Coin processing device and currency handling device

Abstract

To ensure that coins are dispensed more reliably. [Solution] The invention comprises a hopper tank forming a storage space, a rotating disc forming the bottom of the hopper tank and having coin guide holes for separating and guiding the coins stored in the hopper tank one by one, an arm provided on the hopper tank such that its tip contacts the edge of the coin guide holes on the rotating disc, and a coin-breaking rod provided in the center of the rotating disc and protruding toward the storage space, wherein the coin-breaking rod is a member that rotates together with the rotating disc, and its upper end is shaped by cutting out a part of a substantially hemisphere to form a flat portion and a spherical portion that protrudes above the flat portion, and when viewed from the axial direction of the coin-breaking rod, the top of the spherical portion is located offset from the rotation center of the rotating disc.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a coin processing device and a currency handling device.

Background Art

[0002] A coin processing device for handling coins includes a hopper tank capable of storing a large amount of coins, and a rotating disk that forms the bottom of the hopper tank and separates and guides the coins one by one. By rotating the rotating disk, the coins stored in the hopper tank pass through the coin guide holes provided in the rotating disk one by one and are fed out from below the rotating disk.

[0003] Conventionally, as this type of coin processing device, there has been proposed one including a breaking bar provided so as to protrude upward from the rotating disk at the central portion of the rotating disk, and an arm extending from above the rotating disk toward the rotating disk and provided such that the tip portion contacts the edge of the coin guide hole (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In this coin processing device, the coins located near the central portion of the rotating disk are guided to the coin guide holes by the breaking bar, and the coins that have leaned vertically on the coin guide holes are knocked down and scattered by the arm.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In conventional coin processing devices, if the length of the break-up rod is shortened for implementation reasons, the tip of the arm may rest on top of the break-up rod. In this case, if a perforated coin such as a 5-yen or 50-yen coin is positioned on the break-up rod and pressed down from above by the tip of the arm, the perforated coin will be held with its hole positioned in the center of the rotating disc.

[0007] In this case, even if the rotating disc is turned, the perforated coins will rotate around the central axis of the disc and will remain in the hopper tank without falling into the coin guide holes.

[0008] Thus, conventional coin processing systems had a problem in that perforated coins sometimes remained in the hopper tank and could not be dispensed.

[0009] This invention was made in consideration of the above points, and aims to propose a coin processing device and a currency handling device that can dispense coins more reliably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, the coin processing apparatus of the present invention comprises a hopper tank forming a storage space for storing coins, a rotating disc forming the bottom of the hopper tank and having coin guide holes for separating and guiding the coins stored in the hopper tank one by one, an arm provided on the hopper tank extending from above the rotating disc toward the rotating disc, with its tip in contact with the edge of the coin guide holes of the rotating disc, and a crumpling rod provided in the center of the rotating disc and protruding toward the storage space, wherein the crumpling rod is a member that rotates together with the rotating disc, and its upper end is shaped by cutting out a part of a substantially hemisphere to form a flat portion and a spherical portion that protrudes above the flat portion, and when viewed from the axial direction of the crumpling rod, the top of the spherical portion is located offset from the rotation center of the rotating disc.

[0011] Furthermore, the currency handling device of the present invention comprises the coin processing device described above and a banknote processing device for handling banknotes.

[0012] In this invention, the upper end of the breaking rod has a shape in which a portion of a hemisphere is cut out to form a flat portion and a spherical portion that protrudes above the flat portion, and the top of the spherical portion is positioned offset from the rotation center of the rotating disk.

[0013] In this way, when the tip of the arm presses down on a perforated coin with the top of the spherical part of the coin-breaking rod inserted into the hole, rotating the disc causes the perforated coin to tilt from the top of the spherical part towards the flat part, with the center of the hole offset from the center of rotation of the disc. At this time, the perforated coin becomes unstable, and centrifugal force acts on it in a direction away from the center of rotation of the disc. As a result, it detaches from the coin-breaking rod and moves to the coin guide hole, where it passes through and is dispensed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a coin processing device and a currency handling device that can dispense coins more reliably. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a currency handling device. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the internal structure of a coin processing device. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the configuration of the deposit transport unit. [Figure 4] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the withdrawal hoppers for each denomination. [Figure 5] This is a top view showing the configuration of the withdrawal hoppers for each denomination. [Figure 6] These are perspective and top views showing the configuration of the collapse sticks. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing the area around the protruding part. [Figure 8] This figure (1) shows the behavior of perforated coins during dispensing by the coin dispenser for each denomination. [Figure 9]It is a diagram showing the behavior of coin-empty coins during the payout operation by the coin-type payout hopper (2). [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the behavior of coin-empty coins during the payout operation by the coin-type payout hopper (3). [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the behavior of coin-empty coins during the payout operation by the coin-type payout hopper (4).

