Coin Processing Device

Abstract

A coin processing device capable of smoothly transferring coins between two transport members. [Solution] The coin processing device 1 includes a first pulley 322 and a second pulley 331 adjacent to each other along a conveying path 310, a circular first conveyor belt 327 looped around the first pulley 322, a circular second conveyor belt 333 looped around the second pulley 331, a first protrusion 328 provided on the first conveyor belt 327, and a second protrusion 334 provided on the second conveyor belt 333. The first protrusion 328 moves through a first region 310a of the conveying path 310, pushing and conveying coins. The second protrusion 334 moves through a second region 310b of the conveying path 310, pushing and conveying coins taken over from the first protrusion 328. The conveying path 310 is provided with a guide unit 311 that guides coins that have been conveyed by the first protrusion 328 and reached the position of the first pulley 322, toward the first pulley 322 in the width direction of the conveying path 310.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, coin processing devices that use a ring-shaped conveying member such as a conveying belt to convey deposited coins to a storage unit have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a coin depositing and dispensing machine that employs a conveying method using a conveying belt.

[0003] This coin depositing and dispensing machine has a coin passage (conveying path) extending from the payout mechanism side to the multiple storage and dispensing units side, and a single conveyor belt (conveying member) arranged within the machine body for conveying coins in the coin passage. The coin passage includes an identification passage on the upstream side and a sorting passage on the downstream side. The identification passage is provided with a coin identification unit that identifies the denomination of coins. The sorting passage is provided with a sorting gate (sorting unit) above the multiple storage and dispensing units (storage units) that sorts coins by denomination and stores them in each storage and dispensing unit. The conveyor belt rotates so as to move along the central region in the width direction of the coin passage. The conveyor belt has protrusions at predetermined intervals that protrude downward to push and move coins one by one in the coin passage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5101831 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a configuration in which coins are transported through a conveying path to a storage unit by a single annular conveying member, as in the coin depositing and dispensing machine described above, if a conveying error occurs upstream of the conveying path and the conveying belt stops, coin transport will stop not only on the upstream side but also on the downstream side.

[0006] Therefore, it is conceivable to use a plurality of annular conveying members to convey coins so that coins can continue to be conveyed downstream even if a conveying error occurs upstream.

[0007] However, in this case, if the coins are not smoothly transferred between the two transport members, there is a risk that transport errors will increase.

[0008] In view of the above problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a coin processing device that can smoothly transfer coins between two transport members. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A coin processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a conveyance path along which coins are conveyed, a first pulley and a second pulley located on one bank of the conveyance path and adjacent to each other along the conveyance path, an annular first conveyance member stretched across multiple pulleys including the first pulley, an annular second conveyance member stretched across multiple pulleys including the second pulley, a first protrusion provided on the first conveyance member and protruding toward the conveyance path, and a second protrusion provided on the second conveyance member and protruding toward the conveyance path. The conveyance path is divided into a first region and a second region between the first pulley and the second pulley. The first protrusion moves within the first region as the first conveyance member rotates, pushing coins to convey them toward the second region. The second protrusion moves within the second region as the second conveyance member rotates, pushing coins taken over from the first protrusion to convey them. The conveying path is provided with a guide portion that guides the coin, which has been conveyed by the first protrusion and reached the position of the first pulley, so that the coin approaches the first pulley in the width direction of the conveying path.

[0010] According to the coin processing device of this aspect, coins are transported through the first area by the first protrusion of the first transport member, and through the second area by the second protrusion of the second transport member. Therefore, even if a transport error occurs in the first area that causes the first transport member to stop transporting coins, the second transport member can continue transporting coins through the second area.

[0011] Furthermore, by being guided closer to the first pulley, the coin moves in the same direction as the first protrusion, which moves along the outer periphery of the first pulley, making it easier for the coin to come into contact with the first protrusion for a long period of time. This allows the first protrusion to sufficiently push the coin toward the second region, making it easier for the coin to be pushed by the second protrusion. This allows for smooth coin transfer between the first conveying member and the second conveying member.

[0012] In the coin processing device according to this aspect, the guide section may be configured to protrude in a mountain shape from the other bank of the transport path toward the one bank at the boundary between the first area and the second area.

[0013] According to the above configuration, in the first area, the coin pushed by the first protrusion can be moved along the upward slope of the mountain-shaped guide section, thereby bringing it closer to the first pulley. Furthermore, in the second area, the coin pushed by the second protrusion can be moved along the downward slope of the mountain-shaped guide section, thereby allowing it to be smoothly guided downstream of the second area.

[0014] In the above configuration, a recessed portion that is recessed on the opposite side to the guide portion may be formed on the one bank at a position facing the guide portion.

[0015] With this configuration, the width of the transport path does not narrow at the guide section, so even large coins can be transported smoothly through the guide section.

[0016] In the coin processing device of this aspect, a configuration may be adopted which further includes a passage provided on one of the banks through which the first protrusion passes, and a pinch prevention mechanism which prevents coins from getting pinched at the entrance of the passage as they are pushed by the first protrusion.

[0017] According to the above configuration, in the first area, it is possible to prevent coins from getting caught at the entrance of the passage.

[0018] In the above configuration, the anti-pinch mechanism may further be configured to include a guide member that contacts a coin heading toward the entrance of the passage and guides the coin toward the second area.

[0019] With this configuration, the coins can be guided to the second area by the guide member, so that there is less disruption to the transfer of coins between the first transport member and the second transport member.

[0020] In the above configuration, the guide member may be movable in a direction toward the entrance of the passage, and the anti-pinch mechanism may further include a biasing member that biases the guide member in a direction away from the entrance of the passage.

[0021] With this configuration, when a small and light coin comes into contact with the guide member, the guide member does not move easily toward the entrance, and the coin is easily guided toward the second area by the guide member. On the other hand, when a large and heavy coin comes into contact with the guide member, the guide member moves easily toward the entrance, ensuring a path width for the coin to move toward the second area.

[0022] In the coin processing device of this aspect, the first pulley may be provided with a coin blocking portion that moves in and out of the conveying path as the first pulley rotates, and blocks coins that move away from the first protrusion portion and move on.

[0023] According to the above configuration, when the first protrusion is pushing a coin to the second area at the position of the first pulley, even if a following coin moves away from the following first protrusion and moves ahead, the following coin is blocked by the coin blocking section. This prevents two coins from moving to the second area together and being transported by the second protrusion at the same time.

