Coin processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a coin processor capable of preventing a movable side plate of another storage part from moving when a movable side plate of a target storage part is moved, and hardly causing a failure in the movable side plate of the other storage part.SOLUTION: A coin processing device includes a plurality of storage parts 100 each having a pair of side plates provided so as to be separated from each other and a storage area formed between the pair of side plates for storing coins, the pair of side plates including a movable side plate 120, and a side plate drive mechanism 400 for selectively and individually moving the movable side plate 120 of each storage part 100. One side plate of the pair of side plates is a movable side plate 120, and the other side plate is a fixed side plate 110 that does not move. The side panel drive mechanism 400 moves the movable side panel 120 so as to increase the distance between the fixed side panel 110 and the movable side panel 120.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin processing device for depositing and dispensing coins. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a coin processing device that includes a plurality of storage sections each having a pair of side plates spaced apart from each other and with a coin storage area formed between the pair of side plates, a payout belt provided below each storage section, and a side plate drive unit that moves one of the side plates of each storage section so as to increase the width of the coin storage area.

[0003] In this coin processing device, one of the side plates is provided so as to be able to swing between an inclined position in which it is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction and a vertical position in which it extends vertically. The side plate drive unit includes a solenoid, a link plate, a lever member, a link member, etc., and swings the side plates of all the coin storage units together.

[0004] In this coin processing device, when a coin in a horizontal position or an upright position becomes caught between a pair of side plates while floating above the payout belt, i.e., when a bridge state occurs between the pair of side plates, the side plate drive unit moves one of the side plates to eliminate the bridge phenomenon, thereby making it possible to prevent malfunctions in the payout of coins from the storage unit caused by the bridge phenomenon. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-67025 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The coin processing device of Patent Document 1 is configured such that the side plate drive unit oscillates the side plates of all storage units simultaneously. Therefore, if a bridging phenomenon occurs in one of the storage units, not only will the side plate of that storage unit oscillate, but the side plates of the other storage units will also oscillate. In this case, in the other storage units, there is a risk that some of the accumulated coins will collapse and fall into the gap created when the pair of side plates widens. If this happens, there is a risk that the moved side plates in all storage units will not return to their original positions. If operation continues in this state, the next time a bridging phenomenon occurs in one of the storage units, the coins will be in a bridge state between the pair of side plates that are already in a widened state, making it impossible to resolve the bridging phenomenon.

[0007] In view of such problems, the present invention aims to provide a coin processing device that can prevent the movable side plates of other storage units from moving when the movable side plate of the target storage unit is moved, thereby making it less likely that malfunctions will occur with the movable side plates of other storage units. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A coin processing device according to a main aspect of the present invention is a storage unit having a pair of side plates spaced apart from each other, with a storage area formed between the pair of side plates in which coins are stored, and the pair of side plates comprises a plurality of storage units including movable side plates, and a side plate drive mechanism that selectively moves the movable side plates of each of the storage units.

[0009] With this configuration, if a bridge phenomenon occurs in any of the storage units, where multiple coins form a bridge between a pair of side plates, the movable side plate of the storage unit in question can be moved to break up the multiple coins that have formed the bridge, thereby eliminating the bridge phenomenon. Moreover, since the movable side plates other than the movable side plate of the target storage unit are not moved, there is no need to worry about problems caused by the movement of these movable side plates.

[0010] In the coin processing device according to this aspect, one of the pair of side plates may be the movable side plate and the other side plate may be a fixed side plate that does not move. In this case, the side plate drive mechanism may be configured to move the movable side plate so as to widen the gap between the fixed side plate and the movable side plate.

[0011] According to the above configuration, a plurality of coins that are in a bridge state between the fixed side plate and the movable side plate can be easily broken down.

[0012] The coin processing device according to this aspect may further include a feeding mechanism that feeds out coins one by one from the storage units, and a control unit that controls the operation of the feeding mechanism and the side plate drive mechanism. In this case, the control unit may be configured to operate the side plate drive mechanism to move the movable side plate when it detects that coins are not being fed out normally from any of the storage units and the number of coins in the storage unit is less than a specified number.

[0013] According to the above configuration, when there are many coins in the storage section and the bridging phenomenon is unlikely to occur, the movable side plate can be prevented from being moved, making it difficult for the movable side plate to move unnecessarily.

[0014] In the coin processing device according to this aspect, one of the pair of side plates may be the movable side plate and the other may be a fixed side plate that does not move, and each of the storage units may have the movable side plate and the fixed side plate. In this case, the storage units may be arranged in one direction so that the fixed side plate of an adjacent storage unit is positioned adjacent to each movable side plate with a gap for movement of the movable side plate.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the storage sections each having a fixed side plate and a movable side plate can be aligned in a row so that the movement of the movable side plate is not hindered.

[0016] In the coin processing device according to this aspect, one of the pair of side plates may be the movable side plate and the other may be a fixed side plate that does not move. In this case, the fixed side plate and the movable side plate may be arranged alternately to form the multiple storage sections.

[0017] According to the above configuration, one fixed side plate and one movable side plate can be used as a pair of side plates for two storage sections, so that the storage sections as a whole can be made compact in the direction in which the storage sections are arranged.

[0018] In the case of the above configuration, the side plate drive mechanism further moves the movable side plate in a direction away from one of the fixed side plates and toward the other fixed side plate, and in a direction away from the other fixed side plate and toward one of the fixed side plates. With the above configuration, if a bridge phenomenon occurs in any of the storage sections, the bridge phenomenon can be eliminated by moving the movable side plate of that storage section away from its corresponding fixed side plate in that storage section.

[0019] In the coin processing device of this aspect, the side plate drive mechanism may be configured to include a drive source that generates power to move the movable side plate, and a selection mechanism that selects the movable side plate to be moved using the power generated by the drive source from among the multiple movable side plates.

[0020] According to the above configuration, after selecting a movable side plate with the selection mechanism, the selected movable side plate can be moved by operating the drive source, thereby eliminating the need to provide a drive source for each movable side plate in order to move each movable side plate individually.

[0021] In the above configuration, the side plate drive mechanism may further include a plurality of first link members each connected to one of the movable side plates for moving the movable side plate, and a second link member driven by the drive source for transmitting power to the first link members for moving the movable side plate. In this case, the selection mechanism may be configured to select the first link member to which the power is transmitted from among the plurality of first link members.

[0022] With this configuration, after the first link member is selected by the selection mechanism, the drive source is operated, thereby making it possible to move the movable side plate to which the selected first link member is connected.

[0023] In the above configuration, each of the first link members may further include a link portion connected to the movable side plate and a lever portion rotatably attached to the link portion. In this case, the selection mechanism may include a motor, a shaft rotatably driven by the motor, and a plurality of cams connected to each of the lever portions and rotating together with the shaft to rotate the lever portion between a first position where the power cannot be transmitted and a second position where the power can be transmitted. The plurality of cams may be arranged on the shaft so that each cam has a different rotation angle from a reference position for rotating the lever portion to the second position.

[0024] With this configuration, by operating the motor and switching the rotation angle of the cam from the reference position, the lever portion of any of the first link members can be rotated to a second position, and power from the second link member can be transmitted to that first link member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coin processing device that can prevent the movable side plates of other storage units from moving when the movable side plate of the target storage unit is moved, and is less likely to cause malfunctions with the movable side plates of other storage units.

[0026] The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, however, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a coin processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a denomination-specific storage section according to the embodiment, as seen from above and in front. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a denomination-specific storage section according to the embodiment, as viewed from above and behind. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a rear view of a plurality of storage units according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4(b) is a rear view of a storage unit according to an embodiment with a movable side plate in a swung position. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of the storage section and the feeding mechanism according to the embodiment, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rear end of the storage section and the feeding mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are perspective views of the pressing mechanism according to the embodiment, in which the pressing members are raised. [Figure 7] 7(a) and (b) are perspective views of the pressing mechanism according to the embodiment, in which the pressing members are in a lowered state. [Figure 8] 8(a) and (b) are perspective views of a fixed side plate, a movable side plate, and a first link member according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 9(a) and (b) are side views of the fixed side plate, the movable side plate, the first link member, the second link member, and the selection mechanism according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams for explaining the principle by which the pressing mechanism eliminates the swinging phenomenon that occurs in the storage section according to the embodiment. [Figure 11]11(a) and 11(b) are diagrams for explaining the principle by which the bridging phenomenon occurring in the storage section is eliminated by the swinging of the movable side plate according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration for operating a denomination-specific storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a feeding failure monitoring process executed by the control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] 14(a) to 14(d) are diagrams for explaining control when coins are dispensed from the denomination-specific storage units according to the first modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a front end view showing a plurality of storage sections and a conveyor belt according to the second modification. [Figure 16] 16(a) to 16(d) are diagrams for explaining control when coins are dispensed from the denomination-specific storage units according to the second modification. [Figure 17] Fig. 17(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of a plurality of storage sections according to Modification Example 3. Fig. 17(b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of a plurality of storage sections according to Modification Example 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a coin processing device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0030] The coin processing device 1 includes a deposit / withdrawal port section 20, a feeding section 30, a denomination-specific storage section 40, a temporary holding section 50, a recovery section 60, a transport section 70, and a recognition section 80 within a housing 10.