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [1. External Configuration of the Currency Handling Device] Fig. 1 shows the external appearance of the currency handling device 1. This currency handling device 1 is a device used, for example, as a self-checkout machine, and can receive and pay out banknotes and coins. Here, in the currency handling device 1, the side facing the user is the front side of the currency handling device 1, the opposite side is the rear side of the currency handling device 1, and the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side as seen from the user are the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side of the currency handling device 1, respectively.

[0018] This currency handling device 1 has a box-shaped device housing 2. The device housing 2 is a box shape that is longer in the vertical direction than in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. At the center of the upper surface 2a, there is a receipt printer 3 that outputs a receipt on which transaction details and the like are described, and an operation display unit 4 that functions as a display unit for displaying various screens and an operation unit for receiving operation inputs for the various screens displayed on the display unit. As the operation display unit 4, for example, a display with a touch panel is used.

[0019] Also, on the upper left side of the front surface 2b of the device housing 2, there is a banknote deposit slot 5 into which banknotes are inserted, and further below the banknote deposit slot 5, there is a banknote payout slot 6 from which banknotes are discharged. Further, on the front surface 2b of the device housing 2, on the right side of the banknote deposit slot 5, there is a coin insertion slot 7 into which coins are inserted, and further below the banknote payout slot 6, there is a coin payout slot 8 from which coins are discharged.

[0020] Inside the device housing 2 are a banknote processing device 9 for handling banknotes, a coin processing device 10 for handling coins, and a control unit 11 for controlling the entire currency handling device 1. The banknote processing device 9 takes in banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit slot 5 by the user and stores them in an internal banknote storage compartment (not shown), and dispenses banknotes to be given as change from the banknote storage compartment and dispenses them from the banknote dispensing slot 6. The coin processing device 10 takes in coins inserted into the coin input slot 7 by the user and stores them in an internal coin dispensing hopper 18 by denomination (see Figures 2(A) and (B)), and dispenses coins to be given as change from the coin dispensing hopper 18 and dispenses them from the coin dispensing slot 8.

[0021] [2. Internal structure of coin processing machines] Next, the internal structure of the coin processing device 10 will be explained using Figures 2(A) and 2(B). Figure 2(A) is a front view of the coin processing device 10 as seen from the front, and Figure 2(B) is a side view of the coin processing device 10 as seen from the right side.

[0022] The coin processing device 10 has a slope-shaped coin insertion section 12 that extends downward and is connected to the coin slot 7, located on the upper front right side of the device housing 2. Below this coin insertion section 12 is a coin dispensing section 13 that dispenses the coins that have passed through the coin insertion section 12 one by one to the rear. This coin dispensing section 13 has a rotating disc 13a at its bottom, and uses the centrifugal force generated when the rotating disc 13a rotates to separate the coins one by one and dispense them to the rear through the discharge port.

[0023] A deposit transport unit 15 is provided behind the coin dispensing unit 13, and a coin delivery unit 14 is provided between the discharge port of the coin dispensing unit 13 and the deposit transport unit 15 to deliver the coins dispensed from the coin dispensing unit 13 one by one to the deposit transport unit 15. The coin delivery unit 14 is designed to deliver coins one by one by gripping them with rollers that are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction.

[0024] Here, Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the coin processing device 10 when it is cut along the AA cutting line in Figure 2(B) (the cutting line located above the deposit transport section 15). Figure 3 shows the deposit transport section 15 as seen from above.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the deposit and transport section 15 has a transport path R that serves as a path for coins. This transport path R is formed by a transport guide 30 and is a roughly U-shaped transport path that extends to the left from the coin dispensing section 14, then extends backward, and then folds back and extends forward. The transport guide 30 consists of a guide side section 30a that forms both sides in the width direction of the transport path R, and a guide transport surface section 30b that forms the bottom surface of the transport path R (hereinafter referred to as the transport surface).

[0026] The deposit transport unit 15 also has a pin belt 31 for transporting coins along the transport path R. The pin belt 31 has a transport belt 31b that runs along the transport path R above the transport path R (i.e., above the guide transport surface 30b) and a rod-shaped transport pin 31p that extends downward from the transport belt 31b (i.e., toward the guide transport surface 30b).

[0027] The conveyor belt 31b is stretched over a pulley (not shown), and as the pulley rotates, it travels along the central part of the conveyor path R in the width direction. Conveyor pins 31p are provided on the conveyor belt 31b at regular intervals in the conveying direction.

[0028] The deposit transport unit 15 transports the coins sent from the coin dispensing unit 14 onto the transport path R by pushing them with the transport pins 31p while the transport belt 31b runs along the transport path R.

[0029] Furthermore, the transport path R is equipped with, in order from the upstream side in the transport direction (i.e., the coin dispensing unit 14 side), a coin recognition unit 32, a reject gate 33, and coin denomination gates 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, and 34f.

[0030] The coin recognition unit 32 has an identification function that determines the denomination of coins being transported along the transport path R and whether or not they are normal coins. Coins that are determined not to be normal coins that can be deposited into the coin processing device 10 (i.e., coins that cannot be deposited into the coin processing device 10) are called rejected coins.