[0024] The coin processing device according to this aspect may be configured to further include a plurality of storage units for storing coins. In this case, a plurality of sorting units may be arranged in the second area to sort coins and guide them to each of the storage units.

[0025] According to the above configuration, even if a transport error occurs in the first area, the second area continues to transport coins, so that coins that have reached the sorting section can be reliably stored in the storage section corresponding to that sorting section. This prevents the amount of coins in the device from becoming unclear, and prevents staff from having to carry out detailed inspections to check the amount.

[0026] In the coin processing device of this aspect, the configuration may further include a first drive motor for rotating the first conveying member, a second drive motor for rotating the second conveying member, and a control unit that operates the first drive motor and the second drive motor so that the phase of the first protrusion portion on the first conveying member and the phase of the second protrusion portion on the second conveying member are in a predetermined relationship that allows the second protrusion portion to push coins pushed out from the first protrusion portion.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the coin pushed out by the first protrusion into the second area can be reliably taken over and pushed by the second protrusion.

[0028] When the above configuration is adopted, the pitch of the first protrusion portion and the second protrusion portion and the rotational speed of the first conveying member and the second conveying member can be set so that the time it takes for the first protrusion portion and the second protrusion portion to move by one pitch is equal.

[0029] For example, the pitch of the first protrusions and the pitch of the second protrusions may be made equal, and the rotation speed of the first transport member and the rotation speed of the second transport member may be made equal.

[0030] With this configuration, the control unit can easily control the first drive motor and the second drive motor so that the phase of the first protrusion and the phase of the second protrusion have a predetermined relationship.

[0031] A coin processing device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a conveyance path along which coins are conveyed, a first pulley and a second pulley located on one bank of the conveyance path and adjacent to each other along the conveyance path, an annular first conveyance member stretched across multiple pulleys including the first pulley, an annular second conveyance member stretched across multiple pulleys including the second pulley, a first protrusion provided on the first conveyance member and protruding toward the conveyance path, and a second protrusion provided on the second conveyance member and protruding toward the conveyance path. The conveyance path is divided into a first region and a second region between the first pulley and the second pulley. The first protrusion moves within the first region as the first conveyance member rotates, pushing coins to convey them toward the second region. The second protrusion moves within the second region as the second conveyance member rotates, pushing coins taken over from the first protrusion to convey them. The conveying path is curved toward the first pulley and the second pulley at a boundary between the first area and the second area.

[0032] According to the coin processing device of this aspect, coins are transported through the first area by the first protrusion of the first transport member, and through the second area by the second protrusion of the second transport member. Therefore, even if a transport error occurs in the first area that causes the first transport member to stop transporting coins, the second transport member can continue transporting coins through the second area.

[0033] Furthermore, by curving the boundary between the first and second areas, it is less likely that a space will be created near the other bank of the conveyance path where the first protrusion will make it difficult for coins to be pushed toward the second area, making it easier to transfer coins smoothly between the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coin processing device that can smoothly transfer coins between two transport members.

[0035] 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]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a coin processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figures 2(a) and (b) are plan views showing the first and second pulleys of the conveying unit and their vicinity according to the embodiment, Figure 2(c) is a side view of a first conveyor belt and a portion of the conveying path according to the embodiment, and Figure 2(d) is a side view of a second conveyor belt and a portion of the conveying path according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a coin processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the transfer of coins between the first protrusion of the first conveyor belt and the second protrusion of the second conveyor belt according to the embodiment, and Fig. 4(c) is a diagram for explaining the transfer of coins in a comparative example in which a guide section is not provided in the conveyance path. [Figure 5] 5(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining a recovery process when a coin transport error occurs in the first area of ​​the transport path according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams for explaining a recovery process when a coin transport error occurs in the first area of ​​the transport path according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 7(a) and (b) are views of the boundary portion between the first area and the second area in the transport path according to the first modification, as viewed from the front and back sides of the transport path plate, respectively. [Figure 8] 8(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the anti-pinch mechanism according to the first modified example. [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) is an oblique view of the first pulley in an upside-down state according to modified example 2, and Figure 9(b) is a view of the boundary portion between the first and second areas in the conveying path according to modified example 2, viewed from the front side of the conveying path plate. [Figure 10] 10(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the coin block unit according to the second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, for convenience, arrows indicating the front, back, left, and right directions are included in appropriate drawings. However, the directions shown in these drawings do not indicate absolute directions of the coin processing device 1.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the coin processing device 1. Figs. 2(a) and (b) are plan views showing the vicinity of two pulleys 322 and 331 of the conveying unit 300. Fig. 2(b) does not show the pulleys 322 and 331, the first conveyor belt 327, and the second conveyor belt 333. Fig. 2(c) is a side view of the first conveyor belt 327 and a portion of the conveying path 310, and Fig. 2(d) is a side view of the second conveyor belt 333 and a portion of the conveying path 310.

[0039] The coin processing device 1 includes a housing 100 that forms the outer shell, and includes a deposit unit 200, a transport unit 300, a plurality of (for example, six) storage units 400, and a recognition unit 500. A deposit port 110 is provided at the front end of the top surface of the housing 100.

[0040] Deposit unit 200 is disposed at the upper front end of housing 100, and receives coins inserted through deposit port 110 and delivers them one by one to conveyance path 310 of conveyance unit 300. Deposit unit 200 includes a hopper 210, a conveyor 220, and a payout cam 230.

[0041] Hopper 210 receives coins inserted through deposit port 110. Conveyor 220 is disposed at the bottom of hopper 210 and transports coins toward payout cam 230. Conveyor 220 is driven by a drive mechanism including a transport motor 240 (see FIG. 3).

[0042] The payout cam 230 pays out coins received from the conveyor 220 to the conveyance path 310 through the payout opening 201. The payout cam 230 is driven by a drive mechanism including a payout motor 250 (see FIG. 3).

[0043] The transport unit 300 is disposed behind the deposit unit 200 within the housing 100, and transports coins dispensed from the deposit unit 200 to each storage unit 400. The transport unit 300 includes a transport path 310, a first transport mechanism 320, a second transport mechanism 330, a reject branching member 340, and a plurality of (for example, six) storing and sorting members 350.

[0044] The transport path 310 is formed on a transport path plate 301 made up of multiple members, and has a shallow groove shape overall. The transport path 310 is nearly horizontal in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and extends to the right from the payout opening 201, then bends and extends a short distance backward, then bends and extends again to the left, then bends and extends a long distance backward in a straight line. The width of the transport path 310 is slightly larger than the diameter of the largest coin (a 500 yen coin).