[0031] The depositing / withdrawing port 20 is provided at the upper front end of the housing 10, i.e., the coin processing device 1. Coins to be deposited into the coin processing device 1 are inserted into the depositing / withdrawing port 20. Coins dispensed from the coin processing device 1 are also ejected from the depositing / withdrawing port 20.

[0032] The dispensing unit 30 is disposed below the depositing / withdrawing port 20. Coins inserted into the depositing / withdrawing port 20 are introduced into the dispensing unit 30 via a deposit chute 11. The dispensing unit 30 has a rotating disk inside, and dispenses coins one by one into the transport unit 70.

[0033] The denomination-specific storage section 40 is disposed behind the dispensing section 30. The denomination-specific storage section 40 has a plurality of storage sections 100 lined up in one direction. In this embodiment, the denomination-specific storage section 40 includes six storage sections 100. Each storage section 100 stores a plurality of coins by denomination. The denomination-specific storage section 40 is provided with a dispensing mechanism 200, which is composed of a belt conveyor, a reverse roller, etc., for each storage section 100. Coins in each storage section 100 are discharged one by one from the storage section 100 by the dispensing mechanism 200. The discharged coins are sent into the temporary storage section 50 through the discharge chute 12. Each storage section 100 has a flat shape that is narrow in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt of the dispensing mechanism 200. The detailed configuration of the denomination-specific storage section 40 will be described later.

[0034] The temporary storage unit 50 is disposed below the denomination-specific storage units 40. The temporary storage unit 50 temporarily stores coins discharged from the denomination-specific storage units 40, etc. A belt conveyor 51 is provided in the temporary storage unit 50. The belt conveyor 51 is connected to the feeding unit 30, and rotates forward to transport coins in the temporary storage unit 50 to the feeding unit 30. The temporary storage unit 50 also has a discharge opening 50a, which is opened and closed by a door 52, on the opposite side to the feeding unit 30. When the belt conveyor 51 rotates in the reverse direction with the discharge opening 50a open, the coins in the temporary storage unit 50 are discharged from the discharge opening 50a and fall into the collection unit 60.

[0035] The collection unit 60 is provided below the temporary storage unit 50. Coins stored in each storage unit 100 of the denomination-specific storage unit 40 are collected into the collection unit 60 via the temporary storage unit 50. The collection unit 60 can be removed from the housing 10.

[0036] In this embodiment, the number of coins that can be stored in the temporary storage unit 50 is greater than the number of coins that can be stored in each storage unit 100, but is less than the total number of coins that can be stored in the denomination-specific storage units 40. In addition, the number of coins that can be stored in the collection unit 60 is greater than the total number of coins that can be stored in the denomination-specific storage units 40. For example, the total number of coins that can be stored in each storage unit 100, temporary storage unit 50, and collection unit 60 can be approximately 400, 600, and 4,000, respectively.

[0037] The conveying unit 70 is arranged between the deposit / withdrawal port unit 20, the feeding unit 30, the denomination-specific storage unit 40, and the temporary holding unit 50, and conveys coins between these units. The main part of the conveying unit 70 is configured to include a conveying path and a conveying belt with pins that runs along the conveying path.

[0038] The transporting unit 70 is provided with a first sorting unit 71 corresponding to the depositing / withdrawing port 20, a second sorting unit 72 corresponding to the temporary holding unit 50, and multiple (six) third sorting units 73 corresponding to each storage unit 100. The first sorting unit 71 sorts coins flowing through the transporting unit 70 toward the depositing / withdrawing port 20. The second sorting unit 72 sorts coins flowing through the transporting unit 70 toward the temporary holding unit 50. Each third sorting unit 73 sorts coins flowing through the transporting unit 70 toward each storage unit 100.

[0039] The transporting unit 70 is configured with a dispensing chute 74 between the first sorting unit 71 and the depositing / withdrawing port unit 20. Coins slide down the dispensing chute 74 towards the depositing / withdrawing port unit 20. Furthermore, the transporting unit 70 is configured with a storage chute 75 between the second sorting unit 72 and the temporary storage unit 50. Coins slide down the storage chute 75 towards the temporary storage unit 50. Furthermore, the transporting unit 70 is configured with storage chutes 76 between each third sorting unit 73 and each storage unit 100. Coins slide down each storage chute 76 towards each storage unit 100.

[0040] The recognition unit 80 is provided on the conveying unit 70 closer to the dispensing unit 30 than the first sorting unit 71. The recognition unit 80 is composed of a sensor, for example, an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor. The recognition unit 80 recognizes the attributes of the coins flowing through the conveying unit 70 and outputs the recognition results. The recognized attributes include the coin's authenticity, denomination, fitness, etc. Furthermore, the recognition unit 80 also counts the coins.

[0041] The coin processing device 1 performs coin deposit and withdrawal processes.

[0042] In the deposit process, coins inserted into the deposit / withdrawal port 20 are introduced into the feeding unit 30, and then fed from the feeding unit 30 to the transport unit 70. The coins flowing through the transport unit 70 pass through the recognition unit 80, where their attributes are recognized. Coins that are recognized as normal and whose denominations have been recognized are counted, then transported to the temporary holding unit 50 and stored. On the other hand, coins that are recognized as abnormal or whose denominations have not been recognized are transported to the deposit / withdrawal port 20 and returned as rejected coins.

[0043] After all coins inserted into the deposit / withdrawal port 20 have been stored in the temporary storage unit 50, when an approval operation is performed, the coins in the temporary storage unit 50 are transported to the dispensing unit 30 and then dispensed to the transport unit 70. The coins dispensed to the transport unit 70 have their denominations identified by the recognition unit 80, and are transported to and stored in the storage unit 100 assigned to that denomination.

[0044] In the dispensing process, the required number of coins are discharged from the storage unit 100 assigned to the denomination to be dispensed to the temporary storage unit 50. The coins are transported from the temporary storage unit 50 to the feeding unit 30 and fed to the transport unit 70. The coins are then transported by the transport unit 70 to the deposit / withdrawal port unit 20 and dispensed.

[0045] Furthermore, the coin processing device 1 performs automatic coin inspection processing and collection processing.

[0046] In the automatic reconciliation process, all coins are ejected from the storage unit 100 to the temporary storage unit 50. Thereafter, the coins in the temporary storage unit 50 are returned to the original storage unit 100 via the feeding unit 30 and the transport unit 70. At this time, the number of coins is counted by the recognition unit 80. It is confirmed whether the counted number of coins matches the number of coins managed as inventory in the memory unit 92 or the like, and the result is notified. The reconciliation result is notified, for example, by display on a terminal device connected to the coin processing device 1. This automatic reconciliation process is performed sequentially on some or all of the target storage units 100.

[0047] In the collection process, coins are sent from the storage units 100 to the collection unit 60 via the temporary holding unit 50 and collected. In full collection, all coins in all storage units 100 are collected in the collection unit 60, and in partial collection, all coins or some coins in some storage units 100 are collected in the collection unit 60.

[0048] In the automatic reconciliation process and collection process, if the total number of coins dispensed from the multiple storage units 100 is less than the number of coins that can be stored in the temporary holding unit 50, coins may be dispensed simultaneously from the multiple storage units 100. For example, the automatic reconciliation process and collection process may be performed for every two storage units 100 in turn.

[0049] Next, a detailed description will be given of the configuration of the denomination-specific storage section 40. In the following description, the side of the denomination-specific storage section 40 from which coins are dispensed from each storage section 100 will be referred to as the front side.

[0050] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the denomination-specific storage section 40 as seen from above the front. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the denomination-specific storage section 40 as seen from above the rear.

[0051] The denomination-specific storage section 40 includes a plurality of (six) storage sections 100, a plurality of (six) feeding mechanisms 200, a pressing mechanism 300, a side plate driving mechanism 400, and a frame 500.

[0052] The frame 500 is made up of a bottom plate 510 and left and right side plates 520. To the frame 500, a plurality of storage sections 100, a plurality of feeding mechanisms 200, a pressing mechanism 300, and a side plate driving mechanism 400 are assembled.

[0053] The plurality of storage units 100 are arranged in a line in the left-right direction at the top of the frame 500. Coins are introduced into each storage unit 100 from the open top surface.