[0031] The reject gate 33 is a gate for sorting rejected coins. By opening and closing this reject gate 33, the coins that have been transported along the transport path R can either continue to be transported along the transport path R, or be sorted (dropped) into the reject chute 16 located below the reject gate 33.

[0032] The denomination gates 34a to 34f are gates for sorting coins (more specifically, valid coins that can be deposited) by denomination. By opening and closing these denomination gates 34a to 34f, the coins that have been transported along the transport path R are either transported along the transport path R, or sorted (dropped) into the denomination chutes 17a to 17f located below them.

[0033] Returning to Figure 2, the denomination-specific chutes 17a to 17f each extend from the deposit transport section 15 to the denomination-specific withdrawal hoppers 18a to 18f located below the deposit transport section 15, guiding the coins sorted by the denomination-specific gates 34a to 34f to the denomination-specific withdrawal hoppers 18a to 18f.

[0034] Each coin-type dispensing hopper 18a to 18f has the function of storing coins and dispensing the stored coins one by one, dispensing the stored coins one by one to the horizontal dispensing transport section 19 located below.

[0035] The reject chute 16 extends from the deposit transport section 15 to the horizontal withdrawal transport section 19, and guides the rejected coins sorted by the reject gate 33 to the horizontal withdrawal transport section 19.

[0036] The horizontal coin dispensing and transporting unit 19 has a transport belt that can travel in the front-to-back direction and transports coins dispensed from the coin hopper 18a to 18f for each denomination, as well as rejected coins guided by the reject chute 16, forward (specifically, near the front 2b of the device housing 2) via the transport belt. The front of this horizontal coin dispensing and transporting unit 19 is connected to the collection unit 20 located below the horizontal coin dispensing and transporting unit 19, and to the lift coin dispensing and transporting unit 21 which extends upward from the front of the horizontal coin dispensing and transporting unit 19. The horizontal coin dispensing and transporting unit 19 can switch the destination of the coins to either the collection unit 20 or the lift coin dispensing and transporting unit 21.

[0037] The collection unit 20 stores the coins transported by the horizontal dispensing and transporting unit 19 as collected coins. The lift dispensing and transporting unit 21 transports the coins transported by the horizontal dispensing and transporting unit 19 to the coin dispensing opening 8 located above. The internal structure of the coin processing device 10 is as described above.

[0038] Here, we will briefly explain the coin deposit operation as part of the operation of the coin processing device 10. This deposit operation is controlled by the control unit 11.

[0039] When depositing coins, the user inserts the coins they wish to deposit into the coin slot 7. The coins inserted into the coin slot 7 pass through the coin insertion section 12 and are dispensed from the coin dispensing section 13, and then sent one by one to the transport path R of the deposit transport section 15 by the coin delivery section 14. The coins sent to the transport path R are transported by the pin belt 31, and the coin recognition section 32 determines the denomination and whether the coins are normal or abnormal.

[0040] If the inserted coin is identified as a rejected coin by the coin recognition unit 32, the control unit 11 opens the reject gate 33. As a result, the rejected coin is sent from the transport path R through the reject chute 16 to the horizontal dispensing transport unit 19. The rejected coin sent to the horizontal dispensing transport unit 19 is then sent to the lift dispensing transport unit 21 and transported to the coin dispensing opening 8.

[0041] In this manner, the coin processing device 10 returns any coins that are identified as rejected coins among those inserted by the user to the coin dispensing slot 8.

[0042] On the other hand, when the inserted coin is identified as a normal coin by the coin recognition unit 32, the control unit 11 opens the coin type gate 34 (i.e., one of the coin type gates 34a to 34f) corresponding to the coin type identified by the coin recognition unit 32. As a result, the normal coin passes through the coin type chute 17 (i.e., one of the coin type chutes 17a to 17f) corresponding to the coin's denomination and is stored in the coin type dispensing hopper 18 (i.e., one of the coin type dispensing hoppers 18a to 18f) corresponding to the coin's denomination.

[0043] In this manner, the coin processing device 10 stores coins that have been identified as valid coins from among those inserted by the user into the coin recognition unit 32, and into the coin-type dispensing hopper 18 corresponding to the denomination identified. The deposit operation of the coin processing device 10 is as described above.

[0044] Furthermore, during the coin dispensing operation of the coin processing device 10, the control unit 11 dispenses a specified number of coins for each denomination from each of the denomination-specific dispensing hoppers 18a to 18f, and the dispensed coins are transported to the coin dispensing opening 8 by the horizontal dispensing transport unit 19 and the lift dispensing transport unit 21, and then discharged from the coin dispensing opening 8.

[0045] Furthermore, during the coin processing device 10's retrieval operation, the control unit 11 dispenses the stored coins from each of the coin dispensing hoppers 18a to 18f for each denomination, and the dispensed coins are transported to the retrieval storage unit 20 by the horizontal dispensing and transport unit 19 and stored in the retrieval storage unit 20.