[0045] The conveying path 310 is divided into a first region 310a on the upstream side of the coin flow and a second region 310b on the downstream side following the first region 310a at a position between the pulley 322 of the first conveying mechanism 320 and the pulley 331 of the second conveying mechanism 330.

[0046] The first conveying mechanism 320 includes four pulleys 321 to 324, two vent rollers 325 and 326, and a first conveying belt 327. The pulleys 321 to 324, the vent rollers 325 and 326, and the first conveying belt 327 are arranged on the conveying path plate 301. The pulleys 321 to 324 are, for example, toothed pulleys, and the first conveying belt 327 is, for example, a toothed belt.

[0047] Pulley 321 is disposed near payout cam 230. Payout opening 201 is located between pulley 321 and payout cam 230. Pulley 322 is a first pulley, and is disposed at a position slightly rearward from the left corner of conveying path 310 (the end of first region 310a) and on the left bank 302 side of conveying path 310. Pulley 323 is disposed inside the right front corner of conveying path 310, and pulley 324 is disposed inside the right rear corner of conveying path 310. Pulleys 323 and 324 are larger in size than pulleys 321 and 322. For example, the circumferential lengths of pulleys 321 and 322 are three-quarters of the circumferential lengths of pulleys 323 and 324.

[0048] The vent rollers 325 and 326 are disposed near the feeding outlet 201 and inside the left corner of the conveying path 310, respectively.

[0049] The first conveyor belt 327 is a first conveying member, has an annular shape, is stretched around four pulleys 321 to 324, and is formed into a predetermined shape by two bent rollers 325 and 326. A part of the first conveyor belt 327 is disposed above the first region 310a of the conveying path 310. The first conveyor belt 327 is located in approximately the center of the conveying path 310 in the width direction.

[0050] The first conveyor belt 327 is provided with a plurality of first protrusions 328. Each first protrusion 328 is, for example, a cylindrical pin, and protrudes downward from the first conveyor belt 327 toward the conveyor path 310 (see FIG. 2(c)). The interval between the plurality of first protrusions 328, i.e., the pitch P1, is set equal to the circumferential length of the pulleys 321 and 322. Note that only some of the first protrusions 328 are shown in FIG. 1.

[0051] One of the four pulleys 321 to 324 is driven to rotate by a first drive motor 360 (see FIG. 3), rotating the first conveyor belt 327. The first conveyor belt 327 moves above the first region 310a of the conveyor path 310, and the multiple first protrusions 328 move in the first region 310a.

[0052] Pulleys 321 and 322 are provided with semicircular recesses 321a and 322a at one location on their outer circumferential surfaces, corresponding to first protrusion 328. When first protrusion 328 comes into contact with pulley 321 or 322, it is housed in recess 321a or 322a. Similarly, pulleys 323 and 324 are provided with recesses 323a and 324a at four locations on their outer circumferential surfaces. When first protrusion 328 comes into contact with pulley 323 or 324, it is housed in one of recesses 323a or 324a.

[0053] The second conveying mechanism 330 includes two pulleys 331 and 332 and a second conveying belt 333. These pulleys 331 and 332 and the second conveying belt 333 are arranged on the conveying path plate 301. The pulleys 331 and 332 are, for example, toothed pulleys, and the second conveying belt 333 is, for example, a toothed belt.

[0054] Pulley 331 is a second pulley, and is located behind pulley 322 of first conveying mechanism 320 (at the starting end of second region 310b), and is disposed close to pulley 322 on the left bank 302 side of conveying path 310. As a result, pulley 322, which is the first pulley, and pulley 331, which is the second pulley, are adjacent to each other along conveying path 310 on the left (one) bank 302 side of conveying path 310. Pulley 332 is disposed behind conveying path 310. Pulleys 331 and 332 are the same size as pulleys 321 and 322.

[0055] The second conveyor belt 333 is a second conveying member, has an annular shape, and is stretched over two pulleys 331 and 332. A portion of the second conveyor belt 333 is disposed above the second region 310b of the conveying path 310. The second conveyor belt 333 is located in approximately the center of the conveying path 310 in the width direction.

[0056] The second conveyor belt 333 is provided with a plurality of second protrusions 334. Each second protrusion 334 is, for example, a cylindrical pin, and protrudes downward from the second conveyor belt 333 toward the conveyor path 310 (see FIG. 2(d)). The spacing between the plurality of second protrusions 334, i.e., the pitch P2, is set equal to the circumferential length of the pulleys 331 and 332. The pitch P2 of the second protrusions 334 is set equal to the pitch P1 of the first protrusions 328. Note that only some of the second protrusions 334 are shown in FIG. 1.

[0057] Either of the two pulleys 331, 332 is rotated by a second drive motor 370 (see FIG. 3), causing the second conveyor belt 333 to rotate. The second conveyor belt 333 moves above the second region 310b of the conveyor path 310, and the multiple second protrusions 334 move in the second region 310b.

[0058] Pulleys 321 and 322 are provided with semicircular recesses 331a and 332a at one location on their outer circumferential surfaces, corresponding to second protrusion 334. When second protrusion 334 comes to a position where it contacts pulley 331 and 332, it is housed in recess 331a and 332a.

[0059] In the following description, the pulley 322 will be referred to as the "first pulley 322" and the pulley 331 will be referred to as the "second pulley 331".

[0060] 2(a) and 2(b), the conveying path 310 is provided with a guide portion 311 at the boundary between the first region 310a and the second region 310b, the guide portion 311 having a mountain-like shape extending from the right bank 303 of the conveying path 310 toward the left bank 302. The guide portion 311 has an edge 311a on the first region 310a side that is arc-shaped and nearly concentric with the first pulley 322, and an edge 311b on the second region 310b side that is arc-shaped and nearly concentric with the second pulley 331. The guide portion 311 has a function of guiding a coin that has been conveyed by the first protrusion 328 and reached the position of the first pulley 322, so that the coin approaches the first pulley 322 in the width direction of the conveying path 310.

