Coin handling device

Abstract

To provide a coin handling device that can more reliably discharge small foreign objects to the outside. [Solution] The coin handling device comprises an identification unit 6 having a storage unit 4 that accommodates a plurality of conveyed objects 10, a separation unit 5 that separates the conveyed objects 10 one by one and passes them to a subsequent stage, an identification sensor 64 that detects the characteristics of the conveyed objects 10, and a rotating body 62 that passes the conveyed objects 10 to a subsequent stage if the conveyed objects 10 are identified as genuine coins or first foreign objects different from genuine coins, and discharges the conveyed objects 10 without passing them to a subsequent stage if the conveyed objects 10 are identified as second foreign objects different from both genuine coins and first foreign objects, a sorting unit 7 that sorts the conveyed objects 10 by denomination if they are genuine coins, and a plurality of hoppers 8 that store the genuine coins by denomination. The outer diameter of the second foreign object is smaller than a predetermined threshold, and the threshold is a value smaller than the smallest outer diameter of the genuine coins that are expected to be stored in the hopper 8.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin handling device for handling coins.

Background Art

[0002] There is a coin handling device that stores coins inserted into an insertion slot in separate storage bins for each denomination. Patent Document 1 discloses a coin handling device including a vibrating unit that conveys coins inserted into the insertion slot toward separate storage bins for each denomination.

[0003] In a coin handling device, foreign objects different from coins may be accidentally inserted into the insertion slot. In the coin handling device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a reject passage is provided in the vibrating unit. The reject passage is a passage for discharging foreign objects that have been conveyed to the vibrating unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Foreign objects inserted into the insertion slot may include objects smaller than the coin with the smallest outer diameter among the coins assumed to be stored in the storage bin. Objects with a small outer diameter may exhibit unexpected behavior in the vibrating unit and may not be conveyed to the reject passage, but may be conveyed to the storage bin where coins are stored or may remain in the vibrating unit.

[0006] An object of the disclosed technology is to provide a coin handling device that can more reliably discharge an object smaller than the coin with the smallest outer diameter among the coins assumed to be stored in the storage bin.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the coin handling device disclosed in this application includes a storage unit for storing multiple items being transported, a separation unit for separating the multiple items stored in the storage unit into individual coins and passing them to a subsequent stage, an identification sensor provided downstream of the separation unit for detecting the characteristics of the items passed from the separation unit, and a rotatable device with a concave item receiving section formed on its outer circumference for receiving the items passed from the separation unit, transporting the items received in the item receiving section by rotation, and transporting the items based on the detection result of the identification sensor. The system includes an identification unit having a rotating body that, when identified as genuine currency or a first foreign object different from genuine currency, passes the conveyed object to a subsequent stage, and when identified as a second foreign object different from genuine currency and different from the first foreign object, discharges the conveyed object without passing it to a subsequent stage; a sorting unit provided downstream of the identification unit that sorts the conveyed object received from the identification unit by denomination if it is genuine currency, and discharges the conveyed object if it is the first foreign object; and a plurality of storage units that store the genuine currency sorted by the sorting unit by denomination. The outer diameter of the second foreign object is smaller than a predetermined threshold, and the threshold is a value smaller than the smallest outer diameter of the genuine currency that is expected to be stored in the storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the coin handling device disclosed in this application, objects smaller than the smallest outer diameter coin among the coins intended to be stored in the storage compartment can be discharged more reliably. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the coin handling device according to Example 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the coin handling device according to Example 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the input section. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the storage and separation sections. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the separation unit and the identification unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI shown in Figure 2, schematically illustrating the structure of one end of the first slider. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII shown in Figure 2, schematically illustrating the structure of one end of the second slider. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the control circuit and various drive circuits included in the coin handling device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the transport procedure for transported items in the coin handling device according to Example 1. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a schematic configuration of the internal structure of the coin handling device according to Example 2. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the separation unit and identification unit in Example 2. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the transport procedure for transported items in the coin handling device according to Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of the coin handling device disclosed in this application. However, the following embodiment does not limit the coin handling device disclosed in this application. [Examples]

[0011] <Outline configuration of a coin handling device> Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the coin handling device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the internal structure of the coin handling device according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, the coin handling device 1 comprises a housing 2. An input port 21 is formed on the top surface of the housing 2, and an output port 22 is formed on the front surface. The input port 21 is an opening into which coins can be inserted. The output port 22 is an opening from which coins and the like are discharged.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the coin handling device 1 includes an insertion unit 3, a storage unit 4, a separation unit 5, an identification unit 6, a distribution unit 7, a hopper 8, and a shutter device 9.

[0013] The coins inserted into the insertion slot 21 are conveyed in the order of the insertion unit 3, the storage unit 4, the separation unit 5, the identification unit 6, and the distribution unit 7, and are stored in the respective hoppers 8 different for each denomination. The hopper 8 has a function as a storage for coins. In the following description, the terms "front stage" and "rear stage" used mean "front stage" and "rear stage" in the flow in which coins are conveyed from the insertion unit 3 to the hopper 8. For example, the front stage of the storage unit 4 is the insertion unit 3, and the rear stage is the separation unit 5. Also, the front stage of the identification unit 6 is the separation unit 5, and the rear stage is the distribution unit 7.

[0014] In the coin handling device 1, the coins assumed to be stored in the hopper 8 are predetermined. The coins assumed to be stored in the hopper 8 are, for example, the coins issued by the country where the coin handling device 1 is used. For example, when the country where the coin handling device 1 is used is Japan, the coins assumed to be stored in the hopper 8 are 1 yen coin, 5 yen coin, 10 yen coin, 50 yen coin, 100 yen coin, and 500 yen coin. In the following description, the coins assumed to be stored in the hopper 8 by the coin handling device 1 are referred to as "genuine coins". There may be cases where foreign objects other than genuine coins are inserted into the insertion slot 21. For example, when a plurality of genuine coins are taken out from the pocket of a user using the coin handling device 1 and inserted into the insertion slot 21, foreign objects other than the genuine coins contained in the pocket may be accidentally inserted. In the following description, the genuine coins, foreign objects, etc. inserted into the insertion slot 21 are collectively referred to as "conveyed objects".

[0015] <Insertion Unit> Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the input section. The input section 3 includes a conveyor belt 31, a coin passage 32, an input port detection sensor 33, and alignment rollers 34. The conveyor belt 31, coin passage 32, input port detection sensor 33, and alignment rollers 34 included in the input section 3 are provided in a space formed inside the housing 2 and connected to the input port 21.

[0016] The conveyor belt 31 is provided at a position where the conveyed object 10 dropped into the input port 21 falls. The conveyed object 10 dropped into the input port 21 is placed in a disorderly state on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 31. The conveyor belt 31 is an endless belt. The conveyor belt 31 is driven so that its upper surface moves, thereby conveying the placed conveyed object 10 and dropping the conveyed object 10 from one end 31a side of the conveyor belt 31.