[0054] Fig. 4(a) is a view of multiple storage units 100 seen from the rear, and Fig. 4(b) is a view of the storage units 100 seen from the rear with the movable side panels 120 swung. In Fig. 4(a), the rear members 140 have been removed from six storage units 100, and the selection mechanism 430 of the side panel drive mechanism 400 is also shown. In Fig. 4(b), the front members 130 and rear members 140 have been removed from six storage units 100.

[0055] Referring to Figures 2, 3, 4(a) and (b), the multiple storage sections 100 are integrally constructed by a fixed side plate 110, one more than the number of storage sections 100, movable side plates 120, the same number as the number of storage sections 100, a front member 130, a rear member 140 and a bottom member 150, which are made up of multiple members.

[0056] The multiple fixed side plates 110 and movable side plates 120 are aligned in a row in the left-right direction at a predetermined interval. Each movable side plate 120 is spaced far apart from the adjacent fixed side plate 110 to the right and close to the adjacent fixed side plate 110 to the left. The front member 130, rear member 140, and bottom member 150 respectively cover the front, rear, and bottom of the multiple fixed side plates 110 and movable side plates 120 aligned in a row. The front and rear ends of the multiple fixed side plates 110 are fixed to the front member 130 and rear member 140, respectively. The bottom member 150 has grooves 151 formed in it that extend in the front-rear direction at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction. The lower ends of each fixed side plate 110 and each movable side plate 120 fit into the respective grooves 151 in the bottom member 150. A small gap is provided between the lower end of each movable side plate 120 fitted into each groove 151 and the lower end of each fixed side plate 110. This allows the movable side plate 120 to swing left and right with the lower end as a fulcrum. Each movable side plate 120 is provided with two protrusions 121 spaced a predetermined distance apart so as to protrude upward from the upper end.

[0057] Each storage unit 100 is composed of a pair of side plates, a fixed side plate 110 on the right side and a movable side plate 120 on the left side, as well as a front member 130, a rear member 140, and a portion of a bottom member 150. In each storage unit 100, the fixed side plate 110 and the movable side plate 120 are spaced apart from each other, and a storage area 101 for storing coins is formed between the fixed side plate 110 and the movable side plate 120. As shown in FIG. 4(b), when the movable side plate 120 in the storage unit 100 swings to widen the gap between it and the paired fixed side plate 110, the left-right width of the storage area 101 increases. An outlet 102 through which coins dispensed by the dispensing mechanism 200 are dispensed is provided at the bottom of the front surface of each storage unit 100.

[0058] The plurality of feeding mechanisms 200 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction below the plurality of storage sections 100 within the frame 500. In this way, each feeding mechanism 200 is disposed at the bottom of each storage section 100.

[0059] Fig. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of the storage unit 100 and the feeding mechanism 200, and Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the rear end of the storage unit 100 and the feeding mechanism 200. Fig. 5(a) includes a part of the side plate drive mechanism 400 and the pressing member 310 of the pressing mechanism 300 in a raised state. Fig. 5(b) includes the pressing member 310 in a lowered state.

[0060] 2, 3, 5(a) and 5(b), each of the feeding mechanisms 200 includes a belt conveyor 210, a reverse roller 220, and a stopper 230.

[0061] The belt conveyor 210 is disposed at the bottom of the storage unit 100. The belt conveyor 210 is composed of a head pulley 211 and a tail pulley 212 located at the front and rear ends of the storage unit 100, a tension pulley 213 located between these pulleys 211 and 212, two vent pulleys 214 and 215 located before and after the tension pulley 213, and a conveyor belt 216 that is looped around these five pulleys 211 to 215. The conveyor belt 216 passes over the bottom member 150 of the storage unit 100. The head pulley 211 is rotated by a payout motor 240. The tension pulley 213 applies tension to the conveyor belt 216. The position of the rear vent pulley 215 is adjusted by a position adjustment unit 217.

[0062] The reverse roller 220 is disposed on the front side of the storage unit 100, i.e., on the discharge port 102 side, above the conveyor belt 216. Between the conveyor belt 216 and the reverse roller 220, a gap is formed that allows one coin lying flat to pass through.

[0063] The stopper 230 is disposed between the discharge port 102 and the reverse roller 220, above the conveyor belt 216. The stopper 230 is, for example, a solenoid, and has an operating body (plunger) 231 that moves in and out toward the conveyor belt 216.

[0064] Head pulleys 211 of all of the payout mechanisms 200 are attached to a single drive shaft 218. Similarly, reverse rollers 220 of all of the payout mechanisms 200 are attached to a single drive shaft 221. Pulley 219 attached to drive shaft 218 and gear 222 attached to drive shaft 221 are connected to payout motor 240 via transmission mechanism 241 consisting of multiple gears, belts, etc. (see FIG. 2).

[0065] When coins are dispensed from any of the storage units 100 during a dispensing process or the like, the payout motor 240 rotates. The rotation of the payout motor 240 is transmitted, and in all of the payout mechanisms 200, the head pulleys 211 rotate simultaneously, causing the conveyor belt 216 to rotate toward the discharge outlet 102 (from rear to front) (solid arrow in FIG. 5(a)), and the reverse roller 220 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the conveyor belt 216 (dashed arrow in FIG. 5(b)). The rotation direction of the conveyor belt 216 is the coin conveying direction. Coins in each storage unit 100 are conveyed by the conveyor belt 216 and dispensed one by one from between the conveyor belt 216 and the reverse roller 220. In storage units 100 other than the one to be dispensed, the operating body 231 of the stopper 230 protrudes toward the conveyor belt 216, and the discharge outlet 102 is blocked by the operating body 231. Therefore, in the storage unit 100 from which money is to be dispensed, coins are dispensed one by one from the dispensing opening 102, but in the storage units 100 other than the storage unit 100 from which money is to be dispensed, no coins are dispensed.

[0066] In each storage unit 100, when coins are dispensed, a coin in an upright position may spin around freely on the conveyor belt 216 and not be conveyed, which is called a "staggering phenomenon." In particular, each storage unit 100 is narrow in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 216 (left-right width), and each storage unit 100 can store many coins, so the "staggering phenomenon" is likely to occur. Therefore, the pressing mechanism 300 is provided to eliminate the "staggering phenomenon" that occurs in each storage unit 100.

[0067] The pressing mechanism 300 is disposed behind the plurality of storage sections 100 within the frame 500 .

[0068] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are perspective views of the pressing mechanism 300 in a state where the multiple pressing members 310 are raised. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are perspective views of the pressing mechanism 300 in a state where the multiple pressing members 310 are lowered. Figures 6(a) and 7(a) are views of the pressing mechanism 300 as seen from the rear, and Figures 6(b) and 7(b) are views of the pressing mechanism 300 as seen from the front.

[0069] 2, 3, 5(a) and (b), 6(a) and (b), and 7(a) and (b), the pressing mechanism 300 is provided for each storage unit 100 and includes a plurality of (six) pressing members 310 movable within the storage unit 100, and a drive mechanism 320 that moves the pressing members 310 in a direction (upward) toward the coins on the conveyor belt 216 and a direction (downward) away from the coins on the conveyor belt 216. The pressing mechanism 300 presses the pressing members 310 against coins on the conveyor belt 216 that are spinning idly in an upright position within each storage unit 100, thereby pushing the coins toward the conveyor belt 216, and as a result, breaks up the pile of spinning coins and eliminates the spinning phenomenon.

[0070] Each pressing member 310 has a substantially rectangular plate shape that is long in the vertical direction. An attachment piece 312 is provided at the upper end of the pressing member 310, which is bent at a substantially right angle to the main body 311.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the rear member 140 constitutes the rear end wall 103 of the storage unit 100 located on the upstream end side of the conveyor belt 216. In each storage unit 100, the pressing member 310 is disposed near the rear end wall 103. In each storage unit 100, the lower end of the rear end wall 103 bulges rearward, i.e., toward the upstream side of the conveyor belt 216, to form a bulging portion 104. The pressing member 310 is held by a holding portion 105 provided on the outer surface of the rear end wall 103 and above the bulging portion 104 so as to be vertically movable, and is inserted into and removed from the bulging portion 104 from above through an insertion opening 104a. In each storage unit 100, the conveyor belt 216 is inclined so that the upstream end of the conveyor belt 216 is lower. The pressing member 310 is disposed near the upstream end of the conveyor belt 216.

[0072] 6(a) and (b) and 7(a) and (b), the drive mechanism 320 includes a drive source 330 and a link mechanism 340 that is driven by the drive source 330 and transmits power to the pressing member 310 to move the pressing member 310. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 320 includes a position detection unit 350 that detects the position of the lifting cam 341 of the link mechanism 340, and a holding member 360 that holds the link member 343 of the link mechanism 340.