[0061] In the left bank 302 of the conveying path 310, an arc-shaped recess 312 is formed opposite the guide section 311 at a position facing the guide section 311. The recess 312 prevents the width of the conveying path 310 from narrowing at the guide section 311. A first shaft hole 304 through which a shaft 322b of the first pulley 322 passes is provided at the front end of the recess 312, and a second shaft hole 305 through which a shaft 331b of the second pulley 331 passes is provided at the rear end of the recess 312. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the first shaft hole 304 and the second shaft hole 305 are partially located on the conveying path 310. However, the first shaft hole 304 and the second shaft hole 305 may be located at positions where they are not entirely located on the conveying path 310.

[0062] In this way, by forming guide section 311 on right bank 303 and recess 312 on left bank 302, the boundary portion of conveying path 310 between first region 310a and second region 310b is curved toward first pulley 322 and second pulley 331. The front and rear portions of conveying path 310 at the curved portion are substantially in a straight line.

[0063] A first passage 306 through which the first protrusion 328 passes when leaving the conveying path 310 and a second passage 307 through which the second protrusion 334 passes when entering the conveying path 310 are provided on the left bank 302 (a component constituting the bank 302) of the conveying path 310. The first passage 306 and the second passage 307 are arc-shaped grooves that run along the outer peripheries of the first pulley 322 and the second pulley 331, respectively.

[0064] The reject branching member 340 is disposed in the first region 310a of the conveying path 310, for example, in the right rear corner, and covers the reject discharge port 313 provided in the first region 310a. The reject branching member 340 is opened and closed in the vertical direction by a drive mechanism including a first actuator 380 (see FIG. 3) such as a solenoid. When the reject branching member 340 is opened, coins can enter the reject discharge port 313. The reject discharge port 313 is connected to a reject port section 600 disposed below the deposit section 200 via a chute (not shown).

[0065] The multiple storing and sorting members 350 are arranged in a row in the second region 310b of the conveying path 310, covering the multiple storage openings 314 provided in the second region 310b. Each storing and sorting member 350 is opened and closed in the vertical direction by a drive mechanism including a corresponding second actuator 390 (see FIG. 3), such as a solenoid. When each storing and sorting member 350 is opened, coins can enter each storage opening 314. Each storage opening 314 is connected to each storage unit 400 arranged below each storage opening 314 via a chute (not shown). The multiple storing and sorting members 350 function as sorting units to sort coins transported to the second region 310b by denomination and guide them to each storage unit 400.

[0066] The multiple storage units 400 are arranged in a row below the second region 310b of the transport path 310 within the housing 100, and store coins dispensed from the deposit unit 200 and transported along the transport path 310. Each storage unit 400 stores coins by denomination. For example, each storage unit 400 is assigned to 500 yen coins, 100 yen coins, 50 yen coins, 10 yen coins, 5 yen coins, and 1 yen coins, respectively.

[0067] The recognition unit 500 is disposed upstream of the reject discharge port 313 in the first region 310a of the conveyance path 310. The recognition unit 500 is configured with a sensor such as an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor, and recognizes the attributes of coins flowing through the conveyance path 310 and outputs the recognition results. The recognized attributes include the coin's authenticity, denomination, fitness, etc. The reject branching member 340 and the multiple storing and sorting members 350 operate according to the recognition results of the recognition unit 500. Furthermore, the recognition unit 500 also counts the coins.

[0068] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the coin processing device 1.

[0069] The coin processing device 1 includes a control unit 710 and a storage unit 720.

[0070] The control unit 710 includes an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Based on signals from the recognition unit 500 and other components, the control unit 710 controls the conveyance motor 240 and the payout motor 250 of the deposit unit 200, the first drive motor 360, the second drive motor 370, the first actuator 380, and the second actuator 390 of the conveyance unit 300, and other components in accordance with an operation program stored in the storage unit 720. The storage unit 720 includes storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk, and stores the operation program for the control unit 710. The storage unit 720 also stores the amount of coins stored in each storage unit 400, for example, the number of coins of each denomination.

[0071] A coin deposit process is performed in the coin processing device 1. During the deposit process, coins are inserted into a hopper 210 of the deposit unit 200 through the deposit port 110.

[0072] When the deposit process starts, the conveyor 220 and the payout cam 230 operate. Furthermore, the first transport belt 327 and the second transport belt 333 rotate in a direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 1) that allows the coins to be transported toward the multiple storage units 400. The multiple first protrusions 328 move in the first region 310a of the transport path 310, and the multiple second protrusions 334 move in the second region 310b of the transport path 310.

[0073] Coins accumulated in the hopper 210 are sent by the conveyor 220 and fed out to the transport path 310 by the feed cam 230. The coins fed out to the transport path 310 are pushed by the first protrusion 328 moving in the first area 310a, and are transported through the first area 310a toward the second area 310b. The coins pass through the recognition unit 500, where their attributes are recognized. The recognition unit 500 also counts the coins.

[0074] As a result of recognition by the recognition unit 500, coins that are normal and whose denominations have been recognized pass through the position of the reject discharge port 313. On the other hand, as a result of recognition by the recognition unit 500, coins that are abnormal or whose denominations could not be recognized are discharged as rejected coins from the reject discharge port 313. At this time, the reject branching member 340 opens and the reject discharge port 313 is opened. The rejected coins discharged from the reject discharge port 313 are returned to the reject port unit 600.

[0075] The coin that has passed the position of the reject discharge port 313 continues to be transported by the first protrusion 328 and reaches the boundary between the first area 310a and the second area 310b. The coin is handed over from the first protrusion 328 to the second protrusion 334 that moves through the second area 310b, and is pushed by the second protrusion 334 to be transported through the second area 310b.

[0076] In the second area 310b, the storing and sorting member 350 corresponding to the denomination of the coins being transported opens, and the coins pass through the storage opening 314 and are stored in the storage section 400 of that denomination.

[0077] 4(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the transfer of coins between the first protrusion 328 of the first conveyor belt 327 and the second protrusion 334 of the second conveyor belt 333. FIG. 4(c) is a diagram for explaining the transfer of coins in a comparative example in which the guide section 311 is not provided in the conveyor path 310.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 4(a), a coin conveyed by the first protrusion 328 and reaching the position of the first pulley 322 is guided by the side 311a (the upward slope of the mountain shape) of the guide section 311 on the first region 310a side so as to approach the first pulley 322 in the width direction of the conveyance path 310. As a result, the coin moves in the same direction as the first protrusion 328, which moves along the outer periphery of the first pulley 322 in a direction away from the right bank 303. Therefore, the coin remains in contact with the first protrusion 328 for a long time, and is sufficiently pushed by the first protrusion 328 toward the second region 310b, and reaches the position of the second conveyor belt 333 passing through the second pulley 331.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the second protrusion 334, which has moved from outside the conveyance path 310 to the second region 310b, comes into contact with the coin pushed into the second region 310b and takes over from the first protrusion 328 to push the coin. As a result, the coin is conveyed through the second region 310b by the second protrusion 334. At this time, the coin may come into contact with the side 311b of the guiding section 311 on the second region 310b side. The coin that comes into contact with the side 311b is guided by the side 311b (the downward slope of the mountain shape) and moves smoothly behind the second region 310b, i.e., downstream.