[0017] The coin passage 32 is provided below one end 31a of the conveyor belt 31. As shown in FIG. 2, the coin passage 32 is connected to the storage portion 4. The conveyed object 10 dropped from one end 31a of the conveyor belt 31 falls onto the coin passage 32 and is conveyed to the storage portion 4.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the alignment rollers 34 are provided above one end 31a of the conveyor belt 31. A gap for allowing the conveyed object 10 to pass is formed between the alignment rollers 34 and one end 31a of the conveyor belt 31. Among the conveyed objects 10 dropped into the input port 21, the conveyed objects 10 having a size that cannot pass through the gap between the alignment rollers 34 and the conveyor belt 31 remain on the conveyor belt 31 and are not conveyed to the storage portion 4. Further, the alignment rollers 34 are rotated in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the conveyor belt 31 by a motor (not shown), and the overlapping of the conveyed objects 10 on the conveyor belt 31 is eliminated. By eliminating the overlapping of the conveyed objects 10, it is possible to prevent a large amount of conveyed objects 10 from being conveyed to the storage portion 4 at once and causing problems such as jamming.

[0019] The input port detection sensor 33 detects the presence or absence of conveyed objects 10 on the conveyor belt 31. Multiple input port detection sensors 33 are provided, and sensors with different detection methods may be combined. The detection methods of the input port detection sensor 33 include magnetic and optical methods.

[0020] When the input port detection sensor 33 detects that the object to be transported 10 is placed on the conveyor belt 31, the conveyor belt 31 is driven and the object to be transported 10 on the conveyor belt 31 is transported.

[0021] <Storage section> Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the storage section and the separation section. The storage section 4 is a container that temporarily holds the transported material 10 that has been transported on the coin passage 32 shown in Figures 2 and 3. The storage section 4 has an opening / closing section 41 that is provided to be openable and closable. The opening / closing section 41 is connected to the rotating body 51 of the separation section 5, which will be described later, so as to be able to move toward and away from it at least at its lowest position. The transported material 10 is temporarily stored in the area surrounded by the rotating body 51 and the opening / closing section 41. The opening / closing section 41 is rotatable around the rotation axis 42 shown in Figure 4. By rotating, the opening / closing section 41 moves between a position in contact with the rotating body 51 and a position away from the rotating body 51. When the opening / closing section 41 is in contact with the rotating body 51, it is in the closed state, and when it is away from the rotating body 51, it is in the open state.

[0022] By moving the opening / closing section 41 to a position away from the rotating body 51, the opening / closing section 41 opens, creating a gap between the opening / closing section 41 and the rotating body 51, including at the lowest position. The conveyed material 10 that was stored in the storage section 4 falls out through this gap. The conveyed material 10 that has fallen from the storage section 4 passes through the second reject passage 102b shown in Figure 2. The second reject passage 102b will be described later.

[0023] <Separation part> As shown in Figure 4, the separation unit 5 is exposed to the space in the storage unit 4 where the transported material 10 is stored. The separation unit 5 separates the multiple transported materials 10 stored in the storage unit 4 into individual pieces and hands them over to the identification unit 6 located downstream.

[0024] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the separation unit and the identification unit. The separation unit 5 comprises a rotating body 51, a lever 52, a frame 53, a separation unit detection sensor 54, and a pressing unit 55 (see Figure 4). The rotating body 51 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the conveyed material 10 contained in the storage unit 4 leans against the rotating body 51. The upper surface of the opening / closing part 41 of the storage unit 4, which faces the rotating body 51, is inclined toward the rotating body 51, making it easier for the conveyed material 10 contained in the storage unit 4 to move toward the separation unit 5 and come into contact with the rotating body 51. The rotating body 51 is formed in the shape of a disc and rotates at a predetermined speed around a rotation axis 51a. The rotation axis 51a is an axis that passes through the center of the disc-shaped rotating body 51 and extends in the depth direction of the paper in Figure 5.

[0025] On the rotating body 51, a protrusion 51e is formed on the surface facing the viewer in Figure 5. The protrusion 51e has an open outer circumference and multiple portions are provided that surround the surface of the rotating body 51 facing the viewer in Figure 5 in a roughly U-shape. The portion of the rotating body 51 facing the viewer in Figure 5 that is surrounded by the protrusion 51e is called the holding surface 51d. The holding surface 51d has an elongated hole 51c that penetrates the rotating body 51 along the depth direction of the viewer in Figure 5.

[0026] The lever 52 is located in the region surrounded by the protrusion 51e. The lever 52 is rotatably mounted around a rotation axis 52a that extends along the depth direction of the plane of the paper in Figure 5. The lever 52 has a shaft 52b that passes through the elongated hole 51c. The rotating body 51 and the lever 52 rotate synchronously around the rotation axis 51a. A cam (not shown) is provided separately on the back side of the rotating body 51, which contacts the shaft 52b formed on the lever 52. The cam itself does not rotate, but restricts the rotational position of the lever 52 around the rotation axis 52a.

[0027] As described above, the transported object 10 contained in the storage section 4 leans against the rotating body 51 and enters the area surrounded by the protrusions 51e. If the transported object 10 that enters the area surrounded by the protrusions 51e is a coin, the front or back surface of the coin contacts the holding surface 51d, and the circumferential surface of the held coin contacts the edge portion of the protrusions 51e and the lever 52. In this way, the rotating body 51 holds the transported object 10 with respect to the protrusions 51e, the holding surface 51d, and the lever 52. The transported object 10 that enters the area surrounded by the protrusions 51e is transported toward the identification section 6 by being pushed by the edge of the protrusions 51e of the rotating body 51. The height of the edge of the protrusions 51e is formed to be thinner than the thickness of the thinnest single coin. Furthermore, the area surrounded by the protrusions 51e when the lever 52 is in place is sized so that two coins with the smallest outer diameter cannot fit side by side.

[0028] During the process of transporting the conveyed object 10, the lever 52 rotates toward the outer edge of the rotating body 51 around the rotation axis 52a, and the conveyed object 10 that enters the area surrounded by the protrusion 51e is pushed toward the outer edge of the rotating body 51 and handed over to the identification unit 6 located further down the line. In other words, the rotation of the rotating body 51 around the rotation axis 51a and the rotation of the lever 52 around the rotation axis 52a are linked, so that the multiple conveyed objects 10 stored in the storage unit 4 are handed over one by one to the identification unit 6. In Figures 2 and 5, the part where the conveyed objects 10 are handed over from the separation unit 5 to the identification unit 6 is shown as the handover unit 13 and is enclosed by a dashed line.

[0029] Here, any transported object 10 that is too large or has a shape that prevents it from entering the area surrounded by the protrusions 51e will remain in the storage section 4 without being passed to the identification section 6. The transported object 10 remaining in the storage section 4 can be dropped into the second reject passage 102b by opening the opening / closing section 41, and discharged from the storage section 4.