[0046] [3. Configuration of withdrawal hoppers by denomination] Next, we will explain in more detail the configuration of the denomination-specific withdrawal hoppers 18a to 18f. Since the basic configuration of the denomination-specific withdrawal hoppers 18a to 18f is the same, we will explain the configuration of the denomination-specific withdrawal hopper 18a using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the denomination-specific withdrawal hopper 18a, and is a partial cross-sectional view with a portion cut out. Figure 5 is a top view of the denomination-specific withdrawal hopper 18a as seen from above. In Figures 4 and 5, the height direction of the denomination-specific withdrawal hopper 18a is the Z direction, the width direction is the X direction, and the depth direction is the Y direction.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the coin dispensing hopper 18a for each denomination has a hopper tank 40 that forms a storage space Sp for storing coins. The hopper tank 40 is box-shaped with an open top and consists of an opening 41 located on the upper side, a floor 42 located on the lower side, and four wall sections 43 located between the opening 41 and the floor 42. Note that Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view with the front wall section 43 cut out. This hopper tank 40 receives and stores coins through the opening 41.

[0048] The floor portion 42 is composed of a circular hole 44 that occupies most of the floor portion 42, and an inclined surface 45 that slopes downward from the outer edge that contacts the lower ends of the four wall portions 43 toward the outer circumference of the circular hole 44.

[0049] A hopper disc 46 is attached to the hole 44 in the floor section 42, forming the bottom of the hopper tank 40 and guiding the coins stored in the hopper tank 40 one by one. The hopper disc 46 is a disc-shaped object with an outer diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the hole 44 and a thickness approximately the same as the depth of the hole 44, and is rotatably mounted inside the hole 44.

[0050] The upper surface of the hopper disc 46 is provided with a projection 47 that protrudes upward (towards the storage space Sp of the hopper tank 40) in the central part including the rotation center C1. This projection 47 is a partial sphere, corresponding to about one-quarter of a sphere. Above this projection 47, a flat inclined surface 48 is formed by diagonally cutting off a portion of the spherical surface. This inclined surface 48 is inclined toward the outer circumference of the hopper disc 46, and is formed so that the rotation center C1 is located on the inclined surface 48. By providing such an inclined surface 48 on the projection 47, the projection 47 is made eccentric, allowing coins that tend to accumulate near the rotation center C1 to be agitated.

[0051] Furthermore, multiple (for example, four) ridges 49 are provided on the outer circumference of the projection 47 at intervals in the circumferential direction. The multiple ridges 49 extend radially from the outer circumference of the projection 47 and are inclined downward from the spherical surface of the projection 47 toward the upper surface of the hopper disc 46. These ridges 49 can disperse the coins that have been agitated by the projection 47.

[0052] Furthermore, the hopper disc 46 has a shaft mounting hole 50 that penetrates the hopper disc 46, located in the central part including the rotation center C1 (specifically, the central part of the projection 47). The shaft mounting hole 50 is located on the inclined surface 48 of the projection 47 when viewed from the Z direction. A breaking rod 51, which serves as the rotation axis of the hopper disc 46, is inserted into this shaft mounting hole 50, and the hopper disc 46 is fixed to the breaking rod 51.

[0053] The coin breaker rod 51 is mounted so that its axis coincides with the rotation center C1, and rotates due to the driving force of a motor (not shown). The rotation of the coin breaker rod 51 causes the hopper disc 46 to rotate. In other words, the coin breaker rod 51 is the rotation axis of the hopper disc 46. The upper end of the coin breaker rod 51 protrudes upward from the inclined surface 48 of the projection 47, and guides coins located near the center of the hopper disc 46 (i.e., on the projection 47) to the coin guide hole 52, which will be described later and is located outside the center (i.e., outside the projection 47). More details about the coin breaker rod 51 will be described later.

[0054] Furthermore, the hopper disc 46 is provided with a circular coin guide hole 52 that penetrates the hopper disc 46 on the outside of the projection 47. The coin guide hole 52 is a hole that guides coins stored in the hopper tank 40 to the bottom of the hopper disc 46, and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the coin. The edge of this coin guide hole 52 is also an inclined surface that widens from bottom to top. Multiple coin guide holes 52 (for example, 5) are provided on the hopper disc 46 at intervals in the circumferential direction (i.e., the direction of disc rotation). A dispensing mechanism (not shown) is also provided on the underside of the hopper disc 46, which dispenses coins one by one as they pass through the coin guide hole 52.

[0055] Furthermore, on the upper surface of the hopper disc 46, an inclined surface 53 is formed on one end of each coin guide hole 52 in the direction of disc rotation, which guides the coin into the coin guide hole 52. This inclined surface 53 has a flared shape that widens towards the coin guide hole 52 when viewed from the Z direction, and is an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the coin guide hole 52.