[0080] In this way, coins are smoothly transferred between the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333.

[0081] The height and inclination of the peak of the guiding portion 311 are set so that more than half of the coins that have left the first protrusion 328 exceed the peak of the guiding portion 311. This prevents the coins from returning to the first region 310a when pushed by the second protrusion 334.

[0082] Here, as shown in the comparative example of FIG. 4(c), in a configuration in which the guide portion 311 and the recessed portion 312 are not provided in the conveying path 310 and the boundary portion between the first region 310a and the second region 310b is not curved toward the pulleys 322 and 331, the coins do not move in the same direction as the first protrusion 328, which moves along the outer periphery of the first pulley 322 in a direction away from the right bank 303, and therefore do not remain in prolonged contact with the first protrusion 328. Therefore, when a coin is conveyed through the first region 310a close to the right bank 303, the coins are less likely to be pushed toward the second region 310b by the first protrusion 328 and less likely to come into contact with the second protrusion 334. This may make it difficult for coins to be transferred smoothly between the first conveying belt 327 and the second conveying belt 333.

[0083] In this embodiment, as a result of the formation of the guide portion 311 and the recessed portion 312, the boundary portion between the first region 310a and the second region 310b of the conveying path 310 is curved, and therefore, a space where the first protrusion 328 makes it difficult for coins to be pushed toward the second region 310b is unlikely to be generated in the portion near the right bank 303 of the conveying path 310. Therefore, it may become easier to transfer coins smoothly between the first conveying belt 327 and the second conveying belt 333.

[0084] The control unit 710 controls the first drive motor 360 and the second drive motor 370 to rotate the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 so that the phase of the first protrusion 328 on the first conveyor belt 327 and the phase of the second protrusion 334 on the second conveyor belt 333 are in a predetermined relationship such that the second protrusion 334 can push the coins pushed out from the first protrusion 328.

[0085] For example, by detecting the positions of the first protrusion 328 and the second protrusion 334, the control unit 710 starts the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 at the same acceleration and rotates them at the same rotational speed from a state in which the first protrusion 328 and the second protrusion 334 are stopped at a position where the phases of the two protrusions 328 and 334 are in the predetermined relationship. Because the pitch P1 of the first protrusion 328 and the pitch P2 of the second protrusion 334 are equal, the time it takes for the first protrusion 328 to move by one pitch is equal to the time it takes for the second protrusion 334 to move by one pitch, and the phases of the two protrusions 328 and 334 are always maintained in the predetermined relationship. Furthermore, if the rotational speed of the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 fluctuates and deviates from the predetermined relationship by more than a certain range, the control unit 710 adjusts the rotational speed of the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 to return to the predetermined range.

[0086] If the phases of the two protrusions 328, 334 are set in a relationship such that the second protrusion 334 comes into contact with the coin when half of the coin has passed the peak of the guide section 311, the time required for the coin to be transferred is likely to be the shortest, and the time required for the coin to be transported to the storage section 400 is likely to be the shortest. However, in this case, if speed fluctuations occur in the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 and the timing of the second protrusion 334 moving earlier than the first protrusion 328, there is a risk that the coin will become caught between the first protrusion 328 and the second protrusion 334. Therefore, in practice, taking into consideration the speed fluctuations of the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 and the speed adjustment power of the control unit 710 in response to such speed fluctuations, it is desirable to set the phase relationship between the two protrusions 328, 334 so that the second protrusion 334 quickly contacts the coin after the coin leaves the first protrusion 328, as shown in Figures 4(a) and (b).

[0087] 5(a) to 6(b) are diagrams for explaining a recovery process when a coin transport error occurs in the first area 310a of the transport path 310. FIG.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 5(a), when coins are being transported to the second region 310b of the transport path 310, if a transport error occurs in the first region 310a of the transport path 310 due to a coin jam or the like, the first transport belt 327 stops, but the second transport belt 333 continues to rotate. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(b), in the second region 310b, the coins are stored in the storage unit 400 corresponding to their denomination. Then, the coin inventory in the memory unit 720 is updated. Thereafter, when the error is cleared in the first region 310a, the first transport belt 327 becomes able to rotate.

[0089] As the first conveyor belt 327 rotates forward, the reject discharge port 313 is opened. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6(a), coins that were located upstream of the reject discharge port 313 are discharged from the reject discharge port 313, and coins that were located downstream of the reject discharge port 313 are conveyed to the second area 310b. The coins conveyed to the second area 310b are not stored in the storage unit 400.

[0090] 6(b), the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 rotate in the reverse direction, and the coins in the second area 310b are temporarily returned upstream of the reject discharge port 313. Thereafter, the first conveyor belt 327 rotates in the forward direction, and the coins are discharged from the reject discharge port 313.

[0091] When the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 rotate in the reverse direction and coins are conveyed in the reverse direction, the guide unit 311 functions in the same way as when the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 rotate in the forward direction. The control unit 710 also controls the first drive motor 360 and the second drive motor 370 to rotate the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 so that the phase of the first protrusion 328 on the first conveyor belt 327 and the phase of the second protrusion 334 on the second conveyor belt 333 are in a predetermined relationship such that the first protrusion 328 can push the coins pushed out by the second protrusion 334. This allows coins to be smoothly transferred from the second conveyor belt 333 to the first conveyor belt 327.

[0092] The coins discharged from the reject outlet 313 reach the reject outlet 600 and are taken out.

[0093] By carrying out such a recovery process, it becomes possible to automatically remove coins from the first area 310a of the transport path 310.

[0094] The coin processing device 1 also performs a dispensing process. In the dispensing process, coins are fed from the bottom side of the storage unit 400 of the denomination to be dispensed, passed through a dispensing conveyance path (not shown), and discharged to a dispensing unit (not shown). The coins in the dispensing unit are taken out from the outside.