[0030] The frame 53 surrounds the outer circumference of the rotating body 51, except for the transfer section 13 where the conveyed object 10 is handed over to the next stage. The frame 53 restricts the conveyed object 10, which enters the area surrounded by the protrusions 51e, from moving outside the outer edge of the rotating body 51.

[0031] The separation unit detection sensor 54 is located at the lower end of the separation unit 5 and detects the presence or absence of the conveyed material 10 in the storage unit 4. When the separation unit detection sensor 54 detects that the conveyed material 10 is contained in the storage unit 4, the rotating body 51 is rotated and the conveyed material 10 contained in the storage unit 4 is conveyed.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the pressing portion 55 is provided in a position opposite the rotating body 51. The pressing portion 55 is provided in the vicinity of the transfer portion 13 where the conveyed objects 10 are handed over to the identification portion 6. The pressing portion 55 contacts and drops the conveyed objects 10 that have entered the area surrounded by the convex portions 51e, thereby preventing multiple conveyed objects 10 from being handed over to the identification portion 6 all at once. In addition, the pressing portion 55 stabilizes the behavior of the conveyed objects 10 when they are handed over to the identification portion 6.

[0033] <Identification section> The identification unit 6 is located above the separation unit 5. The identification unit 6 is provided to identify the denomination of the conveyed object 10 that has been handed over from the separation unit 5. As shown in Figure 5, the identification unit 6 comprises a base 61, a rotating body 62, an identification unit detection sensor 63, an identification sensor 64, a wiper position sensor 65, an identification unit rail 66, and a frame 67.

[0034] The base 61 has a fixed surface 61a that is in the same plane as the holding surface 51d of the rotating body 51. The fixed surface 61a has a circular shape. The conveyed object 10 can slide back and forth between the separation section 5 and the identification section 6. Because there is no step, the conveyed object 10 can easily move back and forth between the separation section 5 and the identification section 6 by being pushed.

[0035] A rotating body 62 is provided on the fixed surface 61a so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis 62a that extends in the depth direction of the paper in Figure 5. The rotation axis 62a passes through the center of the circularly shaped fixed surface 61a and is perpendicular to the fixed surface 61a. The rotating body 62 has a plurality of wipers 62b that extend radially outward from the rotation axis 62a portion. A plurality of conveyed material receiving portions 62c are formed on the rotating body 62. The spaces between the wipers 62b form concave conveyed material receiving portions 62c formed on the outer circumference of the rotating body 62. The rotating body 62 is positioned with a gap between it and the fixed surface 61a of the base 61 so that its rotation is not hindered by friction with the fixed surface 61a of the base 61. The gap formed between the rotating body 62 and the base 61 is formed at an interval that prevents the conveyed material 10 from entering. The base 61 covers the movement path of the conveyed material receiving portions 62c from one side along the rotation axis 62a.

[0036] The conveyed object 10, received from the separation unit 5, enters and is held in the conveyed object receiving unit 62c. The conveyed object 10, having entered the conveyed object receiving unit 62c, is pushed and conveyed by a wiper 62b that moves in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating body 62. The conveyed object 10, pushed and conveyed by the wiper 62b, is then handed over to the distribution unit 7 located downstream of the identification unit 6. The wiper 62b that pushes the conveyed object 10 is the wiper 62b located behind the conveyed object 10 in the direction of rotation of the rotating body 62, out of the two wipers 62b that form the conveyed object receiving unit 62c into which the conveyed object 10 has entered. In Figures 2 and 5, the part where the conveyed object 10 is handed over from the identification unit 6 to the distribution unit 7 is shown as the handover unit 14, enclosed by a dashed line.

[0037] The identification unit detection sensor 63 is installed on the movement path of the transported object 10 being transported from the transfer unit 13 to the transfer unit 14. The identification unit detection sensor 63 detects whether or not the transported object 10 has passed through the identification unit 6. The identification unit detection sensor 63 only needs to be able to detect the transported object 10 being transported from the transfer unit 13 to the transfer unit 14, so it may be installed near the movement path of the transported object 10.

[0038] The identification sensor 64 is installed on the movement path of the transported object 10 as it is transported from the transfer unit 13 to the transfer unit 14. The identification sensor 64 detects information that indicates the characteristics of the transported object 10. Examples of information that indicates the characteristics of the transported object 10 detected by the identification sensor 64 include the size and material of the transported object 10. The identification sensor 64 only needs to be able to detect information that indicates the characteristics of the transported object 10 as it is transported from the transfer unit 13 to the transfer unit 14, so it may be installed near the movement path of the transported object 10.

[0039] The wiper position sensor 65 is located near the movement path of the wiper 62b, which moves due to the rotation of the rotating body 62. The wiper position sensor 65 detects the passage of the wiper 62b at the location where the wiper position sensor 65 is installed.

[0040] The identification rail 66 is provided in the transport path of the transported object 10 being transported from the transfer section 13 to the transfer section 14. The identification rail 66 is provided diagonally below the rotating body 62. The identification rail 66 has a passing surface 66a facing the rotation axis 62a side. The transported object 10 moves on the passing surface 66a of the identification rail 66. The passing surface 66a is formed as a flat surface, and the trajectory of the transported object 10 being transported on the identification rail 66 is kept constant as a straight trajectory.

[0041] The frame 67 surrounds the outer periphery of the base 61, excluding the transfer section 13, the transfer section 14, and the area where the identification rail 66 is provided. The frame 67 restricts the transported object 10 held in the transported object receiving section 62c from moving outward from the outer edge of the base 61.

[0042] <Distribution section> Returning to Figure 2, the sorting unit 7 comprises a sorting unit rail 71, a conveyor belt 72, a pin 73, a first slider 74, a second slider 75, and a sorting unit detection sensor 77. One end 71a of the sorting unit rail 71 is positioned near the identification unit 6, and the other end 71b is positioned away from the identification unit 6. The conveyed object 10, which has been transferred from the identification unit 6 to the sorting unit 7, is placed on the upper surface of the sorting unit rail 71.

[0043] The conveyor belt 72 is an endless belt. Pins 73 are arranged at equal intervals along the conveyor belt 72. The conveyor belt 72 is positioned along the distribution rail 71. When the conveyor belt 72 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow A4, the pins 73 also move in the direction indicated by arrow A4. The conveyed object 10, which has been handed over to the distribution unit 7, is pushed at its rear end by the pins 73 and conveyed along the distribution rail 71. The wall surface 76 provided along the path through which the conveyed object 10 is transported is inclined. The conveyed object 10 is transported along the distribution rail 71 while leaning against the wall surface 76.