[0073] The driving source 330 includes a lift motor 331, an output shaft 332, and two gears 333 and 334 that mesh with each other. The lift motor 331 is, for example, a geared motor. A small gear 333 is connected to the lift motor 331, and a large gear 334 is connected to the output shaft 332. This reduces the rotation of the lift motor 331 and transmits it to the output shaft 332. The frame 500 includes a mounting member 530 installed so as to straddle the left and right side plates 520, and the driving source 330 is attached to the mounting member 530.

[0074] Link mechanism 340 includes lifting / lowering cam 341, link bar 342, link member 343, shaft 344, and multiple (six) springs 345. Lifting / lowering cam 341 has a substantially rectangular plate shape, is connected to output shaft 332 of drive source 330, and rotates together with output shaft 332. Link bar 342 extends in the vertical direction, and its lower end is rotatably connected to the tip of lifting / lowering cam 341.

[0075] The link member 343 includes a plate-shaped main body portion 343a that is long in the left-right direction, and plate-shaped side portions 343b that are provided on both left and right ends of the main body portion 343a and are perpendicular to the main body portion 343a. A link connection portion 346 and a spring attachment portion 347 are provided at the lower end of the main body portion 343a. Furthermore, two rollers 348 are provided in the center of the main body portion 343a on the surface facing the holding member 360, aligned vertically. The upper end of the link bar 342 is rotatably connected to the link connection portion 346.

[0076] The shaft 344 is attached to the left and right side surface portions 343b of the link member 343 so that both ends thereof protrude outward.

[0077] The lower ends of the plurality of springs 345 are attached to spring attachment portions 347 of the link member 343, and the upper ends are attached to attachment pieces 312 of the pressing member 310 corresponding to each spring 345. In this way, the link member 343 is connected to the plurality of pressing members 310 via the plurality of springs 345. The plurality of springs 345 are elastic members provided in the link mechanism 340 on a power transmission path to the pressing member 310.

[0078] The driving source 330 may be configured by only the lift motor 331. In this case, the lift cam 341 is connected to the lift motor 331.

[0079] The position detection unit 350 includes a detection plate 351 and a lift-down cam position sensor 352. The detection plate 351 has a disk shape and is attached to the output shaft 332 of the drive source 330. A notch 351a that serves as a marker is formed on the outer periphery of the detection plate 351. The lift-down cam position sensor 352 is configured by a photosensor and is disposed above the output shaft 332. When the lift-down cam 341 is in a reference position in which it faces upward, the notch 351a of the detection plate 351 is present at the position of the lift-down cam position sensor 352 and is detected by the lift-down cam position sensor 352. In other words, the lift-down cam position sensor 352 detects that the lift-down cam 341 is in the reference position.

[0080] The holding member 360 includes a plate-shaped main body portion 361 that is long in the left-right direction, and plate-shaped side portions 362 that are provided on both left and right ends of the main body portion 361 and are perpendicular to the main body portion 361. The main body portion 361 has a plurality of guide holes 363 that are aligned in the left-right direction and correspond to the plurality of pressing members 310. Each guide hole 363 is a long, narrow hole that extends in the vertical direction. The mounting piece 312 of each pressing member 310 is inserted into each guide hole 363 so that it can move up and down. Two guide holes 364 that extend in the vertical direction are formed in the center of the main body portion 361, side by side in the vertical direction. Furthermore, each of the left and right side portions 362 has a guide hole 365 that extends in the vertical direction in its center.

[0081] The two rollers 348 of the link member 343 are inserted into two guide holes 364 of the main body 361 so as to be movable up and down. Furthermore, the left and right ends of the shaft 344 attached to the link member 343 are inserted into guide holes 365 of the left and right side surface portions 362 so as to be movable up and down. In this way, the link member 343 is held by the holding member 360 so as to be movable up and down (liftable).

[0082] The holding member 360 has a main body 361 fixed to the rear member 140, and left and right side surface portions 362 fixed to left and right side plates 520 of the frame 500 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0083] 6(a) and 6(b), when the lifting cam 341 is in the reference position, the link bar 342 and the link member 343 are in the most elevated state, and the pressing members 310 are in the most elevated state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(a), each pressing member 310 is retracted from the bulging portion 104 of each storage section 100 and does not protrude into the bulging portion 104.

[0084] When the output shaft 332 of the drive source 330 rotates, the lifting cam 341 rotates from the reference position, causing the link bar 342 and the link member 343 to descend, and the multiple pressing members 310 descend following the link member 343. That is, power for moving the multiple pressing members 310 downward is transmitted from the link mechanism 340 to the multiple pressing members 310 via the multiple springs 345, causing the multiple pressing members 310 to descend.

[0085] 7(a) and (b), when the lifting cam 341 rotates to a position where it faces downward, the link bar 342 and the link member 343 reach their lowest positions, and the pressing members 310 reach their lowest positions. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(b), each pressing member 310 enters the bulging portion 104 of each storage section 100, and within the bulging portion 104, it protrudes toward the conveyor belt 216.

[0086] When the lifting cam 341 rotates and returns to the reference position, the link member 343 rises, and the pressing members 310 return to their highest positions. Thus, each time the lifting cam 341 rotates once, each pressing member 310 moves up and down once, entering and exiting the bulging portion 104 of each storage section 100.

[0087] The lifting cam 341 may be temporarily stopped at a rotation position facing downward, thereby temporarily stopping the pressing member 310 at the lowest position.

[0088] When a coin is present on the conveyor belt 216 in each storage unit 100, such as when the coin is spinning upright on the conveyor belt 216, the protruding pressing member 310 presses the coin. Even if the link member 343 descends to the lowest position, the pressing member 310 pressed against the coin is stopped by the coin and does not descend to the lowest position. At this time, the spring 345 connected to the pressing member 310 is stretched, and the coin is pressed against the conveyor belt 216 by the elastic force generated by the stretched spring 345. By setting the elastic force of the spring 345 to an appropriate value, it is possible to stop the rotation of a spinning coin while preventing excessive load from being placed on the conveyor belt 216. Furthermore, when the link member 343 descends to the lowest position, the elastic force of the stretched spring 345 is the only load applied, so excessive load is unlikely to be placed on the drive source 330 that drives the link mechanism 340.

[0089] As will be described later, the drive mechanism 320 is also used as a component of the side plate drive mechanism 400. The holding member 360 holds the second link member 420 of the side plate drive mechanism 400, and the drive source 330 and the link mechanism 340 operate the second link member 420.

[0090] In each storage unit 100, when coins are dispensed, not only the above-mentioned standing phenomenon but also the so-called bridging phenomenon can occur, in which a coin in a horizontal position or an upright position is in a bridge state (hanging in a bridge-like manner between multiple pairs of side plates) between a pair of side plates (fixed side plate 110 and movable side plate 120) while floating above the conveyor belt 216. Therefore, each movable side plate 120 and side plate drive mechanism 400 are provided to eliminate the bridging phenomenon that occurs in each storage unit 100.

[0091] The side plate drive mechanisms 400 are disposed above and behind the multiple storage units 100 within the frame 500. The side plate drive mechanisms 400 selectively and individually move the movable side plates 120 of each storage unit 100 so as to increase the distance between them and the paired fixed side plates 110.

[0092] 8(a) and 8(b) are perspective views of the fixed side plate 110, the movable side plate 120, and the first link member 410. FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are side views of the fixed side plate 110, the movable side plate 120, the first link member 410, the second link member 420, and the selection mechanism 430. FIGS. 8(a) and 9(a) show a state in which the movable side plate 120 is not swinging, and FIGS. 8(b) and 9(b) show a state in which the movable side plate 120 is swinging.

[0093] 2 and 3, the side plate driving mechanism 400 includes a plurality of (six) first link members 410, a second link member 420, and a selection mechanism 430. Furthermore, the side plate driving mechanism 400 includes components common to the pressing mechanism 300, namely, a driving mechanism 320, i.e., a driving source 330, a link mechanism 340, a position detection unit 350, and a holding member 360.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) and 9(a) and 9(b), the first link member 410 includes a link portion 411 and a lever portion 412. The link portion 411 has an elongated L-shape and extends in the front-to-rear direction. An opening 413 is formed in the center of a vertical surface portion 411a of the link portion 411 that faces the upper side of the fixed side plate 110, and guide holes 414 that are long in the front-to-rear direction are formed at the front and rear ends of the vertical surface portion 411a. Furthermore, two guide holes 415 that are aligned in the front-to-rear direction with a predetermined gap between them are formed in a horizontal surface portion 411b that faces the upper end of the movable side plate 120. Each guide hole 415 has a shape such that the front and rear ends extend straight in the front-to-rear direction and the middle portion extends obliquely so as to move away from the fixed side plate 110 as it moves forward.