[0095] <Effects of the embodiment> According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0096] The coin processing device 1 includes a conveyance path 310 along which coins are conveyed, a first pulley 322 and a second pulley 331 located on the left bank 302 side of the conveyance path 310 and adjacent to each other along the conveyance path 310, a circular first conveyance belt 327 passed over a plurality of pulleys 321 to 324 including the first pulley 322, a circular second conveyance belt 333 passed over a plurality of pulleys 331 and 332 including the second pulley 331, a first protrusion 328 provided on the first conveyance belt 327 and protruding toward the conveyance path 310, and a second protrusion 334 provided on the second conveyance belt 333 and protruding toward the conveyance path 310. The conveyance path 310 is divided into a first region 310a and a second region 310b between the first pulley 322 and the second pulley 331. The first protrusion 328 moves within the first region 310a by the rotation of the first conveyor belt 327, and pushes the coins to convey them towards the second region 310b. The second protrusion 334 moves within the second region 310b by the rotation of the second conveyor belt 333, and pushes the coins taken over from the first protrusion 328 to convey them. The conveyor path 310 is provided with a guide section 311 that guides the coins, which have been conveyed by the first protrusion 328 and have reached the position of the first pulley 322, in the width direction of the conveyor path 310 so that they approach the first pulley 322.

[0097] According to this configuration, coins are transported through the first area 310a by the first protrusions 328 of the first transport belt 327, and through the second area 310b by the second protrusions 334 of the second transport belt 333. Therefore, even if a transport error occurs in the first area 310a that causes the first transport belt 327 to stop transporting coins, the second transport belt 333 can continue transporting coins through the second area 310b.

[0098] Furthermore, by being guided closer to the first pulley 322, the coin moves in the same direction as the first protrusion 328 which moves along the outer periphery of the first pulley 322, and therefore is more likely to come into contact with the first protrusion 328 for a longer period of time. As a result, the coin is sufficiently pushed out towards the second region 310b by the first protrusion 328, and is more likely to be pushed by the second protrusion 334. Therefore, coins can be smoothly transferred between the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333.

[0099] Furthermore, the guide section 311 projects in a mountain shape from the right bank 303 of the transport path 310 to the left bank 302 at the boundary between the first area 310a and the second area 310b.

[0100] According to this configuration, in the first area 310a, the coin pushed by the first protrusion 328 can be moved along the upward slope of the mountain shape of the guiding section 311, thereby bringing the coin closer to the first pulley 322. Furthermore, in the second area 310b, the coin pushed by the second protrusion 334 can be moved along the downward slope of the mountain shape of the guiding section 311, thereby allowing the coin to be smoothly guided downstream of the second area 310b.

[0101] Furthermore, a recess 312 that is recessed on the opposite side to the guide section 311 is formed in the left bank 302 of the transport path 310 at a position opposite to the guide section 311 .

[0102] According to this configuration, the width of the transport path 310 does not narrow at the guide section 311, so that even large coins can be transported smoothly through the guide section 311.

[0103] Furthermore, in the second area 310b, a plurality of storing and sorting members 350 that sort coins and guide them to each storing section 400 are arranged.

[0104] According to this configuration, even if a transport error occurs in the first area 310a, the coins can continue to be transported in the second area 310b, so that the coins that have reached the storing and sorting member 350 can be reliably stored in the storage unit 400 corresponding to the storing and sorting member 350. This prevents the amount of coins in the device from becoming unclear, and prevents the burden of checking the amount of coins from being placed on staff.

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit 710 operates the first drive motor 360 and the second drive motor 370 so that the phase of the first protrusion 328 on the first conveyor belt 327 and the phase of the second protrusion 334 on the second conveyor belt 333 are in a predetermined relationship that allows the second protrusion 334 to push the coins pushed out from the first protrusion 328.

[0106] According to this configuration, the coin pushed out by the first protrusion 328 into the second area 310b can be reliably taken over and pushed by the second protrusion 334.

[0107] Furthermore, the pitch of first protrusion 328 and second protrusion 334 and the rotation speed of first conveyor belt 327 and second conveyor belt 333 are set so that the time it takes for first protrusion 328 and second protrusion 334 to move by one pitch is equal. Specifically, pitch P1 of first protrusion 328 and pitch P2 of second protrusion 334 are set equal, and rotation speed of first conveyor belt 327 and rotation speed of second conveyor belt 333 are set equal.

[0108] This configuration makes it easier for the control unit 710 to control the first drive motor 360 and the second drive motor 370 so that the phase of the first protrusion 328 and the phase of the second protrusion 334 have a predetermined relationship.

[0109] 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.

[0110] <Change example 1> In this modification, a pinch prevention mechanism 800 is provided in the transport unit 300. The pinch prevention mechanism 800 prevents coins from being pinched in the entrance 306a of the first passage 306 or the entrance 307a of the second passage 307.

[0111] 7(a) and (b) are views of the boundary portion between the first region 310a and the second region 310b in the transport path 310, as viewed from the front and back sides of the transport path plate 301, respectively, according to the first modified example.

[0112] Anti-pinch mechanism 800 includes a first lever unit 810, a second lever unit 820, and a spring 830. First lever unit 810 is disposed on the first region 310a side and includes a first lever 811, a first shaft 812, and a first circular plate 813. Second lever unit 820 is disposed on the second region 310b side and includes a second lever 821, a second shaft 822, and a second circular plate 823.

[0113] On the left bank 302 of the conveying path 310, a first lever arrangement portion 315 having a shape corresponding to the first lever 811 is formed in front of the first passage 306, and a second lever arrangement portion 316 having a shape corresponding to the second lever 821 is formed in the rear of the second passage 307.

[0114] The first lever 811 is arranged in the first lever arrangement portion 315. An end edge 811a formed in a slightly arc shape at the tip of the first lever 811 constitutes part of the recess 312. A stopper 814 is provided at the base end of the first lever 811. The first shaft 812 is rotatably supported by the transport path plate 301. The first lever 811 is connected to the upper end of the first shaft 812. The first circular plate 813 is connected to the lower end of the first shaft 812 on the back side of the transport path plate 301. An attachment hole 815 is provided on the outer periphery of the first circular plate 813.

[0115] The second lever 821 is arranged in the second lever arrangement section 316. An end edge 821a formed in a slightly arc shape at the tip of the second lever 821 constitutes part of the recess 312. A stopper 824 is provided at the base end of the second lever 821. The second shaft 822 is rotatably supported by the transport path plate 301. The second lever 821 is connected to the upper end of the second shaft 822. The second circular plate 823 is connected to the lower end of the second shaft 822 on the back side of the transport path plate 301. An attachment hole 825 is provided on the outer periphery of the second circular plate 823.