[0044] The distribution section 7 is provided with a plurality of first sliders 74. The first sliders 74 are passages through which the conveyed objects 10 can pass. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI shown in Figure 2, schematically showing the structure of one end of the first slider. As shown in Figure 6, one end of the first slider 74 is connected to an opening 71d formed in the distribution section rail 71. The opening 71d is also provided with a lid 71c that can be opened and closed. In Figure 6, the closed lid 71c is shown with a solid line, and the open lid 71c is shown with a dashed line.

[0045] When the lid 71c is closed, it blocks the opening 71d and forms part of the distribution rail 71. When the lid 71c is closed, the transported object 10 is transported on the distribution rail 71 without falling into the opening 71d.

[0046] When the lid 71c is in the open position, it moves to a position that does not block the opening 71d. When the lid 71c is in the open position, the transported object 10 being transported on the distribution rail 71 passes through the opening 71d and falls onto the first slider 74.

[0047] Returning to Figure 2, the other end of the first slider 74 is connected to the hopper 8. The conveyed material 10 that falls onto the first slider 74 passes through the first slider 74 and is collected in the hopper 8.

[0048] The distribution section 7 is provided with a plurality of second sliders 75. The second sliders 75 are passages through which the conveyed object 10 can pass. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII shown in Figure 2, schematically showing the structure of one end of the second slider. As described above, the conveyed object 10 is transported on the distribution section rail 71 while leaning against the wall surface 76.

[0049] An opening 76b is formed in the wall surface 76. One end of the second slider 75 is connected to the opening 76b. A closing member 76a is provided that closes a portion of the opening 76b, and when the closing member 76a is in the closed state, the closing member 76a constitutes a part of the wall surface 76. The gap between the closing member 76a and the edge of the opening 76b when it is in the closed state is smaller than the outer diameter of the conveyed object 10 that is passed to the distribution unit 7. Therefore, the conveyed object 10, which is being conveyed while leaning against the wall surface 76, comes into contact with the closing member 76a and is unable to pass through the opening 76b.

[0050] The closed closure member 76a opens when it moves upward. In Figure 7, the open closure member 76a is shown by a dashed line. When the closure member 76a opens, the gap between the lower edge of the opening 76b and the closure member 76a becomes larger than the outer diameter of the conveyed object 10 that is handed over to the distribution unit 7. Therefore, by moving the closure member 76a upward, the conveyed object 10, which is being conveyed on the upper surface of the distribution unit rail 71 while leaning against the wall surface 76, falls onto the second slider 75 as it passes the front of the opening 76b.

[0051] Returning to Figure 2, the other end of the second slider 75 is connected to the hopper 8. The conveyed material 10 that falls onto the second slider 75 passes through the second slider 75 and is collected in the hopper 8.

[0052] In the coin handling device 1, when the conveyed object 10 is transported along the sorting rail 71, the conveyed object 10 can be stored in the desired hopper 8 by opening the lid 71c that closes the opening 71d connected to the first slider 74 into which the conveyed object 10 is to be dropped, or by moving the closing member 76a that closes the opening 76b connected to the second slider 75 into which the conveyed object 10 is to be dropped. Which hopper 8 the conveyed object 10 is to be stored in is determined based on the detection result of the identification sensor 64 in the identification unit 6.

[0053] The sorting unit detection sensor 77 detects the passage of the transported object 10 as it is being transported on the sorting unit rail 71.

[0054] <Hopper> The hopper 8 shown in Figure 2 stores the conveyed goods 10 sorted by the sorting unit 7. The coin handling device 1 is equipped with multiple hoppers 8. Each of the multiple hoppers 8 is connected to the other end of the first slider 74 or the other end of the second slider 75. Each of the multiple hoppers 8 is designated for the type of currency of conveyed goods 10 that it will store. The hoppers 8 can also discharge the stored conveyed goods 10 onto the discharge belt 101, which will be described later.

[0055] <Emission belt> The discharge belt 101 shown in Figure 2 transports the conveyed material 10 to the discharge port 22 for discharge. The discharge belt 101 is an endless belt and transports the conveyed material 10 placed on the discharge belt 101 toward the discharge port 22. For example, conveyed material 10 moved onto the discharge belt 101 by the hopper 8 is discharged from the discharge port 22 by the discharge belt 101. In addition, conveyed material 10 that has been moved through the reject passage 102, which will be described later, is placed on the discharge belt 101.

[0056] <Rejection Passage> The coin handling device 1 is provided with multiple reject passages 102. The reject passages 102 include a first reject passage 102a and a second reject passage 102b.

[0057] The first reject passage 102a has one end connected to an opening formed in the sorting rail 71. Therefore, the first reject passage 102a can be said to be a component of the sorting section 7, similar to the first slider 74 and the second slider 75. The other end of the first reject passage 102a is positioned above the discharge belt 101. Similar to the first slider 74 shown in Figure 6, the opening to which one end of the first reject passage 102a is connected is closed with an openable and closable lid. By opening this lid, the conveyed objects 10 being transported on the sorting rail 71 fall into the first reject passage 102a. The conveyed objects 10 that fall into the first reject passage 102a pass through the first reject passage 102a and move onto the discharge belt 101. Therefore, the conveyed material 10 that falls into the first reject passage 102a is transported by the discharge belt 101 and discharged to the discharge port 22.

[0058] The second reject passage 102b is connected at one end to the storage section 4. The other end of the second reject passage 102b is positioned above the discharge belt 101. When the opening / closing section 41 of the storage section 4 shown in Figure 4 is opened, the conveyed material 10 that falls from the storage section 4 is received by the second reject passage 102b and moved onto the discharge belt 101. Therefore, the conveyed material 10 that falls from the storage section 4 is moved onto the discharge belt 101 through the second reject passage 102b, and is conveyed by the discharge belt 101 and discharged to the discharge port 22.

[0059] <Shutter device> The shutter device 9 shown in Figures 2 and 5 comprises a shutter 91 and a shutter drive unit 92. The shutter 91 is provided to move between an entry position, which is the position where it enters the transfer section 14 where the conveyed object 10 is transferred from the identification section 6 to the distribution section 7, and a retracted position, which is the position where it has moved away from the transfer section 14. In Figures 2 and 5, the shutter 91 in the entry position is shown by a dashed line, and the shutter 91 in the retracted position is shown by a solid line.

[0060] When the shutter 91 is in the entry position, the transported object 10 will come into contact with the shutter 91 and cannot pass through the transfer section 14, preventing the transported object 10 from being transferred from the identification section 6 to the sorting section 7. When the shutter 91 is in the retracted position, the transported object 10 is allowed to pass through the transfer section 14 and be transferred from the identification section 6 to the sorting section 7.

[0061] The shutter drive unit 92 moves the shutter 91 between a position where it has entered the transfer unit 14 and a position where it has retracted from the transfer unit 14.

[0062] <Regarding the transfer of transported items from the separation unit to the identification unit> The transfer of the conveyed object 10 from the separation unit 5 to the identification unit 6 will be explained using Figure 5. When the conveyed object 10 is transferred from the separation unit 5 to the identification unit 6, the rotating body 51 of the separation unit 5 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A1. Also, the rotating body 62 of the identification unit 6 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A3.