[0095] Two shafts 111 provided on the upper side of the fixed side plate 110 are inserted into two guide holes 414 in the vertical surface portion 411a of the link portion 411. This allows the link portion 411, i.e., the first link member 410, to be held slidably in the front-to-rear direction by the fixed side plate 110. Note that the fixed side plate 110 that holds the first link member 410 is not the fixed side plate 110 that pairs with the movable side plate 120 in each storage unit 100, but the fixed side plate 110 of the adjacent storage unit 100.

[0096] The two protrusions 121 provided on the upper end of the movable side plate 120 are inserted into the two guide holes 415 in the lateral surface portion 411b of the link portion 411. This connects the link portion 411, i.e., the first link member 410, to the movable side plate 120.

[0097] Lever portion 412 is rotatably attached to the rear end of link portion 411 by shaft 416. Lever portion 412 has a first contact portion 417 formed in its middle portion, which becomes a contact point with selection cam 433 of selection mechanism 430, and a second contact portion 418 formed in its rear end portion, which becomes a contact point with shaft 422 of second link member 420. Lever portion 412 can rotate upward from a state in which link portion 411 and lever portion 412 are substantially in line. Lever portion 412 is urged by a torsion spring (not shown) provided on shaft 416 in a direction in which link portion 411 and lever portion 412 become substantially in line.

[0098] A spring 440 is attached between the first link member 410 and the fixed side plate 110. The first link member 410 is pulled rearward by the spring 440. As a result, the first link member 410 is positioned at the rearmost position when it is not receiving power from the second link member 420. At this time, the two protrusions 121 of the movable side plate 120 are positioned at the front ends of the two guide holes 415 of the link portion 411. As a result, the movable side plate 120 takes a vertical position parallel to the fixed side plate 110 (see FIGS. 4(a) and 8(a)).

[0099] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4(a), 9(a) and (b), the selection mechanism 430 includes a selection motor 431, a shaft 432 that is rotationally driven by the selection motor 431, multiple (six) selection cams 433 arranged on the shaft 432, and a position detection unit 434 that detects the reference positions of these selection cams 433.

[0100] The selection motor 431 is connected to a shaft 432 via a transmission mechanism 435 consisting of two pulleys 435a and a belt 435b. The shaft 432 extends in the left-right direction so as to be located above the rear ends of the multiple storage sections 100, and is rotatably held by left and right side sections 362 of the holding member 360.

[0101] The selection cams 433 are attached to the shaft 432 at positions corresponding to the lever portions 412 of the first link members 410. Each selection cam 433 has a disk shape with a portion cut out. Each selection cam 433 rotates with the rotation of the shaft 432, and while its peripheral surface 433a is in contact with the first contact portion 417 of the corresponding lever portion 412, it tilts the lever portion 412 upward. Furthermore, when each selection cam 433 rotates until its notch 433b is positioned at the first contact portion 417, the lever portion 412 rotates so that the first contact portion 417 enters the notch 433b and becomes substantially aligned with the link portion 411. That is, each selection cam 433 is connected to the corresponding lever portion 412 and rotates the lever portion 412 between a first position in which it tilts upward and a second position in which it is substantially aligned with the link portion 411.

[0102] When the multiple selection cams 433 are in the reference position, all of the lever portions 412 are in the first position. The multiple selection cams 433 are arranged on the shaft 432 with an angle offset of, for example, 45 degrees each, so that the rotation angle from the reference position for rotating the corresponding lever portion 412 to the second position differs for each selection cam 433.

[0103] The position detection unit 434 includes a disc-shaped detection plate 434a and a selection cam position sensor 434b. The detection plate 434a has a notch that serves as a marker. The selection cam position sensor 434b is composed of a photosensor and is disposed at a position where the notch exists when the multiple selection cams 433 are at the reference position, and detects the notch to detect the reference position.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) and 7(a) and 7(b), the second link member 420 includes two left and right link portions 421 and a shaft 422 extending between these link portions 421. The left and right link portions 421 are plate-shaped and long in the vertical direction, and their lower ends are rotatably supported on left and right side surface portions 362 of the holding member 360. Each side surface portion 362 of the holding member 360 is formed with a guide hole 366 that is long in the front-rear direction, and the left and right ends of the shaft 422 are inserted into the left and right guide holes 366. As a result, the second link member 420 is held by the holding member 360 so that it can rotate forward from a vertical position around its lower end.

[0105] A vertically long guide hole 423 is formed in the center of each link portion 421 of the second link member 420. Each guide hole 423 has an upper and lower end that extend straight in the vertical direction, and an intermediate portion that extends obliquely from the lower end at the rear position to the upper end at the front position. The left and right ends of the shaft 344 of the link mechanism 340 pass through the left and right guide holes 423.

[0106] When the side plate drive mechanism 400 is stopped, all first link members 410 are positioned at the rearmost position, and the movable side plates 120 of all storage units 100 are in a vertical position (see FIGS. 4(a) and 8(a)). Furthermore, all selection cams 433 of the selection mechanism 430 are in the reference position, and the lever portions 412 of all first link members 410 are in the first position (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Furthermore, in the link mechanism 340, the lifting cam 341 is in the reference position, the link members 343 are in the highest position, and the shafts 344 are positioned at the upper ends of the left and right guide holes 423 of the second link member 420. This causes the second link member 420 to be in a vertical position (see FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b)).

[0107] When the movable side plate 120 of any of the storage units 100 is swung by the side plate drive mechanism 400, the selection mechanism 430 first selects from the multiple first link members 410 the first link member 410 connected to the target movable side plate 120. That is, the selection motor 431 operates, and the selection cam 433 corresponding to the lever portion 412 of the target first link member 410 rotates an angle sufficient to position the notch 433b at the first contact point 417 of the lever portion 412, causing the lever portion 412 to rotate from the first position to the second position. As a result, the second contact point 418 of the lever portion 412 moves to the front of the shaft 422 of the second link member 420 (see FIG. 9(a)).

[0108] Next, the second link member 420 is driven by the driving source 330 via the link mechanism 340, and power for swinging the movable side plate 120 is transmitted to the first link member 410. That is, the operation of the driving source 330 rotates the lifting cam 341, and the link member 343 and the shaft 344 descend. As both ends of the shaft 344 descend within the two guide holes 423 of the second link member 420, the second link member 420 rotates forward (see FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b)). The shaft 422 of the second link member 420 moves forward and pushes the second contact portion 418 of the lever portion 412 forward (see FIG. 9(b)). As a result, the first link member 410 slides forward, the two protrusions 121 of the movable side plate 120 are guided by the two guide holes 415 of the first link member 410 and move toward the fixed side plate 110, and the movable side plate 120 swings toward the fixed side plate 110 of the adjacent storage unit 100 (see FIGS. 4(b) and 8(b)). The movable side plate 120 tilts and moves away from its paired fixed side plate 110, and the left-right width of the storage area 101 increases.

[0109] When the lifting cam 341 rotates and returns to the reference position, the second link member 420 rotates backward and returns to its original position, and the first link member 410 moves backward and returns to its original position. This causes the movable side plate 120 to swing to the side opposite the fixed side plate 110 of the adjacent storage unit 100 and return to its original vertical position. In this way, each time the lifting cam 341 rotates once, the first link member 410 slides back and forth once, and the movable side plate 120 swings back and forth once.

[0110] The movable side plate 120 may be temporarily stopped at the position farthest from the fixed side plate 110 with which it is paired by temporarily stopping the lifting cam 341 at a rotation position facing downward.

[0111] 10(a) to 10(d) are diagrams for explaining the principle by which the pressing mechanism 300 eliminates the swinging phenomenon that occurs in the storage section 100. FIG.

[0112] As shown in Figure 10(a), when the spinning phenomenon occurs in the storage unit 100 and the group of coins on the conveyor belt 216 spins freely in an upright position, the propulsive force of the conveyor belt 216 is no longer applied to the coins. This state is maintained, and coins cannot be dispensed from the storage unit 100. The upright group of coins also spreads in the width direction (left and right direction) of the storage unit 100.

[0113] As shown in Figure 10(b), when the pressing member 310 is pressed against the coin at the rear end of the coin row that is spinning idly, the coin is pinched between the pressing member 310 and the conveyor belt 216, and its rotation is stopped. The propulsive force of the conveyor belt 216 is transmitted to the coin, and the coin is conveyed forward (towards the reverse roller 220), and pressed against the reverse roller 220. At this time, the coin is located within the bulge 104 at the downstream end of the conveyor belt 216, so that the pressing member 310 can be firmly pressed against the coin from a position nearly directly above it.

