Coin processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a coin processor capable of eliminating a coin whirling phenomenon generated in a storage part.SOLUTION: The coin handling apparatus 1 includes the storage section 100 in which coins are stored, the feeding mechanism 200 that includes the transport belt 216 disposed at the bottom of the storage section 100 and the reverse rotation roller 220 that is disposed above the transport belt 216 and rotates in the direction opposite to the transport direction of the transport belt 216 and that feeds coins one by one from between the transport belt 216 and the reverse rotation roller 220, and the pressing mechanism that includes the pressing member 310 movable in the storage section 100 and that presses the pressing member 310 against coins on the transport belt 216. The pressing mechanism further includes a drive mechanism that moves the pressing member 310 in a direction toward the coins on the transport belt 216 and in a direction away from the coins on the transport belt 216.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

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 depositing and dispensing machine that includes a storage section that can store multiple coins, a conveying belt that is arranged on the bottom of the storage section and that dispenses the coins stored in the storage section out of the storage section, and a reversing roller that is arranged above the conveying belt and rotates in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the conveying belt, and in which coins are dispensed one by one from between the conveying belt and the reversing roller. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-167055 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a coin processing device configured as in Patent Document 1, coins that do not get between the conveyor belt and the reverse roller tend to be lifted up by the rotating reverse roller and assume an upright position, and as coins are repeatedly deposited and withdrawn from the storage unit, a large number of upright coins tend to accumulate. When this happens, a phenomenon known as "standing up" occurs, in which a group of upright coins spins freely on the conveyor belt and is no longer transported, which can easily cause disruptions when coins are dispensed from the storage unit.

[0005] The above-described phenomenon of movement is particularly likely to occur when the width of the storage section (the width in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction) is narrow and the storage section can store a large number of coins.

[0006] In view of the above problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a coin processing device that can eliminate the coin handling phenomenon that occurs in the storage unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A coin processing device according to a main aspect of the present invention includes a storage section in which coins are stored, a conveying belt arranged at the bottom of the storage section, and a reversing roller arranged above the conveying belt and rotating in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the conveying belt, and is equipped with a dispensing mechanism that dispenses coins one by one from between the conveying belt and the reversing roller, and a pressing mechanism that includes a pressing member that can move within the storage section and presses the pressing member against coins on the conveying belt.

[0008] According to the coin processing device of this embodiment, when a phenomenon of a group of coins in an upright position spinning freely on the conveying belt occurs in the storage section, the group of coins in an upright position can be collapsed by pressing a pressing member against the coins on the conveying belt, thereby eliminating the spinning phenomenon.

[0009] In the coin processing device according to this aspect, the pressing member may be configured to press coins in the direction of the conveyor belt.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the coins are pinched between the pressing member and the conveyor belt, which stops the rotation of the coins, causing the standing coin group to collapse, thereby eliminating the phenomenon of coins falling over.

[0011] In the coin processing device of this aspect, the pressing mechanism may be configured to further include a drive mechanism that moves the pressing member in a direction toward the coins on the conveying belt and in a direction away from the coins on the conveying belt.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when the occurrence of the coin rotation phenomenon is suspected, the driving mechanism can move the pressing member in a direction approaching the coin on the conveyor belt and press it against the coin. Furthermore, when the occurrence of the coin rotation phenomenon is not suspected, the pressing member can be retracted to a position away from the coin on the conveyor belt so as not to interfere with the transport of the coin.

[0013] In the above configuration, the pressing member can be disposed near an end wall of the storage section located on the upstream end side of the conveyor belt.

[0014] With this configuration, it is possible to dispose the drive mechanism outside the end wall of the storage section and to easily operate the pressing member by the drive mechanism.

[0015] In the above configuration, the storage section may further have a bulging portion formed by a lower end of the end wall bulging in the upstream direction of the conveyor belt, and the pressing member may be configured to be inserted into and removed from the bulging portion from above.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the coins are positioned within the bulging portion at the upstream end of the conveyor belt, so that the pressing member arranged near the end wall can be firmly pressed against the coins.