[0063] A single conveyed object 10 enters the area surrounded by the protrusion 51e of the rotating body 51 of the separation unit 5, and is conveyed upward by the rotation of the rotating body 51. As the conveyed object 10 approaches the transfer unit 13, the lever 52 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A2.

[0064] The conveyed object 10, pushed out from the area surrounded by the protrusions 51e by the rotating lever 52, is held in the conveyed object receiving section 62c formed on the rotating body 62 of the identification section 6 at the transfer section 13, thereby completing the transfer of the conveyed object 10 to the identification section 6.

[0065] <Regarding the transfer of transported items from the identification unit to the sorting unit> The transfer of the conveyed object 10 from the identification unit 6 to the sorting unit 7 will be explained using Figure 5. When the conveyed object 10 is transferred from the identification unit 6 to the sorting unit 7, the rotating body 62 of the identification unit 6 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A3. Also, the pin 73 of the sorting unit 7 moves in the direction indicated by arrow A4.

[0066] The transported object 10, held in the transported object receiving section 62c, is transported toward the transfer section 14 by the rotation of the rotating body 62. During the process of transport toward the transfer section 14, the transported object 10 is transported on the passage surface 66a of the identification section rail 66. The passage surface 66a is formed as a flat surface, and as described above, the trajectory of the transported object 10 transported on it is kept constant as a straight trajectory. With the trajectory kept constant as a straight trajectory, the identification sensor 64 detects information indicating the characteristics of the transported object 10, thereby improving the accuracy of characteristic detection.

[0067] Subsequently, the transported object 10 that reaches the transfer section 14 moves to the outside of the transported object receiving section 62c and is pushed by the pin 73, which moves in the direction indicated by arrow A4, to the distribution section 7. The transported object 10, pushed by the pin 73, is transported along the distribution section rail 71 (see also Figure 2) while being pushed by the pin 73.

[0068] <Regarding the type of transported goods and their destination> The "conveyed items" include, in addition to the "standard currency" mentioned above, "first foreign matter," "second foreign matter," and "third foreign matter." The "standard currency" is conveyed to and stored in each of the hoppers 8 according to its denomination.

[0069] The "first foreign object" and the "second foreign object" are foreign objects that have a shape that allows them to enter and be transported in the area surrounded by the protrusions 51e of the rotating body 51. The "first foreign object" is transported to the discharge port 22 through the first reject passage 102a and discharged.

[0070] The "second foreign object" has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the smallest "positive coin" and smaller than a preset threshold. An example of the "second foreign object" is a washer having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the smallest "positive coin". The "second foreign object" enters and is transported in the area surrounded by the protrusions 51e of the rotating body 51, but is not passed on to the sorting unit 7 located downstream of the identification unit 6. Instead, it is returned to the storage unit 4 and transported through the second reject passage 102b to the discharge port 22 for discharge. The procedure for returning the "second foreign object" to the storage unit 4 will be described in detail later.

[0071] "First foreign object" and "second foreign object" also include "foreign coins." "Foreign coins" are coins that, although they are coins, are not coins that are intended to be stored in hopper 8, that is, coins that are not "legal currency." For example, if coin handling device 1 considers coins issued in Japan as "legal currency," then "foreign coins" would include 25-cent coins issued in the United States, etc. "Foreign coins" are distinguished into "first foreign object" and "second foreign object" according to their outer diameter. "Foreign coins" with an outer diameter smaller than the threshold mentioned above become "second foreign objects," and all other "foreign coins" become "first foreign objects."

[0072] The "third type of foreign object" is a foreign object that fails to pass between the conveyor belt 31 and the alignment roller 34 in the input section 3, or fails to enter the area surrounded by the protrusion 51e of the rotating body 51 in the separation section 5, and remains in the storage section 4. Examples of the "third type of foreign object" that remains in the storage section 4 include paper clips. The "third type of foreign object" that fails to pass between the conveyor belt 31 and the alignment roller 34 is removed by the user of the coin handling device 1 through the input opening 21. The "third type of foreign object" that remains in the storage section 4 is discharged to the outlet 22 through the second reject passage 102b.

[0073] <Control circuits and various drive circuits> Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the control circuit and various drive circuits of the coin handling device according to Embodiment 1. The coin handling device 1 includes a control circuit 200, a memory 201, an identification unit detection sensor 63, an identification sensor 64, an external interface 202, a hopper drive circuit 203, a lid / closing member drive circuit 204, a discharge belt drive circuit 205, an input port detection sensor 33, a conveyor belt drive circuit 206, a separation unit detection sensor 54, an opening / closing unit drive circuit 207, a transport unit drive circuit 208, a shutter drive circuit 209, and a sorting unit detection sensor 77.

[0074] The control circuit 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and is a control means that performs various controls on the entire coin handling device 1 according to the program, default values, control parameters, etc., stored in the memory 201. Details of the control by the control circuit 200 will be explained using a flowchart after the explanation of the various drive circuits, etc.

[0075] Memory 201 is a storage device that stores programs and other data. Memory 201 stores characteristic information for identifying the type and denomination of the transported object 10. This characteristic information includes information indicating the size and material of the transported object 10. The characteristic information also includes information indicating thresholds for identifying a first foreign object and a second foreign object. The programs and characteristic information stored in memory 201 are read by the control circuit 200. The control circuit 200 can identify the type of transported object 10 by comparing the information indicating the characteristics of the transported object 10 detected by the identification sensor 64 with the characteristic information stored in memory 201.

[0076] The identification unit detection sensor 63 (see also Figures 2 and 5) operates under the control of the control circuit 200. The identification unit detection sensor 63 detects whether or not the transported object 10 has passed through the identification unit 6. The detection result from the identification unit detection sensor 63 is sent to the control circuit 200.

[0077] The identification sensor 64 (see also Figures 2 and 5) is operated under the control of the control circuit 200. The identification sensor 64 detects the characteristics of the transported object 10 in the identification unit 6. The detection result from the identification sensor 64 is sent to the control circuit 200.

[0078] The external interface 202 is an interface that connects to a higher-level device. The higher-level device sends and receives data with the coin handling device 1 via the external interface 202. When the coin handling device 1 is used as an automatic change dispenser, a device that calculates the denominations and number of coins to be dispensed from the discharge port 22 is exemplified as the higher-level device. The higher-level device calculates the denominations and number of coins to be paid as change from the change amount and outputs the calculation result to the coin handling device 1. The coin handling device 1 acquires the calculated denominations and number of coins. The control circuit 200 controls the hopper drive circuit 203, which will be described later, and dispenses the acquired number of coins from the hopper 8 corresponding to the acquired denominations.