[0114] 10(c), at the downstream end (front end) of the conveyor belt 216, coins pressed against the reverse roller 220 are lifted and fall over. At the upstream end (rear end) of the conveyor belt 216, a space is created by the transport of coins, and coins remaining in this area fall over.

[0115] As shown in Figure 10(d), the coins that have fallen at the upstream end of the conveyor belt 216 are conveyed, and the coins that are spinning idly are pressed against the reverse roller 220. The lifted coins fall and collapse backward, stirring up the entire group of coins. In this way, when the spinning phenomenon that has occurred in the storage unit 100 is resolved, the coins begin to be dispensed from between the conveyor belt 216 and the reverse roller 220.

[0116] 11(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the principle by which the bridging phenomenon occurring in the storage section 100 is eliminated by the swinging of the movable side plate 120. FIG.

[0117] 11(a), when there are few coins in the storage unit 100, coins in a horizontal position or in an upright position may become floating above the conveyor belt 216, forming a bridge between the fixed side plate 110 and the movable side plate 120. When this happens, the coins in this bridge state cannot be conveyed by the conveyor belt 216 and cannot be dispensed from the storage unit 100.

[0118] 11(b), in a storage unit 100 in which a bridging phenomenon has occurred, when the movable side plate 120 swings away from the paired fixed side plate 110 (to approach the fixed side plate 110 of the adjacent storage unit 100), the distance between the movable side plate 120 and the fixed side plate 110 in the storage unit 100 increases, causing the multiple coins in the bridge state to break down and fall onto the conveyor belt 216. In this way, when the bridging phenomenon that has occurred in the storage unit 100 is resolved, the coins begin to be dispensed from between the conveyor belt 216 and the reverse roller 220.

[0119] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration for operating the denomination-specific storage unit 40. As shown in FIG.

[0120] The coin processing device 1 includes a control unit 91 and a storage unit 92. In addition, the denomination-specific storage unit 40 includes a dispensing sensor 250 in each dispensing mechanism 200.

[0121] The feeding sensor 250 is configured by, for example, a photosensor, and detects coins fed to the discharge port 102 of the storage unit 100.

[0122] The memory unit 92 includes storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk, and stores the operating program of the control unit 91. The memory unit 92 also stores the number of coins stored in each storage unit 100 of the denomination-specific storage unit 40 as the inventory. Every time a coin is deposited or dispensed into each storage unit 100, the number of coins (inventory) in the memory unit 92 is updated (increased or decreased).

[0123] The control unit 91 includes an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). When the feed sensor 250 detects a coin, a detection signal from the feed sensor 250 is input to the control unit 91. In addition, when the lifting / lowering cam position sensor 352 detects the reference position of the lifting / lowering cam 341, a detection signal from the lifting / lowering cam position sensor 352 is input to the control unit 91. In addition, when the selection cam position sensor 434b detects the reference position of the selection cam 433, a detection signal from the selection cam position sensor 434b is input to the control unit 91.

[0124] The control unit 91 controls the operation of the payout motor 240, thereby controlling the operation of the plurality of payout mechanisms 200. The control unit 91 also controls the operation of the lift motor 331, i.e., the drive source 330, thereby controlling the operation of the drive mechanism 320 (link mechanism 340). Furthermore, the control unit 91 controls the operation of the selection motor 431, thereby controlling the operation of the selection mechanism 430.

[0125] The control unit 91 also controls the operations of the feeding unit 30, the temporary storage unit 50, the transport unit 70, and the recognition unit 80.

[0126] In the coin processing device 1, when coins are dispensed from the denomination-specific storage unit 40 during the dispensing process, automatic reconciliation process, and collection process, the control unit 91 executes a dispensing failure monitoring process. The dispensing failure monitoring process monitors for coin dispensing failures, and if a dispensing failure occurs, an attempt is made to resolve the dispensing failure that has occurred. Possible causes of dispensing failures include the occurrence of the above-mentioned catching phenomenon and the occurrence of the bridging phenomenon.

[0127] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the feeding failure monitoring process executed by the control unit 91.

[0128] The control unit 91 monitors whether or not there is a detection signal from the dispensing sensor 250 corresponding to the storage unit 100 from which coins are being dispensed, thereby monitoring whether or not the dispensing of coins has been interrupted in that storage unit 100 (S101). For example, if the dispensing sensor 250 does not detect any coins for a specified time, the control unit 91 determines that the dispensing of coins has been interrupted.

[0129] When the above-mentioned fighting phenomenon or bridging phenomenon occurs, it is likely that the dispensing of coins will be interrupted.

[0130] When the control unit 91 determines that the coin dispensing has been interrupted (S101: YES), it determines whether the number of coins stored in the storage unit 100 where the interruption occurred is less than a specified number (for example, approximately 50 coins) (S102).

[0131] When there are many coins in storage unit 100, a coin disruption caused by the occurrence of the coin handling phenomenon is likely to occur, and when there are few coins in storage unit 100, a coin disruption caused by the occurrence of the bridging phenomenon is likely to occur. Therefore, when the number of stored coins is equal to or greater than the specified number (larger), the occurrence of the coin handling phenomenon is more likely to occur than the occurrence of the bridging phenomenon, and when the number of stored coins is less than the specified number, the occurrence of the bridging phenomenon is more likely to occur than the occurrence of the coin handling phenomenon.

[0132] If the number of stored coins is equal to or greater than the specified number (S102: NO), the control unit 91 performs a strategy cancellation process by the processes of S103 to S105.

[0133] That is, the control unit 91 operates the drive source 330 (lift motor 331) to drive the link mechanism 340, thereby starting a pressing operation of pressing the pressing member 310 against the coins on the conveyor belt 216 (S103). Every time the lift cam 341 of the link mechanism 340 rotates once, the pressing member 310 is pressed against the coin once. The pressing time can be adjusted by adjusting the number of rotations of the lift cam 341.

[0134] When the number of pressings reaches a specified number (for example, about 2 to 3 times) (S104: YES), the control unit 91 stops the drive source 330 to stop the pressing operation (S105). Then, the control unit 91 checks whether or not the dispensing of coins has resumed by checking whether or not there is a detection signal from the dispensing sensor 250 (S106). If the dispensing of coins has resumed (S106: YES), the control unit 91 returns to S101 and resumes monitoring for a disruption in dispensing.

[0135] On the other hand, if coin dispensing does not resume (S106: NO), the control unit 91 repeats the operation resolution process from S103 to S105 until coin dispensing resumes or a specified number of tries (for example, about 2 to 3 times) is reached. If the specified number of tries is reached without coin dispensing resuming (S107: YES), the control unit 91 suspends the dispensing of coins from the storage unit 100 and issues an error notification (S108). For example, if the coin processing device 1 is equipped with an alarm unit such as a display unit or a sound output unit, the alarm unit will issue an error notification. Furthermore, if the coin processing device 1 is connected to a terminal device, the terminal device will issue an error notification. In this way, the dispensing failure monitoring process ends.

[0136] In S102, when the control unit 91 determines that the number of stored coins is less than the specified number (S102: YES), it performs the bridge removal process by the processes from S109 to S112.

[0137] That is, the control unit 91 operates the selection motor 431 to drive the selection mechanism 430, thereby selecting the storage unit 100 from which coin dispensing has been interrupted, i.e., selecting the first link member 410 of that storage unit 100 (S109). Next, the control unit 91 operates the drive source 330 (lifting motor 331) to drive the link mechanism 340 and the second link member 420, thereby applying power to the selected first link member 410 and starting the swing of the movable side plate 120 of the selected storage unit 100 (S110). Each time the lifting cam 341 of the link mechanism 340 rotates once, the movable side plate 120 makes one reciprocating motion, i.e., one swing.

[0138] When the number of oscillations reaches a specified number (for example, about 2 to 3 times) (S111: YES), the control unit 91 stops the drive source 330 and stops the oscillation of the movable side plate 120 (S112). When the coin dispensing has resumed (S113: YES), the control unit 91 returns to S101 and resumes monitoring for a stop in dispensing.

[0139] On the other hand, if the coin dispensing does not resume (S113: NO), the control unit 91 repeats the bridge resolution process from S110 to S112 until the coin dispensing resumes or the specified number of tries (for example, about 2 to 3 times) is reached. If the specified number of tries is reached without the coin dispensing resuming (S114: YES), the control unit 91 suspends the coin dispensing from the storage unit 100 and issues an error notification (S108).

[0140] In the automatic reconciliation process and collection process, the control unit 91 performs the bridge removal process from S109 to S112 after the number of stored coins stored in the memory unit 92 becomes zero. This is because there is a possibility that the number of coins stored in the memory unit 92 is incorrect, that coins actually remain in the storage unit 100, and that these coins are in a bridge state.