[0017] When the pressing mechanism includes the drive mechanism as described above, the drive mechanism may further include a drive source and a link mechanism that is driven by the drive source and transmits power to the pressing member to move the pressing member. In this case, the link mechanism may be configured to have an elastic member in a power transmission path to the pressing member.

[0018] With this configuration, when the pressing member is pressed against the coin, an excessive load is unlikely to be applied to the drive source.

[0019] When the pressing mechanism includes the drive mechanism as described above, the pressing mechanism may further include a plurality of the storage sections. In this case, the pressing member may be provided for each storage section. The drive mechanism may be configured to selectively and individually apply power to each of the pressing members to move them.

[0020] With this configuration, it is possible to operate, by power from the drive mechanism, only the pressing member of the storage unit in which the turning phenomenon is suspected to have occurred, among the plurality of pressing members.

[0021] When the pressing mechanism includes the drive mechanism as described above, the pressing mechanism may further include a control unit that controls the operation of the drive mechanism. In this case, the control unit may be configured to operate the drive mechanism to move the pressing member in a direction approaching the coins on the conveyor belt when it detects that coins are not being normally dispensed from the storage unit and the number of coins in the storage unit is equal to or greater than a specified number.

[0022] With this configuration, the pressing member can be prevented from moving when there are few coins in the storage section and the phenomenon of the coins moving around is unlikely to occur, making it difficult for the pressing member to operate unnecessarily.

[0023] In the coin processing device according to this aspect, the conveyor belt may be configured to be inclined so that the upstream end of the conveyor belt is lower. In this case, the pressing member may be disposed near the upstream end of the conveyor belt.

[0024] According to the above configuration, the inclination of the conveyor belt makes it easier for coins to be positioned near the upstream end of the conveyor belt where the pressing member is arranged, making it easier for the pressing member to be pressed against the coin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coin processing device that can eliminate the phenomenon of coins moving around in the storage unit.

[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] 15(a) and (b) are perspective views of a pressing mechanism according to Modification 2, in which a plurality of pressing members are raised. [Figure 16] 16(a) and (b) are perspective views of the pressing mechanism according to the second modification, in which the pressing members are in a lowered state. [Figure 17] 17(a) and 17(b) are a side view and a plan view, respectively, of a drive source, a link mechanism, a position detection unit, and a selection mechanism according to the second modification. [Figure 18] 18(a) to 18(d) are diagrams for explaining the configuration of a pressing mechanism according to another modified example. 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 payout 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 includes a storage unit 100 in which coins are stored, a conveying belt 216 arranged at the bottom of the storage unit 100, a reversing roller 220 arranged above the conveying belt 216 and rotating in the opposite direction to the conveying direction of the conveying belt 216, and is equipped with a dispensing mechanism 200 that dispenses coins one by one from between the conveying belt 216 and the reversing roller 220, and a pressing mechanism 300 that includes a pressing member 310 that can move within the storage unit 100 and presses the pressing member 310 against coins on the conveying belt 216 that is rotating idly in an upright position.

[0144] According to this configuration, when a phenomenon of a group of coins in an upright position spinning freely on the conveyor belt 216 occurs in any of the storage sections 100, the pressing member 310 can be pressed against the coins spinning on the conveyor belt 216, thereby breaking down the group of coins in an upright position and eliminating the spinning phenomenon.

[0145] Furthermore, the pushing member 310 pushes the coin in the direction of the conveyor belt 216 .

[0146] According to this configuration, the coins are pinched between the pressing member 310 and the conveyor belt 216, which stops the rotation of the coins, causing the standing coin group to collapse, thereby eliminating the phenomenon of coins falling over.

[0147] Furthermore, the pressing mechanism 300 includes a drive mechanism 320 that moves the pressing member 310 in a direction toward the coins on the conveyor belt 216 and a direction away from the coins on the conveyor belt 216 .