[0079] The hopper drive circuit 203 operates under the control of the control circuit 200. The hopper drive circuit 203 drives the hopper 8, causing the coins stored in the hopper 8 to be discharged onto the discharge belt 101 in the denominations and quantities instructed by the control circuit 200.

[0080] The lid / closure member drive circuit 204 operates under the control of the control circuit 200. The lid / closure member drive circuit 204 controls the opening and closing of the lid 71c and the movement of the closure member 76a. The lid / closure member drive circuit 204 also controls the opening and closing of the lid provided at one end of the opening of the first reject passage 102a.

[0081] The discharge belt drive circuit 205 operates under the control of the control circuit 200. The discharge belt drive circuit 205 rotates the discharge belt 101, thereby transporting the conveyed object 10 placed on the discharge belt 101 and discharging it to the discharge port 22.

[0082] The input port detection sensor 33 (see also Figures 2 and 3) detects the presence or absence of conveyed objects 10 on the conveyor belt 31 provided in the input section 3. The detection result from the input port detection sensor 33 is sent to the control circuit 200.

[0083] The conveyor belt drive circuit 206 operates under the control of the control circuit 200. When the control circuit 200 receives a detection result indicating that there is an object 10 on the conveyor belt 31, it controls the conveyor belt drive circuit 206 to rotate the conveyor belt 31. As the conveyor belt 31 is driven, the object 10 placed on the conveyor belt 31 is transported to the storage unit 4.

[0084] The separation unit detection sensor 54 (see also Figures 2 and 5) detects the presence or absence of the conveyed material 10 in the storage unit 4. The detection result from the separation unit detection sensor 54 is sent to the control circuit 200.

[0085] The opening / closing drive circuit 207 operates under the control of the control circuit 200. The opening / closing drive circuit 207 opens and closes the opening / closing section 41 of the storage section 4.

[0086] The transport unit drive circuit 208 operates under the control of the control circuit 200. The transport unit drive circuit 208 drives the transport unit, which includes at least the rotating body 51 of the separation unit 5, the rotating body 62 of the identification unit 6, and the transport belt 72 of the distribution unit 7. The rotating body 51, the rotating body 62, and the transport belt 72 are driven in conjunction. For example, the driving force generated by a single drive source such as a motor may be transmitted to the rotating body 51, the rotating body 62, and the transport belt 72 via gears or the like so that they are driven in conjunction. Alternatively, drive sources may be provided to drive each of the rotating body 51, the rotating body 62, and the transport belt 72, and these drive sources may be driven separately so that the rotating body 51, the rotating body 62, and the transport belt 72 are driven in conjunction.

[0087] The shutter drive circuit 209 operates under the control of the control circuit 200. The shutter drive circuit 209 controls the shutter drive unit 92 of the shutter device 9 to selectively move the shutter 91 between the entry position and the retracted position.

[0088] The sorting unit detection sensor 77 (see also Figure 2) detects the passage of the transported object 10 as it is being transported on the sorting unit rail 71. The detection result from the sorting unit detection sensor 77 is sent to the control circuit 200.

[0089] <Regarding the handling procedure for transported items> Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the transport procedure for the transported items in the coin handling device according to Embodiment 1. The entire coin handling device 1 is controlled by the control circuit 200 during the process of transporting the transported items 10.

[0090] First, the control circuit 200 determines whether there is a transported object 10 in the storage unit 4 based on the detection result of the separation unit detection sensor 54 (step S1). If it is determined in step S1 that there is no transported object 10 in the storage unit 4 (step S1, No), the process does not proceed to the next step and step S1 is repeated. If it is determined in step S1 that there is a transported object 10 in the storage unit 4 (step S1, Yes), the transport unit is driven by the control circuit 200 (step S2). This starts the rotation of the rotating body 51 of the separation unit 5, the rotation of the rotating body 62 of the identification unit 6, and the rotational drive of the transport belt 72, i.e., the movement of the pin 73. Also, the transported object 10 in the storage unit 4 is transferred to the identification unit 6 by the rotation of the rotating bodies 51 and 62.

[0091] Next, based on the detection result of the identification unit detection sensor 63, the control circuit 200 determines whether the transported object 10 has passed through the location where the identification unit detection sensor 63 is installed (step S3). If it is determined in step S3 that the transported object 10 has not passed through (step S3, No), the process does not proceed to the next step and step S3 is repeated. If it is determined in step S3 that the transported object 10 has passed through (step S3, Yes), the control circuit 200 determines, based on the detection result of the identification sensor 64, whether the transported object 10 is a genuine item or not (step S4), and whether the transported object 10 is a second foreign object or not (step S5).

[0092] Identifying whether the transported object 10 is genuine currency is performed by comparing the characteristic information of genuine currency stored in memory 201 with the characteristic information of the transported object 10 detected by the identification sensor 64. Identifying whether the transported object 10 is a second foreign object is performed by comparing a threshold value stored in memory 201 with the outer diameter of the transported object 10 detected by the identification sensor 64. Specifically, if the outer diameter of the transported object 10 is smaller than the threshold value, it is determined to be a second foreign object.

[0093] Next, if the conveyed item 10 is identified as genuine currency (step S6, Yes), the control circuit 200 identifies the denomination of the genuine currency, and the lid 71c is opened or the closing member 76a is moved at one end of the first slider 74 or second slider 75 connected to the hopper 8 corresponding to the denomination (step S7). As a result, the genuine currency inserted into the input port 21 is stored in the hopper 8 corresponding to the denomination.

[0094] If, in step S4, the conveyed object 10 is identified as not being a valid item (step S6, No), and in step S5, the conveyed object 10 is identified as not being a second foreign object (step S8, No), the cover of the sorting rail 71 is opened at one end of the first reject passage 102a (step S9). As a result, the first foreign object, which is neither a valid item nor a second foreign object, is discharged onto the discharge belt 101 through the first reject passage 102a. The discharge belt 101 is also driven, causing the first foreign object to be discharged to the discharge port 22.

[0095] After step S7 or step S9, if the wiper position sensor 65 detects that the wiper 62b has passed a predetermined position (the position where the wiper position sensor 65 is provided) (step S10, Yes), if the distribution unit detection sensor 77 of the distribution unit 7 detects that the conveyed object 10 has passed (step S11, Yes), and if the separation unit detection sensor 54 detects that there is no conveyed object 10 in the storage unit 4 (step S12, No), the drive of the conveying unit is stopped by the control circuit 200 (step S13).

[0096] If the passage of the wiper 62b is not detected in step S10 (step S10, No), the process does not proceed to the next step and step S10 is repeated.