[0141] Furthermore, there may be cases where coin dispensing is interrupted due to two coins overlapping and getting caught between the reverse roller 220 and the conveyor belt 216. For this reason, the control unit 91 may reverse the feed motor 240 for a short time (for example, about 0.5 seconds) to reverse the reverse roller 220 and the conveyor belt 216 in order to eliminate the jamming before the processing of S102. In this case, the control unit 91 executes the processing from S102 onwards unless coin dispensing is resumed.

[0142] <Effects of the embodiment> According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0143] The coin processing device 1 has a plurality of storage sections 100 each having a fixed side plate 110 that does not move and a movable side plate 120 that is spaced apart from each other, with a storage area 101 formed between the fixed side plate 110 and the movable side plate 120 in which coins are stored, and a side plate drive mechanism 400 that selectively and individually moves the movable side plate 120 of each storage section 100.

[0144] According to this configuration, when a bridge phenomenon occurs in any of the storage units 100, in which multiple coins form a bridge between the fixed side plate 110 and the movable side plate 120, the multiple coins that have formed a bridge can be broken up and the bridge phenomenon can be eliminated by moving the movable side plate 120 of that storage unit 100. Moreover, since the movable side plates 120 other than the movable side plate 120 of the target storage unit 100 are not moved, there is no need to worry about malfunctions caused by the movement of these movable side plates 120.

[0145] Furthermore, the side plate drive mechanism 400 moves the movable side plate 120 so that the gap between the fixed side plate 110 and the movable side plate 120 widens.

[0146] According to this configuration, a plurality of coins that are in a bridge state between the fixed side plate 110 and the movable side plate 120 can be easily broken down.

[0147] Furthermore, when the control unit 91 detects that coins are not being dispensed normally in any of the storage units 100 and the number of coins in the storage unit 100 is less than the specified number, it operates the side plate driving mechanism 400 to move the movable side plate 120.

[0148] According to this configuration, when there are many coins in the storage unit 100 and the bridging phenomenon is unlikely to occur, the movable side plate 120 can be prevented from being moved, making it difficult for the movable side plate 120 to move unnecessarily.

[0149] Furthermore, each storage section 100 has a fixed side plate 110 and a movable side plate 120, and multiple storage sections 100 are lined up in one direction next to each movable side plate 120 so that the fixed side plate 110 of the adjacent storage section 100 is positioned with a gap for the movable side plate 120 to move.

[0150] According to this configuration, the storage sections 100 each having a fixed side plate 110 and a movable side plate 120 can be aligned in a row so that the movement of the movable side plate 120 is not impeded.

[0151] Furthermore, the side plate driving mechanism 400 includes a driving source 330 that generates power to move the movable side plate 120, and a selection mechanism 430 that selects, from among the multiple movable side plates 120, a movable side plate 120 to be moved using the power generated by the driving source 330.

[0152] According to this configuration, after the selection mechanism 430 has selected the movable side plate 120, the selected movable side plate 120 can be moved by operating the drive source 330. This eliminates the need to provide a drive source 330 for each movable side plate 120 in order to move each movable side plate 120 individually, which helps reduce costs.

[0153] Furthermore, the side plate driving mechanism 400 further includes a plurality of first link members 410, each connected to each movable side plate 120 and moving the movable side plate 120, and a second link member 420 driven by the driving source 330 and transmitting power to the first link members 410 to move the movable side plate 120, and the selection mechanism 430 selects the first link member 410 to which power is transmitted from among the plurality of first link members 410.

[0154] According to this configuration, after the first link member 410 is selected by the selection mechanism 430, the driving source 330 is operated to move the movable side plate 120 to which the selected first link member 410 is connected.

[0155] Furthermore, each first link member 410 includes a link portion 411 connected to the movable side plate 120 and a lever portion 412 rotatably attached to the link portion 411, and the selection mechanism 430 includes a selection motor 431, a shaft 432 that is rotationally driven by the selection motor 431, and a plurality of selection cams 433 that are connected to each of the lever portions 412 and rotate together with the shaft 432 to rotate the lever portion 412 between a first position where power from the second link member 420 cannot be transmitted and a second position where power can be transmitted. The plurality of selection cams 433 are arranged on the shaft 432 so that each selection cam 433 has a different rotation angle from a reference position for rotating the lever portion 412 to the second position.

[0156] According to this configuration, by operating the selection motor 431 and switching the rotation angle of the selection cam 433 from the reference position, the lever portion 412 of any of the first link members 410 can be rotated to a second position, and power from the second link member 420 can be transmitted to that first link member 410.

[0157] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications other than those described above are possible for the embodiments of the present invention.

[0158] <Change example 1> 14(a) to 14(d) are diagrams for explaining control when coins are dispensed from the denomination-specific storage units 40 according to the first modified example.

[0159] In this modified example, when at least one of the collection process and the automatic inspection process is performed in sequence in multiple storage units 100 or all storage units 100, the dispensing of coins from the storage units 100 is controlled as follows.

[0160] 14(a), the control unit 91 dispenses coins from the first storage unit 100. During the coin dispensing, the control unit 91 executes the dispensing failure monitoring process shown in FIG.

[0161] 14(b), when a bridging phenomenon occurs in the first storage unit 100 and the dispensing of coins is interrupted, the control unit 91 detects the interruption of dispensing in the dispensing failure monitoring process. Based on this detection, the control unit 91 starts dispensing coins from the next storage unit 100.

[0162] 14(c), the control unit 91 swings the movable side plate 120 of the first storage unit 100 in the dispensing failure monitoring process while coins are being dispensed from the next storage unit 100. This eliminates the bridging phenomenon.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 14(d), when all coins have been dispensed from the next storage unit 100, the control unit 91 resumes dispensing of coins from the first storage unit 100.

[0164] The same process is carried out when coins are dispensed from the second and subsequent storage units 100.

[0165] In this modified example, if the coin delivery is interrupted from the storage unit 100 from which coins are currently being delivered, coins are delivered from the next storage unit 100 in parallel with the operation of moving the movable side plate 120. This makes it possible to prevent delays in processing due to the interruption of coin delivery in the automatic inspection process and collection process.

[0166] In addition, if a coin rotation phenomenon occurs in the storage unit 100 from which coins are currently being dispensed and the dispensing of coins is interrupted, coins may be dispensed from the next storage unit 100 in parallel with operating the pressing mechanism 300.

[0167] <Change example 2> Fig. 15 is a front end view showing a plurality of storage sections 100 and a conveyor belt 216 according to Modification 2. In Fig. 15, each drive motor 620 that drives each movable side plate 120 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0168] In this modified example, a plurality of (four) fixed side plates 110 and a plurality of (three) movable side plates 120, which is one less than the number of fixed side plates 110, are alternately arranged in one direction (left and right direction) to form a plurality of (six) storage units 100. That is, in the plurality of storage units 100, one fixed side plate 110 and one movable side plate 120 are shared as a pair of side plates for two storage units 100.

[0169] The multiple fixed side plates 110 are supported immovably by multiple fixed supports 152 provided on the bottom member 150. Shafts 610 are attached to the lower ends of the multiple movable side plates 120. The multiple shafts 610 are rotatably attached to multiple rotation supports 153 provided on the bottom member 150. As a result, the multiple movable side plates 120 are supported by the rotation supports 153 so that they can swing around the shafts 610 as fulcrums. A drive motor 620, for example, located on the rear side of the denomination-specific storage section 40, is connected to each shaft 610.

[0170] A side plate drive mechanism 600 that swings the multiple movable side plates 120 is configured with multiple sets of shafts 610 and drive motors 620. As indicated by the dashed lines in Fig. 15, the side plate drive mechanism 600 selectively and individually moves each movable side plate 120 in a direction (rightward) away from one (left) fixed side plate 110 between which the movable side plate 120 is sandwiched and toward the other (right) fixed side plate 110, or in a direction (leftward) away from the other fixed side plate 110 and toward one fixed side plate 110.

[0171] When the coin dispensing is interrupted in any of the storage units 100 and the control unit 91 executes the bridge elimination process (S109 to S112 in Figure 13) based on this, it operates the drive motor 620 corresponding to the movable side plate 120 of that storage unit 100 to swing it away from the fixed side plate 110 that is paired with that storage unit 100.

[0172] In addition, the side plate drive mechanism 600 may be composed of shafts 610 attached to each movable side plate 120, one drive source, and a transmission mechanism (selection mechanism) that selects one shaft 610 from the multiple shafts 610 and transmits the power of the drive source to the selected shaft 610.

[0173] In this modified example, one fixed side plate 110 and one movable side plate 120 can be used as a pair of side plates for two storage sections 100, so that the entire multiple storage sections 100, i.e., the denomination-specific storage sections 40, can be made compact in the direction in which the multiple storage sections 100 are arranged.