[0148] According to this configuration, when the occurrence of the coin-turning phenomenon is suspected, the driving mechanism 320 can move the pressing member 310 in a direction approaching the coin on the conveyor belt 216, thereby pressing the pressing member 310 against the coin. Furthermore, when the occurrence of the coin-turning phenomenon is not suspected, the pressing member 310 can be retracted to a position away from the coin on the conveyor belt 216, so that it does not interfere with the transport of the coin.

[0149] Furthermore, the pressing member 310 is disposed near the rear end wall 103 of the storage section 100 located on the upstream end side of the conveyor belt 216 .

[0150] According to this configuration, the drive mechanism 320 is disposed outside the rear end wall 103 of the storage section 100, and the drive mechanism 320 can easily operate the pressing member 310.

[0151] Furthermore, in the storage section 100, a bulging section 104 is formed by the lower end of the rear end wall 103 bulging in the upstream direction of the conveyor belt 216, and the pressing member 310 is inserted into and removed from the bulging section 104 from above.

[0152] With this configuration, the coin is positioned within the bulge 104 at the upstream end of the conveyor belt 216, so that the pressing member 310 arranged near the rear end wall 103 can be firmly pressed against the coin.

[0153] Furthermore, the conveyor belt 216 is inclined so that the upstream end side of the conveyor belt 216 is lower, and the pressing member 310 is disposed near the upstream end of the conveyor belt 216. According to this configuration, the inclination of the conveyor belt 216 makes it easier for coins to be located near the upstream end of the conveyor belt 216 where the pressing member 310 is arranged, making it easier for the pressing member 310 to be pressed against the coin.

[0154] Furthermore, 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, and the link mechanism 340 has a plurality of springs 345 in the power transmission path to the pressing member 310.

[0155] According to this configuration, when the pressing member 310 is pressed against the coin, an excessive load is unlikely to be applied to the conveyor belt 216, and an excessive load is unlikely to be applied to the drive source 330.

[0156] 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.

[0157] <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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 14(b), when a coin rotation phenomenon occurs in the first storage unit 100 and the coin dispensing 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.

[0161] As shown in Figure 14(c), during the dispensing failure monitoring process, the control unit 91 presses the pressing member 310 of the first storage unit 100 against the coins on the conveyor belt 216, thereby breaking up the standing coin group, while coins are being dispensed from the next storage unit 100. This eliminates the standing coin phenomenon.

[0162] 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.

[0163] The same process is carried out when coins are dispensed from the second and subsequent storage units 100.

[0164] In this modified example, when 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 the pressing member 310. This makes it possible to prevent delays in the automatic inspection process and collection process due to the interruption of coin delivery.

[0165] In addition, if a bridge 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 the operation of moving the movable side plate 120.

[0166] <Change example 2> 15(a) and (b) are perspective views of the pressing mechanism 300 according to Modification 2, in which the pressing members 310 are raised. FIGS. 16(a) and (b) are perspective views of the pressing mechanism 300 according to Modification 2, in which the pressing members 310 are lowered. FIGS. 17(a) and (b) are side and plan views, respectively, of the drive source 330, link mechanism 370, position detection unit 350, and selection mechanism 380 according to Modification 2. Note that FIGS. 15(a) and 16(a) show the selection member 381 of the selection mechanism 380 attached to the shaft 374.

[0167] In this modification, the drive mechanism 320 is configured to selectively and individually apply power to each of the pressing members 310 to move them.

[0168] The drive mechanism 320 includes a link mechanism 370 instead of the link mechanism 340 of the above embodiment. The drive mechanism 320 also includes a selection mechanism 380 for selecting, from the plurality of press members 310, a press member 310 to which power is to be applied.

[0169] The link mechanism 370 includes a lifting cam 371, a link bar 372, a link member 373, a shaft 374, and a spring 375. The lifting cam 371 has a substantially square plate shape, and is connected to the output shaft 332 of the driving source 330 to rotate together with the output shaft 332.