[0116] The stopper 814 of the first lever 811 abuts against an abutment portion 315a provided on the first lever arrangement portion 315. From this state, the first lever 811 can rotate in a direction approaching the entrance 306a of the first passage 306. The stopper 824 of the second lever 821 abuts against an abutment portion 316a provided on the second lever arrangement portion 316. From this state, the second lever 821 can rotate in a direction approaching the entrance 307a of the second passage 307.

[0117] One end of spring 830 is attached to mounting hole 815 of first circular plate 813, and the other end is attached to mounting hole 825 of second circular plate 823. When spring 830 is attached between first circular plate 813 and second circular plate 823, it is longer than its natural length, and urges first lever 811 via first circular plate 813 in a direction away from entrance 306a of first passage 306 (a direction pressing stopper 814 against abutment portion 315a), and urges second lever 821 via second circular plate 823 in a direction away from entrance 307a of second passage 307 (a direction pressing stopper 824 against abutment portion 316a).

[0118] 8(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of a pinch prevention mechanism 800 according to the first modified example.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 8(a), when a small-diameter, light 1-yen coin is conveyed through the first region 310a of the conveying path 310 to the position of the first pulley 322 while leaning toward the left bank 302, it may be pushed by the first protrusion 328 that moves along the outer periphery of the first pulley 322 and move toward the entrance 306a of the first passage 306. In this case, the 1-yen coin comes into contact with the first lever 811, which is a guide member, and is guided toward the second region 310b. Because the 1-yen coin is light, the force applied to the first lever 811 when the coin comes into contact tends to be smaller than the biasing force of the spring 830. Therefore, the first lever 811 does not easily rotate toward the entrance 306a of the first passage 306.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 8(b), when a heavy 500 yen coin with a large diameter is transported through first area 310a to the position of first pulley 322, the 500 yen coin, guided by guide section 311, approaches first pulley 322 and is likely to come into contact with first lever 811. Because 500 yen coins are heavy, the force applied to first lever 811 when the coin comes into contact is likely to be greater than the biasing force of spring 830. Therefore, first lever 811 is likely to rotate in the direction of entrance 306a of first passage 306, and the width of the path for the 500 yen coin is likely to widen. This makes it easier for the 500 yen coin to move smoothly to second area 310b.

[0121] According to the configuration of this modified example, the anti-pinch mechanism 800 can prevent coins from being pinched at the entrance 306a of the first passage 306 in the first area 310a.

[0122] Furthermore, since the first lever 811 can guide the coins toward the second area 310b, the transfer of coins between the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 is less likely to be hindered.

[0123] Furthermore, because first lever 811 is biased by spring 830 in a direction away from entrance 306a of first passage 306, when a small and light coin comes into contact with first lever 811, first lever 811 does not move easily toward entrance 306a, and the coin is likely to be smoothly guided toward second area 310b by first lever 811. On the other hand, when a large and heavy coin comes into contact with first lever 811, first lever 811 moves easily toward entrance 306a, ensuring a path width for the coin to move toward second area 310b.

[0124] 6(a) to 6(c), when the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 rotate in the reverse direction and coins are conveyed in the reverse direction from the second area 310b to the first area 310a, the second lever 821 of the anti-trap mechanism 800 functions in the same manner as the first lever 811. This prevents coins from getting pinched at the entrance 307a of the second passage 307 in the second area 310b.

[0125] In this modified example, the first shaft hole 304 and the second shaft hole 305 may also be provided at positions where their entire portions are not on the conveying path 310.

[0126] <Change example 2> Figure 9(a) is an oblique view of the first pulley 322 in an upside-down state according to modified example 2, and Figure 9(b) is a view of the boundary portion between the first region 310a and the second region 310b in the conveying path 310 according to modified example 2, viewed from the front side of the conveying path plate 301.

[0127] In this modified example, the first pulley 322 is provided with a coin block portion 329 having an arch shape slightly longer than a semicircle, protruding from the lower surface at the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface. The coin block portion 329 extends from the side of the recess 322a in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the first pulley 322. In the conveying path plate 301, an arc-shaped path 308 is formed in front of the first passage 306 on the left bank 302 of the conveying path 310, through which the coin block portion 329 passes when entering the conveying path 310. As the first pulley 322 rotates, the coin block portion 329 passes through the first passage 306 and the path 308 to enter and exit the conveying path 310.

[0128] 10(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the coin block portion 329 according to the second modification.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 10(a), when the first protrusion 328 is pushing a coin to the second area 310b at the position of the first pulley 322, it is possible that a following coin may leave the following first protrusion 328 and move ahead due to some factor. However, at this time, the coin block unit 329 has entered the conveyance path 310, i.e., the first area 310a. Therefore, the coin moving ahead is blocked by the coin block unit 329 and does not move to the second area 310b together with the preceding coin. This prevents two coins from being conveyed by the second protrusion 334 at the same time.

[0130] 10(b), the coin pushed by the first protrusion 328 at the position of the first pulley 322 moves through a portion of the first pulley 322 where the coin block portion 329 is not present. At this time, even if for some reason the coin moves away from the first protrusion 328 and moves ahead, the coin is blocked by the end of the coin block portion 329. As a result, the coin waits to be pushed by the first protrusion 328 and moves to the second area 310b at the appropriate timing.

[0131] The configuration including the coin block portion 329 of this modified example may be combined with the configuration including the anti-pinch mechanism 800 of the first modified example.

[0132] Also in this modified example, the first shaft hole 304 and the second shaft hole 305 may be provided at positions where their entire portions are not on the conveying path 310.

[0133] <Other change examples> The routing shape of the transport path 310 is not limited to a shape that combines an approximately U-shape and an approximately linear shape as in the above embodiment, but may be any shape. For example, the transport path 310 may be configured solely in an approximately U-shape or solely in an approximately linear shape.

[0134] Furthermore, the mountain-shaped shape of the guide portion 311 is not limited to the shape in the above embodiment. For example, the side 311a of the guide portion 311 on the first region 310a side may be linear rather than arc-shaped, and the side 311b on the second region 310b side may be linear rather than arc-shaped.