[0056] Furthermore, the denomination-specific dispensing hopper 18a has a breakup spring 54 that extends from above the hopper disc 46 toward the hopper disc 46. The breakup spring 54 is made of a thin wire-like metal, with one end that is fixed to the wall 43 of the hopper tank 40 being wound multiple times in a coil shape (see Figure 8(A) described later), and the other end that is a free end being curved (for example, wound once in a coil shape).

[0057] The break-down spring 54 has one end fixed to a spring mounting portion 55 provided on the upper part of the rear wall portion 43, and extends downward from the spring mounting portion 55 toward the hopper disc 46, with its free end positioned below the upper surface of the hopper disc 46 and in contact with the edge of the coin guide hole 52.

[0058] As the hopper disc 46 rotates, the free end of the breakup spring 54 catches on the edge of the coin guide hole 52, and as the hopper disc 46 continues to rotate, the spring bends in the direction of the disc's rotation. As the hopper disc 46 continues to rotate, the free end detaches from the edge of the coin guide hole 52 and returns to its original shape. At this time, the breakup spring 54 breaks apart and scatters the multiple coins that are lined up vertically on top of the coin guide hole 52. The configuration of the coin-dispensing hopper 18a by denomination is as described above.

[0059] Here, the aforementioned breaking rod 51 will be explained in more detail using Figures 4, 5, 6(A), (B), and 7. Figure 6(A) is a perspective view of the breaking rod 51, Figure 6(B) is a top view of the breaking rod 51, and Figure 7 is a side view of the peripheral part of the projection 47 seen from one end in the X direction. Note that in Figure 7, the ridge portion 49 provided on the projection 47 is omitted.

[0060] The collapsing rod 51 is a rod-shaped member overall, and has a shape in which a hemisphere of the same diameter as the cylinder is attached to the upper end of the cylinder, with a part of the hemisphere cut out.

[0061] Specifically, the upper end of the breaking rod 51 has a shape formed by cutting out a part of a hemisphere, creating a flat portion 51a perpendicular to the Z direction (the axial direction of the breaking rod 51), a spherical portion 51b that protrudes above the flat portion 51a, and a flat portion 51c that connects the flat portion 51a and the spherical portion 51b and is perpendicular to the radial direction of the breaking rod 51 (the radial direction of the cylindrical portion).

[0062] Furthermore, the collapsing rod 51 has a shape in which a portion of its outer surface 51e is cut out from below the upper end (the cylindrical portion) to the upper end (the portion where a part of the roughly hemisphere is cut out), forming a planar portion 51d that is perpendicular to the radial direction of the collapsing rod 51. As shown in Figures 6(A) and (B), this planar portion 51d is a surface perpendicular to the planar portions 51a and 51c, and as shown in Figure 6(B), when viewed from the Z direction, it is formed by cutting out one end of the planar portion 51a, the spherical portion 51b, and the planar portion 51c.

[0063] The flat portion 51d formed on the outer circumference of the breaking rod 51 is intended to contact the wall of the shaft mounting hole 50 when the breaking rod 51 is inserted into the shaft mounting hole 50, thereby fixing the hopper disc 46 to the breaking rod 51.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the breaking rod 51 is fixed to the hopper disk 46 with its flat portion 51d positioned on the top side of the inclined surface 48 of the projection 47, and at least a portion of each of the flat portion 51a, spherical portion 51b, and flat portion 51c protrudes upward from the inclined surface 48.

[0065] In other words, as shown in Figure 6(B), the breaking rod 51 is fixed to the hopper disk 46 with the boundary between the planar portion 51a and the spherical portion 51b (i.e., the planar portion 51c) oriented in line with the inclination direction of the inclined surface 48 (the Y direction in Figure 6(B)) when viewed from the Z direction.

[0066] Here, as shown in Figure 6(B), when viewed from the Z direction, the distance L1 from the top T1 of the spherical portion 51b through the rotation center C1 of the collapsing rod 51 to the outer circumference of the collapsing rod 51 is greater than the radius r1 of the collapsing rod 51.

[0067] In other words, when viewed from the Z direction, the top T1 of the spherical portion 51b is positioned at a location offset from the rotation center C1 of the collapsing rod 51 (i.e., the rotation center C1 of the hopper disk 46).

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6(A) and 7, let H1 be the distance from the flat portion 51a to the top T1 of the spherical portion 51b (i.e., the height of the flat portion 51c). Also, as shown in Figure 7, let Ha be the distance from the top of the cylindrical portion of the collapsing rod 51 to the flat portion 51a (i.e., the length obtained by subtracting H1 from the radius of the hemispherical portion). Furthermore, let Hb be the distance from the flat portion 51a to the corner where the spherical portion 51b, the flat portion 51c, and the flat portion 51d intersect.