[0170] Link bar 372 extends vertically, and its lower end is rotatably connected to the tip of lifting cam 371. A shaft 372a extending forward is provided at the upper end of link bar 372. A roller 372b is attached to shaft 372a.

[0171] The link member 373 includes a plate-shaped main body portion 373a that is long in the left-right direction, and plate-shaped side portions 373b that are provided on both left and right ends of the main body portion 373a and are perpendicular to the main body portion 373a. A receiving portion 376 is provided at the upper end of the main body portion 373a. The mounting pieces 312 of the multiple pressing members 310 come into contact with the receiving portion 376 from above. As a result, the receiving portion 376 receives the multiple pressing members 310 from below. In addition, a link connecting portion 377 is provided at the lower end of the main body portion 373a. The link connecting portion 377 has an attachment shaft 377a that extends in the front-rear direction at its upper end, and a guide hole 377b that extends in the up-down direction at its lower portion.

[0172] Link member 373 is connected to the upper end of link bar 372 via spring 375. The upper end of spring 375 is attached to mounting shaft 377a of link connecting part 377, and the lower end is attached to shaft part 372a of link bar 372 which passes through guide hole 377b of link connecting part 377. Roller 372b of link bar 372 is fitted into guide hole 377b so as to be movable up and down.

[0173] Two rollers 378 are provided aligned vertically in the center of the main body 373a of the link member 373. The two rollers 378 are inserted into two guide holes 364 of the holding member 360 so as to be movable vertically.

[0174] The shaft 374 is attached to the left and right side surface portions 373b of the link member 373 so that both ends thereof protrude outward.

[0175] In this modification, the driving source 330 does not have two gears 333 and 334, and the lifting motor 331 is directly connected to the output shaft 332. Also, the shape of the holding member 360 is slightly different from that of the above embodiment.

[0176] The selection mechanism 380 includes a selection member 381 , a moving member 382 , a ball shaft 383 , a shaft 384 , a drive motor 385 , and a photosensor 386 .

[0177] The selection member 381 is attached to the shaft 374 of the link mechanism 340 so as to be movable in the left-right direction. At the upper end of the selection member 381, a pressing portion 381a for pressing the pressing member 310 from above is formed.

[0178] The moving member 382 is connected to the selection member 381 from the rear. A vertically extending recess 382a is formed on the front side of the moving member 382. The rear end of the selection member 381 is housed in the recess 382a, and the selection member 381 is vertically movable relative to the moving member 382.

[0179] The ball shaft 383 and the shaft 384 are arranged side by side above and below so as to extend in the left-right direction, and pass through the moving member 382. The left and right ends of the ball shaft 383 and the shaft 384 are fixed to the left and right side plates 520 of the frame 500. The ball shaft 383 is rotatable relative to the frame 500. The moving member 382 has an iron ball that fits into a groove 383a of the ball shaft 383, and when the ball shaft 383 rotates, the moving member 382 moves along the ball shaft 383. The selection member 381 moves in conjunction with the movement of the moving member 382.

[0180] The drive motor 385 is connected to the ball shaft 383 and drives the ball shaft 383 to rotate. The drive motor 385 is fixed to a side plate 520 of the frame 500.

[0181] The photosensor 386 detects the moving member 382 in the initial position. A detection piece 382b is provided at the upper end of the moving member 382, ​​and the photosensor 386 detects the detection piece 382b.

[0182] 17(b), the end of the ball shaft 383 on the drive motor 385 side is the initial position of the moving member 382. When the moving member 382 is in the initial position, the pressing portion 381a of the selecting member 381 is not positioned directly above any of the pressing members 310. The number of rotations of the ball shaft 383 from the initial position where the pressing portion 381a moves directly above each pressing member 310 is set in advance and stored in the memory unit 92.