[0135] Furthermore, the shapes of the first protrusions 328 and the second protrusions 334 are not limited to those in the above embodiment. For example, the first protrusions 328 and the second protrusions 334 may have a generally T-shape that extends downward from the lower ends of the first conveyor belt 327 and the second conveyor belt 333 and then widens in the left-right direction.

[0136] Furthermore, the pitch P1 of the first protrusions 328 and the pitch P2 of the second protrusions 334 may be different. In this case, the rotation speed of the first conveyor belt 327 and the rotation speed of the second conveyor belt 333 are set to different values ​​so that the time it takes for the first protrusions 328 and the second protrusions 334 to move by one pitch is equal. If the pitch P1 of the first protrusions 328 is shorter than the pitch P2 of the second protrusions 334, the rotation speed of the first conveyor belt 327 will be slower than the rotation speed of the second conveyor belt 333. If the pitch P1 of the first protrusions 328 is longer than the pitch P2 of the second protrusions 334, the rotation speed of the first conveyor belt 327 will be faster than the rotation speed of the second conveyor belt 333.

[0137] Furthermore, the transport path 310 may not be horizontal in the front-rear and left-right directions, but may be inclined in the front-rear and left-right directions, as long as this does not hinder the transport of coins.

[0138] Furthermore, the transport unit 300 may be provided with not only the first transport mechanism 320 and the second transport mechanism 330, but also other transport mechanisms for transporting coins on the transport path 310.

[0139] Furthermore, if the coin processing device 1 is configured so that the first conveying belt 327 and the second conveying belt 333 do not rotate in reverse and coins are not conveyed back from the second area 310b to the first area 310a, the anti-pinch mechanism 800 does not need to be equipped with the second lever unit 820.

[0140] Furthermore, a circular first conveying chain may be used as the circular first conveying member instead of a circular first conveying belt 327, and a circular second conveying chain may be used as the circular second conveying member instead of a circular second conveying belt 333.

[0141] Furthermore, in the anti-pinch mechanism 800 of the first modified example, instead of the spring 830, a torsion spring may be disposed on each of the first shaft 812 and the second shaft 822.

[0142] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1 Coin processing device 302 Left bank (one bank) 303 Right bank (other bank) 306 1st aisle (aisle) 306a entrance 310 Transport path 311 Guidance part 312 recess 310a 1st area 310b 2nd area 322 First pulley 327 First conveyor belt (first conveyor member) 328 1st protrusion 329 Coin Block Section 331 Second pulley 333 Second conveyor belt (second conveyor member) 334 2nd protrusion 350 Storage and sorting components (sorting section) 360 First drive motor 370 Second drive motor 400 storage area 710 Control Unit 800 Anti-pinch mechanism 811 First lever (guiding member) 830 Spring (biasing member)

Claims

1. a conveyance path along which coins are conveyed; a first pulley and a second pulley located on one bank of the conveying path and adjacent to each other along the conveying path; a first annular conveying member that is stretched over a plurality of pulleys including the first pulley; a second annular conveying member that is stretched over a plurality of pulleys including the second pulley; a first protrusion provided on the first conveying member and protruding toward the conveying path; a second protrusion provided on the second conveying member and protruding toward the conveying path, the conveying path is divided into a first region and a second region between the first pulley and the second pulley, the first protrusion moves within the first area by the rotation of the first transport member, and pushes the coin to transport it toward the second area; the second protrusion portion moves within the second area by the rotation of the second transport member, and pushes and transports the coins taken over from the first protrusion portion; a guide portion that guides the coin, which has been conveyed by the first protrusion portion and reached the position of the first pulley, so that the coin approaches the first pulley in a width direction of the conveyance path; A coin processing device characterized by:

2. 2. The coin processing device according to claim 1, the guide portion extends in a mountain shape from the other bank of the conveying path toward the one bank at a boundary portion between the first area and the second area, A coin processing device characterized by:

3. 3. The coin processing device according to claim 2, a recessed portion recessed toward the opposite side of the guide portion is formed on the one bank at a position facing the guide portion; A coin processing device characterized by:

4. The coin processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a passage provided on the one bank and through which the first protrusion passes; a pinch prevention mechanism that prevents the coin from being pinched at the entrance of the passage when the coin is pushed by the first protrusion. A coin processing device characterized by:

5. 5. The coin processing device according to claim 4, the pinch prevention mechanism includes a guide member that contacts a coin moving toward the entrance of the passage and guides the coin toward the second area. A coin processing device characterized by:

6. The coin processing device according to claim 5, the guide member is movable in a direction approaching the entrance of the passage, The pinch prevention mechanism further includes a biasing member that biases the guide member in a direction away from the entrance of the passage. A coin processing device characterized by:

7. The coin processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The first pulley is provided with a coin blocking portion that moves in and out of the conveying path as the first pulley rotates and blocks coins that move away from the first protrusion. A coin processing device characterized by:

8. The coin processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Further comprising a plurality of storage sections in which coins are stored, A plurality of sorting units are arranged in the second area to sort coins and guide them to each of the storage units. A coin processing device characterized by:

9. The coin processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a first drive motor for rotating the first conveying member; a second drive motor for rotating the second conveying member; a control unit that operates the first drive motor and the second drive motor so that a phase of the first protrusion on the first transport member and a phase of the second protrusion on the second transport member are in a predetermined relationship such that the second protrusion can push the coin pushed out from the first protrusion, A coin processing device characterized by:

10. 10. The coin processing device according to claim 9, the pitch of the first protrusions and the second protrusions and the rotational speeds of the first conveying member and the second conveying member are set so that the time it takes for the first protrusions and the second protrusions to move by one pitch are equal to each other. A coin processing device characterized by:

11. a conveyance path along which coins are conveyed; a first pulley and a second pulley located on one bank of the conveying path and adjacent to each other along the conveying path; a first annular conveying member that is stretched over a plurality of pulleys including the first pulley; a second annular conveying member that is stretched over a plurality of pulleys including the second pulley; a first protrusion provided on the first conveying member and protruding toward the conveying path; a second protrusion provided on the second conveying member and protruding toward the conveying path, the conveying path is divided into a first region and a second region between the first pulley and the second pulley, the first protrusion moves within the first area by the rotation of the first transport member, and pushes the coin to transport it toward the second area; the second protrusion portion moves within the second area by the rotation of the second transport member, and pushes and transports the coins taken over from the first protrusion portion; the conveying path is curved toward the first pulley and the second pulley at a boundary portion between the first region and the second region; A coin processing device characterized by:

Images