[0069] In this case, distance H1 depends on distances Ha and Hb, and distances Ha and Hb are inversely proportional. If distance Ha is made too large, distance H1 becomes too short, and if distance Hb is made too large, distance H1 becomes too long. Therefore, by specifying distance H1 within the range where both distance Ha and distance Hb are greater than 0, distance H1 can be made the optimal distance.

[0070] Furthermore, the diameter of the breaking stick 51 (i.e., twice the radius r1, which is the diameter of the cylindrical part) is larger than the diameter of the hole in the perforated coins such as 5-yen and 50-yen coins stored in the storage space Sp. In addition, as shown in Figure 7, the length L2 of the breaking stick 51, which is the maximum length along the inclination direction of the inclination surface 48 at the part that protrudes from the inclined surface 48 of the projection 47, is larger than the diameter of the hole in the perforated coin. In this way, the breaking stick 51 prevents the perforated coins resting on the inclined surface 48 from being pushed up from below and sticking to the inclined surface 48. The structure of the breaking stick 51 is as described above.

[0071] [4. Dispensing operation of the hopper for each denomination of currency] Next, we will explain the dispensing operation of the coin dispensing hoppers 18a to 18f by denomination. Since the basic dispensing operation of coin dispensing hoppers 18a to 18f is the same, we will explain the dispensing operation of coin dispensing hoppers 18a here. Furthermore, we will explain the dispensing operation of coin dispensing hoppers 18a when dispensing perforated coins that are sandwiched between the break-up rod 51 and the break-up spring 54.

[0072] At the start of the dispensing operation, the coin dispenser 18a rotates the hopper disc 46. At this time, as described above, the break-up spring 54 bends in the direction of the disc's rotation, following the rotation of the hopper disc 46, as its free end catches on the edge of the coin guide hole 52. When the break-up spring 54 bends sufficiently and its free end disengages from the edge of the coin guide hole 52, it returns to its original shape.

[0073] At this time, depending on the coin storage situation in the hopper tank 40, the break-down spring 54 may bend toward the rotation center C1 of the hopper disc 46, and the free end of the break-down spring 54 may rest on the break-down rod 51. The coin-dispensing hopper 18a for each denomination at this time is shown in Figures 8(A), (B), and (C). Figure 8(A) is a cross-sectional view of the coin-dispensing hopper 18a for each denomination viewed from the rear, with the rear wall 43 cut out. Figure 8(B) is a cross-sectional view of the coin-dispensing hopper 18a for each denomination viewed from one end in the width direction, with the wall 43 on one end in the width direction cut out. Figure 8(C) is a top view of the coin-dispensing hopper 18a for each denomination viewed from above.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8(A), (B), and (C), a perforated coin Ci, such as a 5-yen coin or a 50-yen coin, may be pressed down from above by the free end of the crumpling spring 54 with the hole positioned on the crumpling rod 51. In this case, the perforated coin Ci is held by the crumpling rod 51 and the crumpling spring 54 with the top T1 of the spherical portion 51b of the crumpling rod 51 (i.e., the uppermost part of the crumpling rod 51, see Figure 6) inserted into the hole.

[0075] At this time, a force acts on the collapsing spring 54 in the direction from the collapsing rod 51 toward the back wall 43 (a force in the Y direction in Figures 8(B) and (C)) as it tries to return to its original shape.

[0076] Figures 9 to 11 show the behavior of the perforated coin Ci when the hopper disk 46 is rotated counterclockwise in the direction shown in Figure 8(C) in this state. Figures 9 to 11 correspond to Figure 8, with (A) being a cross-sectional view of the coin dispensing hopper 18a for each denomination viewed from the front, (B) being a cross-sectional view viewed from one end in the width direction, and (C) being a top view viewed from above.

[0077] As shown in Figures 8 to 11, when the top T1 (see Figure 6) of the spherical portion 51b of the crumpling rod 51 is inserted into the hole of the perforated coin Ci and pressed down from above by the free end of the crumpling spring 54, as the hopper disk 46 rotates, the perforated coin Ci rotates with the hopper disk 46 in a tilted state, from the top T1 of the spherical portion 51b toward the flat portion 51a, because the upper end of the crumpling rod 51 has both a flat portion 51a and a spherical portion 51b. Note that the arrow Ar1 shown in Figures 8 to 11 indicates the direction from the top T1 of the spherical portion 51b toward the flat portion 51a (i.e., the direction in which the perforated coin Ci tilts).

[0078] Furthermore, at this time, the perforated coin Ci rotates with the hopper disk 46 with the center of the hole offset from the rotation center C1 of the hopper disk 46, because the top T1 (see Figure 6) of the spherical portion 51b formed on the upper end of the breakage stick 51 is positioned offset from the rotation center C1 of the hopper disk 46.