[0183] When moving (lowering) the pressing member 310 of any of the storage units 100, first, the selection mechanism 380 selects a target pressing member 310 from the multiple pressing members 310. That is, the drive motor 385 operates, and the ball shaft 383 rotates the number of rotations corresponding to the target pressing member 310. As a result, the selection member 381 in the initial position moves together with the moving member 382, ​​and its pressing part 381a is positioned directly above the target pressing member 310 (see FIGS. 15(a) and 17(b)).

[0184] Next, as output shaft 332 of drive source 330 rotates, lifting cam 371 rotates from the reference position, and link bar 372 descends. Power for downward movement from link bar 372 is transmitted to link member 373 via spring 375, and link member 373 and shaft 374 descend. Following shaft 374, selection member 381 descends, and is pushed by pressing portion 381a of selection member 381, causing the target pressing member 310 to descend.

[0185] 16(a) and 16(b), when the lifting cam 371 rotates to a position where it faces downward, the selection member 381 reaches its lowest position, and the target pressing member 310 reaches its lowest position. At this time, the pressing members 310 other than the target pressing member 310 are not given the power of the drive mechanism 320, i.e., the pressing force of the selection member 381, but as the link member 373 descends and they can no longer be received by the receiving portion 376, they naturally fall until they come into contact with coins or the like in the storage unit 100.

[0186] When the lifting cam 371 rotates and returns to the reference position, the link member 373 rises and is lifted by the receiving portion 376, and the target pressing member 310 and the other pressing members 310 return to their highest raised positions.

[0187] It should be noted that the pressing members 310 may be suspended upward by weak springs to prevent the pressing members 310 not receiving power from the driving mechanism 320 from naturally falling.

[0188] According to the configuration of this modified example, among the multiple pressing members 310, only the pressing member 310 of the storage unit 100 suspected of having experienced the turning phenomenon can be operated by power from the drive mechanism 320. This makes it less likely that the feeding mechanisms 200 of the storage units 100 other than the target storage unit 100 will be subjected to unnecessary loads from the pressing members 310.

[0189] <Other change examples> In the above embodiment, the pressing member 310 is disposed near the rear end wall 103 of the storage section 100 located on the upstream end side of the conveyor belt 216. However, the pressing member 310 may be disposed at a position other than near the rear end wall 103, such as the center of the storage section 100 in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 216.

[0190] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pressing mechanism 300 is configured such that the pressing member 310 presses the coin in the direction of the conveyor belt 216 .

[0191] 18(a) and 18(b), the pressing mechanism 300 may be configured such that the pressing members 310 press coins upward from below the conveyor belt 216. The pressing mechanism 300 includes, for example, a drive mechanism 320A consisting of a solenoid connected to the lower end of each pressing member 310. The pressing members 310 are configured to penetrate the bottom member 150 of the storage unit 100, and the conveyor belt 216 is configured with two belts, one on the left and one on the right, to avoid the pressing members 310. With this configuration, some of the coins on the conveyor belt 216 are lifted by the pressing members 310, which can cause the standing coins to collapse, thereby eliminating the phenomenon of coins spinning around.

[0192] 18(c) and (d), the pressing mechanism 300 may be configured such that the pressing member 310 presses coins from the upstream direction to the downstream direction of the conveyor belt 216, i.e., toward the reverse roller 220. The pressing mechanism 300 includes, for example, a drive mechanism 320B consisting of a solenoid connected to the rear end of the pressing member 310. The pressing member 310 is configured to penetrate the rear end wall 103 at the position of the bulge 104 of the storage unit 100. In this configuration, multiple coins are sandwiched between the pressing member 310 and the reverse roller 220, which stops the rotation of the coins and causes the standing coin group to collapse, thereby eliminating the phenomenon of coin spinning.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] Furthermore, some of the components of the side plate drive mechanism 400 may not share the drive mechanism 320 of the pressing mechanism 300, but may be configured so that the second link member 420 is driven by a separately provided drive mechanism having a drive source. In this case, in the dispensing failure monitoring process of Fig. 13, the control unit 91 operates the drive mechanism 320 to move the pressing member 310 in a direction approaching the coins on the conveyor belt 216 only when it detects that coins are not being normally dispensed from the storage unit 100 and the number of coins in the storage unit 100 is equal to or greater than a specified number. This prevents the pressing member 310 from moving when there are few coins in the storage unit 100 and the coin-running phenomenon is unlikely to occur, making it less likely that the pressing member 310 will operate unnecessarily.