[0097] Furthermore, if the passage of the conveyed object 10 is not detected by the sorting unit detection sensor 77 in step S11 (step S11, No), an error notification is issued (step S14) and the process proceeds to step S13. At the time of step S11, the passage of the conveyed object 10 is detected by the separation unit 5, and subsequently, the wiper 62b passes through a predetermined position, so the conveyed object 10 is at the stage where it is being handed over to the sorting unit 7. Despite the conveyed object 10 being at the stage where it is being handed over to the sorting unit 7, the passage of the conveyed object 10 is not detected by the sorting unit detection sensor 77, so an error notification is issued, assuming that an error has occurred, such as the conveyed object 10 not being handed over.

[0098] Furthermore, if it is detected in step S12 that there is a transported object 10 in the storage unit 4 (step S12, Yes), the process returns to step S3 and the transport of the transported object 10 in the storage unit 4 continues.

[0099] Returning to step S8, if the conveyed object 10 is identified as a second foreign object (step S8, Yes), the rotating body 62 of the identification unit 6 is reversed by the control circuit 200 (step S15). Reverse rotation of the rotating body 62 means rotating the rotating body 62 in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by arrow A3 in Figures 2 and 5. By reversing the rotation of the rotating body 62, the second foreign object is returned to the storage unit 4. Since the rotation of the rotating body 62 of the identification unit 6 and the rotation of the rotating body 51 of the separation unit 5 are linked, the rotating body 51 of the separation unit 5 also rotates in the reverse direction. Therefore, the second foreign object is, for example, handed over to the separation unit 5 and returned to the storage unit 4. Alternatively, it falls from the identification unit 6 to the storage unit 4 without being handed over to the separation unit 5.

[0100] Next, the opening / closing section 41 of the storage section 4 is opened by the control circuit 200 (step S16). As a result, the second foreign matter returned to the storage section 4 is discharged onto the discharge belt 101 through the second reject passage 102b. The discharge belt 101 is also rotated, causing the second foreign matter to be discharged to the discharge port 22.

[0101] Next, the opening / closing section 41 is closed by the control circuit 200 (step S17). If it is detected after step S17 that there is a conveyed object 10 in the storage section 4 (step S18, Yes), the process returns to step S16 and the opening / closing section 41 is opened again. On the other hand, if it is detected after step S17 that there is no conveyed object 10 in the storage section 4 (step S18, No), the process proceeds to step S13 and the drive of the conveying section is stopped.

[0102] Furthermore, if the conveyed object 10 is a second foreign object, the shutter 91 may be moved to the entry position when the rotating body 62 is rotated in the reverse direction in step S15, thereby controlling the system to more reliably prevent the second foreign object from being passed to the sorting unit 7.

[0103] <Effects> In the coin handling device 1 according to Embodiment 1, if the conveyed object 10 is identified as a second foreign object, the conveyed object 10 is not passed from the identification unit 6 to the subsequent sorting unit 7, but is returned to the storage unit 4. The second foreign object is then discharged from the storage unit 4 to the discharge port 22 via the second reject passage 102b.

[0104] The second type of foreign object is one whose outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the smallest coin and smaller than a preset threshold. As shown in Figure 7, a closing member 76a is provided in the opening 76b formed in the wall surface 76 of the sorting section 7 to prevent the conveyed objects 10 from entering. However, a gap is formed between the closing member 76a and the opening edge of the opening 76b. This gap is set to a width that prevents the smallest coin from passing through, but the second type of foreign object, which has an outer diameter smaller than the smallest coin, may pass through the gap. If the second type of foreign object passes through the gap between the closing member 76a and the opening edge of the opening 76b, it will be stored in the hopper 8 where the coins should be stored. The coins stored in the hopper 8 may be discharged as change from the discharge port 22, and there is a problem that the second type of foreign object may be mistakenly discharged as change.

[0105] Furthermore, in the sorting section 7, the transported objects 10 are pushed by the pin 73 for transport, but the behavior of second foreign objects with small outer diameters may be unstable when pushed by the pin 73. As a result, even if they are to be discharged from the first reject passage 102a, they may fly over the opening, or they may come off the sorting section rail 71 during transport and remain in an unintended location, negatively affecting the drive of the transport section.

[0106] Thus, problems can arise if the second foreign object is passed to the sorting unit 7 located downstream of the identification unit 6. However, in the coin handling device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the second foreign object can be discharged without being passed to the sorting unit 7, thus preventing the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems.

[0107] Furthermore, since the rotating body 62 of the identification unit 6 rotates in the reverse direction, even if the shutter 91 is not allowed to enter the transfer unit 14, the second foreign object is basically not transferred to the sorting unit 7. Therefore, the coin handling device 1 according to Embodiment 1 does not necessarily have to be provided with a shutter device 9.

[0108] Furthermore, since the transport of the transported object 10 stops while the rotating body 62 of the identification unit 6 is rotating in reverse, it is preferable to avoid rotating the rotating body 62 in reverse as much as possible. In the coin handling device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the first foreign object, which is less likely to cause problems such as entering the opening 76b that is closed by the closing member 76a even when handed over to the sorting unit 7, is handed over to the sorting unit 7 and discharged through the first reject passage 102a. Therefore, if the transported object 10 is the first foreign object, the transport of the transported object 10 continues. In other words, by enabling the discharge of the second foreign object without handing it over to the sorting unit 7, while handing over the first foreign object to the sorting unit 7 and discharging it, a decrease in the transport efficiency of the transported object 10 can be suppressed.

[0109] Although not shown in the flowchart in Figure 9, if the conveyed object 10 is a third type of foreign object, it will be discharged as described below. A third type of foreign object is one that cannot pass between the conveyor belt 31 and the alignment roller 34 in the input section 3, or that does not enter the area surrounded by the convex portion 51e of the rotating body 51 in the separation section 5 and remains in the storage section 4. A third type of foreign object that cannot pass between the conveyor belt 31 and the alignment roller 34 is discharged, for example, by being removed by a user of the coin handling device 1 through the input opening 21. Also, when a third type of foreign object remains in the storage section 4, it is determined in step S12 that there is a conveyed object 10 in the storage section 4 (step S12, Yes). For example, after proceeding from step S12 to step S3, when step S3 is repeated a predetermined number of times, it is determined that the conveyed object 10 stored in the storage section 4 is a third type of foreign object that is not held by the rotating body 51. At this time, the opening / closing section 41 provided in the storage section 4 opens under the control of the control circuit 200, and the contents are discharged to the outlet 22 via the second reject passage 102b. [Examples]

[0110] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the internal structure of the coin handling device according to Example 2. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the separation unit and identification unit in Example 2. In the description of Example 2, components similar to those in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0111] In Embodiment 2, a reject hole 61b is formed in the fixed surface 61a of the identification unit 6, penetrating from the front to the back of the page in Figure 11. The reject hole 61b is sized to allow a second foreign object to pass through. Furthermore, the reject hole 61b is formed in a position that avoids the movement path of the transport object receiving unit 62c when the transport object 10 is transported from the transfer unit 13 to the transfer unit 14. For example, it is formed downstream of the transfer unit 14 (closed shutter 91) in the movement path of the transport object receiving unit 62c, and between the transfer unit 13 and the transfer unit 14.