[0174] 16(a) to 16(d) are diagrams for explaining control when coins are dispensed from the denomination-specific storage units 40 according to the second modification.

[0175] In this modified example, when at least one of the collection process and the automatic inspection process is performed for multiple storage units 100 or all storage units 100, the dispensing of coins from the storage units 100 is controlled as follows.

[0176] 16(a), the control unit 91 simultaneously dispenses coins from the two storage units 100. During the coin dispensing, the control unit 91 executes the dispensing failure monitoring process shown in FIG.

[0177] 16(b), when a bridging phenomenon occurs in one storage unit 100 and the dispensing of coins is interrupted, the control unit 91 detects the interruption in the dispensing failure monitoring process. The control unit 91 continues dispensing coins from the other storage unit 100 and waits until all coins have been dispensed.

[0178] 16(c), when all coins have been dispensed from the other storage unit 100, the control unit 91, in the dispensing failure monitoring process, swings the movable side plate 120 shared by the two storage units 100 away from the fixed side plate 110 that is paired with it in one of the storage units 100. This eliminates the bridging phenomenon.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 16(d), the control unit 91 resumes feeding of coins from one of the storage units 100.

[0180] In this modification, the number of coins that can be stored in the temporary storage unit 50 is set to be greater than the number of coins that can be stored in the two storage units 100 combined.

[0181] In this manner, in this modified example, the movable side plate 120 shared by the two storage units 100 swings after all coins have been dispensed from the other storage unit 100. Therefore, when the movable side plate 120 swings, it does not come into contact with the coins stored in the other storage unit 100 and receive a load from the coins, so that the movable side plate 120 can swing smoothly.

[0182] <Change example 3> FIG. 17(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of a plurality of storage sections 100 according to the third modification.

[0183] In this modified example, the multiple (six) storage units 100 are configured so that the movable side plates 120 of adjacent storage units 100 face each other. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 17(a), the gap between the movable side plates 120 serves as a shared swing space for these movable side plates 120. The fixed side plate 110 sandwiched between the two movable side plates 120 is shared as the fixed side plate 110 for the two storage units 100. As in the second modified example, the multiple movable side plates 120 can be selectively swung individually by a side plate drive mechanism including a drive motor provided for each movable side plate 120.

[0184] In this modification, the denomination-specific storage section 40 can be made more compact in the direction in which the multiple storage sections 100 are arranged than in the above embodiment.

[0185] <Change Example 4> FIG. 17(b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of a plurality of storage sections 100 according to the fourth modification.

[0186] In the above embodiment, the plurality of storage sections 100 are configured such that each movable side plate 120 swings around its lower end portion as a fulcrum.

[0187] In contrast to this, in this modified example, the multiple storage units 100 are configured so that each movable side plate 120 moves horizontally (slides) away from its corresponding fixed side plate 110. For example, each storage unit 100 is provided with a support portion that supports each movable side plate 120 so that it can move horizontally. Each movable side plate 120 moves horizontally when its upper end receives power from each first link member 410 of the side plate drive mechanism 400.

[0188] In the plurality of storage sections 100 having the configurations of the second and third modified examples, the plurality of movable side plates 120 may be configured to move horizontally.

[0189] <Other change examples> In the above embodiment, the side plate drive mechanism 400 is configured to move each movable side plate 120 in the direction in which the fixed side plate 110 and the movable side plate 120 are aligned so as to widen the gap between them. However, the side plate drive mechanism 400 may also be configured to move each movable side plate 120 linearly or rotationally within a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the fixed side plate 110 and the movable side plate 120 are aligned. Even with this configuration, it is possible to break up bridged coins, thereby eliminating the bridging phenomenon.

[0190] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the dispensing of coins is interrupted in the dispensing failure monitoring process of Fig. 13, the countermeasure resolution process from S103 to S105 and the bridge resolution process from S109 to S112 are performed based on the number of stored coins. However, when the dispensing of coins is interrupted, the countermeasure resolution process may be performed first, and if the dispensing of coins does not resume as a result, the bridge resolution process may be performed.

[0191] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the side plate drive mechanism 400 shares some of the drive mechanism 320 of the pressing mechanism 300 as a component. Therefore, when the bridge elimination process is performed, the multiple pressing members 310 also move up and down, so the game play elimination process is also performed at the same time. Therefore, if the coin payout is interrupted, the bridge elimination process may be performed from the beginning.

[0192] Furthermore, some of the components of the side plate drive mechanism 400 may not share the drive mechanism 320 of the pressing mechanism 300, and the second link member 420 may be configured to be driven by a separately provided drive mechanism having a drive source.

[0193] Furthermore, the side plate driving mechanism 400 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and may have any configuration as long as it can selectively move the movable side plates 120 of each storage section 100 individually.

[0194] Furthermore, the first link member 410, the second link member 420, and the selection mechanism 430 are not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiment. That is, the first link member 410 may have any configuration as long as it is connected to the movable side plate 120 and can move the movable side plate 120. Furthermore, the second link member 420 may have any configuration as long as it is driven by the drive source 330 and can transmit power to the first link member 410 to move the movable side plate 120. Furthermore, the selection mechanism 430 may have any configuration as long as it can select, from a plurality of first link members 410, a first link member 410 to which power from the second link member 420 is transmitted.

[0195] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0196] 1 Coin processing device 91 Control Unit 100 Storage section 101 Storage Area 110 Fixed side plate 120 Movable side panel 200 Payout mechanism 330 Power Source 400 Side plate drive mechanism 410 First link member 411 Link Section 412 Lever part 420 Second link member 430 Selection Mechanism 431 Selective Motor (Motor) 432 Shaft 433 Selective Cam (Cam)

Claims

1. A plurality of storage units each having a pair of side plates spaced apart from each other, with a storage area for storing coins formed between the pair of side plates, the pair of side plates including a movable side plate; a side plate drive mechanism that selectively moves the movable side plate of each of the storage units; A coin processing device comprising:

2. 2. The coin processing device according to claim 1, One of the pair of side plates is the movable side plate and the other side plate is a fixed side plate that does not move, the side plate drive mechanism moves the movable side plate so as to widen the gap between the fixed side plate and the movable side plate; A coin processing device characterized by:

3. 3. The coin processing device according to claim 1, a feeding mechanism that feeds out coins one by one from the storage unit; a control unit that controls the operation of the feeding mechanism and the side plate drive mechanism, When the control unit detects that coins are not being dispensed normally in any of the storage units and the number of coins in the storage unit is less than a specified number, the control unit operates the side plate drive mechanism to move the movable side plate. A coin processing device characterized by:

4. 3. The coin processing device according to claim 1, One of the pair of side plates is the movable side plate and the other side plate is a fixed side plate that does not move, Each of the storage units has the movable side plate and the fixed side plate, The plurality of storage sections are arranged in one direction so that the fixed side plate of the adjacent storage section is disposed adjacent to each of the movable side plates with a gap for movement of the movable side plate. A coin processing device characterized by:

5. 3. The coin processing device according to claim 1, One of the pair of side plates is the movable side plate and the other side plate is a fixed side plate that does not move, The fixed side plates and the movable side plates are arranged alternately to form the plurality of storage sections. A coin processing device characterized by:

6. The coin processing device according to claim 5, the side plate drive mechanism moves the movable side plate in a direction away from one of the fixed side plates and toward the other of the fixed side plates, and in a direction away from the other of the fixed side plates and toward the one of the fixed side plates. A coin processing device characterized by:

7. 3. The coin processing device according to claim 1, The side plate driving mechanism includes: a drive source that generates power for moving the movable side plate; a selection mechanism for selecting, from the plurality of movable side plates, the movable side plate to be moved by using the power generated by the drive source, A coin processing device characterized by:

8. The coin processing device according to claim 7, The side plate driving mechanism includes: a plurality of first link members each connected to one of the movable side plates and configured to move the movable side plates; a second link member driven by the drive source and transmitting power to the first link member for moving the movable side plate, the selection mechanism selects the first link member to which the power is transmitted from among the plurality of first link members. A coin processing device characterized by:

9. 9. The coin processing device according to claim 8, Each of the first link members is a link portion connected to the movable side plate; a lever portion rotatably attached to the link portion, The selection mechanism includes: A motor; a shaft that is driven to rotate by the motor; a plurality of cams connected to each of the lever portions and rotating together with the shaft to rotate the lever portions between a first position where the power cannot be transmitted and a second position where the power can be transmitted; the plurality of cams are arranged on the shaft such that the rotation angles from a reference position for rotating the lever portion to the second position differ for each cam. A coin processing device characterized by:

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