roller 56. The coin 10 is pushed by at least the pusher piece 40 or the pusher pin 42 until the gap between the fixed roller 55 and the moving roller 56 reaches the diameter of the coin 10 and the moving roller 56 changes direction of movement toward the fixed roller 55.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0066] Coins 10 whose denomination has been identified are stored in one of the four coin hoppers 1, or are guided to a reject passage 71 and discharged to a dispensing tray 72. Because 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 69 from multiple coin hoppers 1 arranged in a row. In other words, the discharge belt 69 can also be said to be a coin receiving section that receives coins 10 discharged from multiple coin hoppers 1 arranged in a row. By rotating the discharge belt 69, coins 10 can be collected in one place.

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

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

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

Claims

1. A container for storing coins; a base for supporting the coin; a rotating body having a plurality of separation holes for holding the coins one by one, and disposed in a position facing the base, the rotating body including a metal rotating body having a metal pushing piece for pushing the coins between a first resin rotating body and a second resin rotating body; and the separation hole penetrates the rotating body so that the coin can pass through the front and back of the rotating body; 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 metal rotor has arm portions extending radially from a rotation center of the rotor and disposed between the separation holes, the arm portion has a convex portion that protrudes from a surface and is disposed between the rotation center and the tip of the arm portion and between the adjacent separation holes of the rotor, the pushing piece that is formed by bending the end of the arm portion, and a through hole that is disposed between the convex portion and the pushing piece, the first resin rotating body or the second resin rotating body has a protrusion protruding from a surface at a position corresponding to the through hole, The rotating body sandwiches the metal rotating body, and the engaging portions of the first resin rotating body and the second resin rotating body are engaged with each other, so that the first resin rotating body, the second resin rotating body, and the metal rotating body are fixed together in a state where the pushing piece is exposed from the second resin rotating body toward the base and the protrusion is inserted into the through hole, A coin hopper characterized in that the coin inserted in the separation hole and supported by the base is pushed by the pushing piece to slide on the base.

2. 2. The coin hopper according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is provided on a flat surface of the first resin rotating body or the second resin rotating body, and the metal rotating body has a flat surface that contacts the flat surface of the first resin rotating body or the second resin rotating body.

3. 3. The coin hopper according to claim 1, wherein the projection has a groove at its tip end, and the tip end is divided into a plurality of pillars.

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.

Images