[0079] Therefore, the perforated coin Ci rotates in an unstable, tilted position, and centrifugal force acts on it in the direction away from the center of rotation C1 (indicated by the thick arrow in the figure). In addition, it receives a force from the free end of the breakage spring 54 toward the inner wall 43. As a result, the perforated coin Ci, while rotating with the hopper disc 46, detaches from the breakage rod 51 and is guided to the coin guide hole 52. It then passes through the coin guide hole 52 and is dispensed by a dispensing mechanism (not shown). The dispensing operation of the coin-dispensing hopper 18a by denomination is as described above.

[0080] Figures 8 to 11 show the behavior of the perforated coin Ci when the hopper disk 46 is rotated in the positive direction, which is the direction of rotation when dispensing coins. However, even when rotated in the negative direction, which is the opposite direction to the positive direction, the perforated coin Ci will behave similarly because it rotates in an unstable, tilted position, and centrifugal force acts on it in the direction away from the center of rotation C1.

[0081] [5. Summary and Effects] As described above, in this embodiment, the coin processing device 10 is provided with a coin dispenser 18 that has the function of storing coins and dispensing coins by denomination. The coin dispenser 18 is provided with a hopper tank 40 that forms a storage space Sp for storing coins, a hopper disc 46 which is an example of a rotating disc that forms the bottom of the hopper tank 40 and has coin guide holes 52 that separate and guide the coins stored in the storage space Sp one by one, a breakage spring 54 which is an example of an arm provided on the hopper tank 40 that extends from above the hopper disc 46 toward the hopper disc 46 and whose free end is in contact with the edge of the coin guide hole 52 of the hopper disc 46, and a breakage rod 51 provided in the center of the hopper disc 46 that protrudes toward the storage space Sp.

[0082] Furthermore, the breaking rod 51 is a component that rotates together with the hopper disk 46, and its upper end is shaped by cutting out a part of a hemisphere to form a flat portion 51a perpendicular to the axial direction of the breaking rod 51 and a spherical portion 51b that protrudes above the flat portion 51a, and when viewed from the axial direction (Z direction) of the breaking rod 51, the top T1 of the spherical portion 51b is positioned offset from the rotation center C1 of the hopper disk 46.

[0083] In this way, when the top T1 of the spherical portion 51b of the crumpling rod 51 is inserted into the hole of the perforated coin Ci and pressed down from above by the free end of the crumpling spring 54, when the hopper disc 46 is rotated, the perforated coin Ci rotates with the center of the hole shifted from the top T1 of the spherical portion 51b toward the flat portion 51a, and the center of the hole shifts away from the rotation center C1 of the hopper disc 46. At this time, as the perforated coin Ci rotates in an unstable position, centrifugal force acts on it in the direction away from the rotation center C1 of the hopper disc 46, causing it to detach from the crumpling rod 51 and move toward the coin guide hole 52, where it passes through the coin guide hole 52 and is dispensed.

[0084] Thus, in this embodiment, even when a perforated coin Ci is held in place by the free end of a crumpling spring 54 pressing down from above with the top T1 of the spherical portion 51b of the crumpling rod 51 inserted into the hole of the perforated coin Ci, rotating the hopper disk 46 causes the perforated coin Ci to detach from the crumpling rod 51 and move to the coin guide hole 52, thus preventing coins from remaining in the hopper tank 40.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the coin processing device 10 simply has the upper end of the breaker rod 51, which is the rotating shaft of the hopper disk 46, shaped by cutting out a part of a hemisphere. This eliminates the need to provide a separate component to prevent perforated coins Ci from accumulating on the breaker rod 51. In addition, the breaker rod 51 can be reused as is in the denomination-specific dispensing hopper 18 for storing non-perforated coins such as 10 yen coins and 100 yen coins, thus preventing coins from remaining while keeping costs down.

[0086] [6. Other Embodiments] [6-1. Other Embodiments 1] In the embodiment described above, a flat portion 51d is provided on the outer circumferential surface 51e of the crumbling rod 51. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, if the crumbling rod 51 and the hopper disc 46 are fixed together with screws or the like, it is not necessary to provide a flat portion 51d on the outer circumferential surface 51e of the crumbling rod 51.

[0087] [6-2. Other Embodiments 2] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, a coin breaker spring 54 was used as an arm that extends from above the hopper disc 46 toward the hopper disc 46 and whose tip contacts the edge of the coin guide hole 52. However, the invention is not limited to this, and a different member may be used as the arm as long as it functions similarly to the coin breaker spring 54. For example, a coil spring or a rubber rod may be used as the arm.

[0088] [6-3. Other Embodiments 3] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a projection 47 is provided on the upper surface of the hopper disc 46, and the crumbling rod 51 protrudes upward from the projection 47. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the projection 47 may be removed from the upper surface of the hopper disc 46 to make the upper surface flat. In this case, the flat portion 51a and the spherical portion 51b of the crumbling rod 51 should protrude upward from the upper surface of the hopper disc 46. Moreover, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, the projection 47 may be removed from the upper surface of the hopper disc 46, and the upper surface may be made into an inclined surface that slopes downward from the rotation center C1 toward the outer circumference.