[0196] Furthermore, the conveyor belt 216 may be horizontal rather than inclined.

[0197] Furthermore, the storage section 100 does not necessarily have to have the bulging section 104 formed therein.

[0198] Furthermore, the pressing mechanism 300 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, but may have any configuration as long as it includes a pressing member 310 that can move within the storage section 100 and can press the pressing member 310 against coins on the conveying belt 216.

[0199] Furthermore, the pressing member 310 and the drive mechanism 320 are not limited to the configurations of the above embodiment. That is, the pressing member 310 may have any configuration as long as it is movable within the storage unit 100 and can press against coins. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 320 may have any configuration as long as it can move the pressing member 310 in a direction toward the coins on the conveyor belt 216 and a direction away from the coins on the conveyor belt 216.

[0200] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0201] 1 Coin processing device 91 Control Unit 100 Storage section 103 Rear end wall (end wall) 104 Bulge 200 Payout mechanism 216 Conveyor Belt 220 Reverse Roller 300 Pressing mechanism 310 Pressing member 320 Drive Mechanism 330 Power Source 340 Link Mechanism 345 Springs (elastic members)

Claims

1. a storage section for storing coins; a feeding mechanism including a conveyor belt disposed at the bottom of the storage unit and a reverse roller disposed above the conveyor belt and rotating in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, and feeding out coins one by one from between the conveyor belt and the reverse roller; a pressing mechanism including a pressing member movable within the storage section, and pressing the pressing member against the coins on the conveyor belt; A coin processing device comprising:

2. 2. The coin processing device according to claim 1, The pushing member pushes the coin toward the conveyor belt. A coin processing device characterized by:

3. 3. The coin processing device according to claim 1, The pressing mechanism includes: The coin conveying device further includes a drive mechanism that moves the pressing member in a direction toward the coins on the conveyor belt and in a direction away from the coins on the conveyor belt. A coin processing device characterized by:

4. 4. The coin processing device according to claim 3, the pressing member is disposed near an end wall of the storage section located on the upstream end side of the conveyor belt; A coin processing device characterized by:

5. 5. The coin processing device according to claim 4, a bulging portion is formed in the storage portion by a lower end portion of the end wall bulging in the upstream direction of the conveyor belt, The pressing member is inserted into and removed from the bulging portion from above the bulging portion. A coin processing device characterized by:

6. 4. The coin processing device according to claim 3, The drive mechanism includes: A driving source; a link mechanism that is driven by the drive source and transmits power to the pressing member to move the pressing member, the link mechanism has an elastic member in a power transmission path to the pressing member; A coin processing device characterized by:

7. 4. The coin processing device according to claim 3, A plurality of the storage sections are provided, The pressing member is provided for each of the storage sections, The drive mechanism selectively and individually applies power to each of the pressing members to move them. A coin processing device characterized by:

8. 4. The coin processing device according to claim 3, a control unit for controlling the operation of the drive mechanism; When the control unit detects that coins are not being normally dispensed from the storage unit and the number of coins in the storage unit is equal to or greater than a specified number, the control unit operates the drive mechanism to move the pressing member in a direction approaching the coins on the conveyor belt. A coin processing device characterized by:

9. 3. The coin processing device according to claim 1, the conveyor belt is inclined so that the upstream end side of the conveyor belt is lower, The pressing member is disposed near the upstream end of the conveyor belt. A coin processing device characterized by:

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