[0089] [6-4. Other Embodiments 4] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the crumbling rod 51 was formed by attaching a hemisphere of the same diameter as the cylinder to the upper end of the cylinder, with a portion of this hemisphere cut out. However, it is not limited to this, and the hemispherical portion may be a partial sphere, for example, equivalent to about one-third of a sphere. In other words, the crumbling rod 51 can be formed by attaching a roughly hemisphere to the upper end of a cylindrical shape, with a portion of this roughly hemisphere cut out.

[0090] [6-5. Other Embodiments 5] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the hopper disc 46 and the crumbling rod 51 are made as separate parts, and the hopper disc 46 is fixed to the crumbling rod 51. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the hopper disc 46 and the crumbling rod 51 may be integrally molded as a single part. Also, when the hopper disc 46 and the crumbling rod 51 are integrally molded in this way, the axis of the crumbling rod 51 may be offset from the rotation center C1 of the hopper disc 46.

[0091] [6-6. Other Embodiments 6] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the upper end of the collapsing rod 51 is provided with a flat portion 51a perpendicular to the axial direction of the collapsing rod 51 and a spherical portion 51b protruding above the flat portion 51a. However, the flat portion 51a does not necessarily have to be perpendicular to the axial direction of the collapsing rod 51; it is sufficient if it is substantially perpendicular. Also, for example, the flat portion 51a may be inclined along the inclined surface of the projection 47.

[0092] [6-7. Other Embodiments 7] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention was applied to a coin dispensing hopper 18 for different denominations. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various coin dispensing devices having the function of storing coins and the function of dispensing stored coins. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention was applied to a coin processing device 10 and a currency handling device 1 having the coin processing device 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various coin processing devices and currency handling devices having the function of storing coins and the function of dispensing stored coins.

[0093] [6-8. Other Embodiments 8] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and other embodiments. That is, the scope of application of the present invention extends to embodiments that arbitrarily combine some or all of the embodiments described above and other embodiments, as well as embodiments that extract some of them. [Industrial applicability]

[0094] This invention can be used, for example, in a coin handling device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1... Currency handling device, 2... Device housing, 9... Banknote processing device, 10... Coin processing device, 18a~18f... Denomination-specific dispensing hoppers, 40... Hopper tank, 41... Opening, 42... Floor section, 43... Wall section, 44... Hole, 45... Inclined surface, 46... Hopper disc, 47... Protrusion, 48... Inclined surface, 49... Ridge section, 50... Shaft mounting hole, 51... Breaking rod, 51a... Flat section, 51b... Spherical section, 51c... Flat section, 51d... Flat section, 51e... Outer surface, 52... Coin guide hole, 53... Inclined surface, 54... Breaking spring, 55... Spring mounting section, C1... Center of rotation, Ci... Perforated coin, Sp... Storage space, T1... Top.

Claims

1. A hopper tank that forms a storage space for storing coins, A rotating disc having coin guide holes that form the bottom of the hopper tank and separate and guide the coins stored in the hopper tank one by one, An arm is provided in the hopper tank, extending from above the rotating disk toward the rotating disk, with its tip in contact with the edge of the coin guide hole of the rotating disk, A breaking rod is provided in the center of the rotating disc and protrudes toward the storage space side. Equipped with, The aforementioned breaking stick is, This member rotates together with the aforementioned rotating disk, and its upper end has a shape in which a portion of a roughly hemisphere is cut out to form a flat portion and a spherical portion that protrudes above the flat portion. When viewed from the axial direction of the aforementioned breaking rod, the top of the spherical portion is positioned offset from the rotation center of the rotating disk. A coin processing device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned breaking rod is the axis of rotation of the rotating disk. The coin processing device according to feature 1.

3. The planar portion of the aforementioned collapsing rod is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the collapsing rod. The coin processing device according to feature 1.

4. The flat portion and the spherical portion of the breaking rod protrude from the rotating disk toward the storage space. A coin processing device according to any one of the features 1 to 3.

5. The diameter of the coin-breaking rod is larger than the diameter of the hole in the perforated coins stored in the hopper tank. The coin processing device according to feature 4.

6. The central part of the rotating disk is provided with a projection that protrudes toward the storage space, The upper part of the projection is provided with an inclined surface that slopes toward the outer circumference of the rotating disk, The aforementioned breaking stick is, Protruding from the inclined surface toward the storage space A coin processing device according to any one of the features 1 to 3.

7. The aforementioned breaking stick is, The boundary between the planar portion and the spherical portion is fixed to the rotating disk in a direction aligned with the inclination direction of the inclined surface. The coin processing device according to feature 6.

8. The aforementioned breaking stick is, At least a portion of the planar portion and at least a portion of the spherical portion protrude from the inclined surface toward the storage space. The coin processing device according to feature 7.

9. The coin processing device described in claim 1 and the banknote processing device for handling banknotes are provided together. A currency handling device characterized by the following features.

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