[0112] Furthermore, a reject hole 61b may be formed above the rotating shaft 62a. The material receiving section 62c is roughly U-shaped, and when the material receiving section 62c is positioned above the rotating shaft 62a, the upper part of the material receiving section 62c is open. The closed base end of the material receiving section 62c is located downwards. Therefore, the material 10 inside the material receiving section 62c is located towards the base end, and it is unlikely that it will roll away from there. Consequently, if a reject hole 61b is formed above the rotating shaft 62a, by positioning it in the region through which the base end of the material receiving section 62c passes, the material 10 inside the material receiving section 62c can be discharged more reliably from the reject hole 61b.

[0113] A third reject passage 102c is provided on the back side of the fixed surface 61a. The third reject passage 102c is a passage through which the conveyed object 10 can pass. The third reject passage 102c is included in the reject passage 102. One end of the third reject passage 102c is connected to the reject hole 61b. The other end of the third reject passage 102c is connected to the first reject passage 102a. Therefore, the conveyed object 10 that has passed through the reject hole 61b is discharged onto the discharge belt 101 via the third reject passage 102c and the first reject passage 102a. The other end of the third reject passage 102c may be located directly above the discharge belt 101.

[0114] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating the transport procedure for the coin handling device according to Example 2. Example 2 describes a procedure that differs from the transport procedure in Example 1.

[0115] Specifically, the procedure differs if the conveyed object 10 is identified as a second foreign object in step S8. If the conveyed object 10 is identified as a second foreign object in step S8 (step S8, Yes), the shutter 91 is moved to the entry position by the control circuit 200 (step S19). Subsequently, based on the passage of the wiper 62b detected by the wiper position sensor 65, if it is determined that the conveyed object receiving section 62c holding the second foreign object has passed in front of the reject hole 61b (step S20), the shutter 91 is moved to the retracted position by the control circuit 200 (step S21). Then, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0116] In Embodiment 2, the shutter 91 is moved to the entry position, preventing the second foreign object from being passed to the sorting unit 7 located downstream of the identification unit 6. Furthermore, since the rotation of the rotating body 62 continues, the second foreign object is conveyed to the reject hole 61b while being held in the conveyed object receiving unit 62c. The second foreign object, having been conveyed to the reject hole 61b, passes through the reject hole 61b and is discharged to the outlet 22 via the third reject passage 102c and the first reject passage 102a. Although an example is shown where the shutter 91 is moved to the entry position in step S19, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the shutter 91 may be in the entry position during identification in step S8, and may be moved to the retracted position if the conveyed object 10 is identified as good currency or the first foreign object.

[0117] In step S20, based on the detection of the wiper 62b passing, it is determined that the conveyed object receiving section 62c, which is holding the second foreign object, has passed the front of the reject hole 61b. Then, in step S21, the shutter 91 is moved to the retracted position. This ensures that the second foreign object is discharged before the shutter 91 is retracted, enabling the transfer of the conveyed object 10 from the identification section 6 to the sorting section 7.

[0118] In Example 2, the second foreign object can be discharged without changing the rotation direction of the rotating body 62, thus suppressing a decrease in conveying efficiency due to the need to discharge the second foreign object. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 1. Coin handling device 10. Transported items 13,14 Handover section 2 cabinets 21 Inlet 22 Outlet 3 Input section 31 Conveyor belt 31a one end 32 Coin Passages 33 Input slot detection sensor 34 Alignment Rollers 4. Storage section 41 Opening / Closing Section 42 Rotation axis 5 Separation part 51. Solids of revolution 51a Rotation axis 51c long hole 51d retaining surface 51e protrusion 52 Lever 52a Rotation axis 52b axis 53 slots 54 Separation part detection sensor 55 Pressing part 6. Identification Unit 61 Bass 61a Fixed surface 61b Reject hole 62. Solids of revolution 62a Rotation axis 62b Wiper 62c Material receiving section 63 Identification Unit Detection Sensor 64 Identification Sensors 65 Wiper position sensor 66 Identification Rail 66a Passing surface 67th slot 7 Sorting section 71 Distribution Rail 71a one end 71b Other end 71c lid 71d aperture 72 Conveyor belt 73 pins 74. First slider 75. Second slider 76 Wall surface 76a Closure member 76b aperture 77 Distribution Unit Detection Sensor 8 hoppers 9. Shutter device 91 Shutter 92 Shutter drive unit 101 Discharge belt 102 Rejection Passage 102a First rejection passage 102b Second rejection lane 102c Third rejection lane 200 Control circuits 201 memory 202 External Interface 203 Hopper drive circuit 204 Lid / Closure Member Drive Circuit 205 Discharge belt drive circuit 206 Conveyor Belt Drive Circuit 207 Opening / Closing Drive Circuit 208 Transport Unit Drive Circuit 209 Shutter drive circuit

Claims

1. A storage section for accommodating multiple transported items, A separation unit separates the multiple transported items contained in the storage unit into individual sheets and passes them on to a subsequent stage, An identification unit comprising: an identification sensor provided downstream of the separation unit for detecting the characteristics of the conveyed object received from the separation unit; and a rotating body provided so as to be rotatable and having a concave conveyed object receiving section formed on its outer circumference, which receives the conveyed object received from the separation unit into the conveyed object receiving section, conveys the conveyed object received into the conveyed object receiving section by rotation, and if the conveyed object is identified as genuine currency or a first foreign object different from the genuine currency based on the detection result of the identification sensor, the conveyed object is passed to the downstream unit, and if the conveyed object is identified as a second foreign object different from the genuine currency and different from the first foreign object, the conveyed object is discharged without being passed to the downstream unit. A sorting unit is provided downstream of the identification unit, which sorts the conveyed object received from the identification unit by denomination if it is the regular currency, and discharges the conveyed object if it is the first foreign object. The system comprises a plurality of storage units for storing the specie, sorted by denomination, in the aforementioned sorting unit, The outer diameter of the second foreign object is smaller than a predetermined threshold. A coin handling device in which the threshold value is smaller than the smallest outer diameter of the specie coins that are expected to be stored in the storage compartment.

2. The coin handling device according to claim 1, wherein when the conveyed object is identified as the second foreign object, the rotating body rotates in the opposite direction to the rotation direction when the conveyed object is handed over to the sorting unit, thereby discharging the second foreign object without handing it over to the sorting unit.

3. The storage section has an opening / closing section that is provided to be openable and closable, The coin handling device according to claim 2, wherein the second foreign object is discharged from the storage section when the opening / closing section is opened.

4. The system further includes a shutter that is movable between an entry position, where the transported object is transferred from the identification unit to the distribution unit, and a retraction position, where the object is retracted from the transfer unit. The coin handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shutter is in the entry position when the conveyed object is identified as the second foreign object.

5. The identification unit has a base that covers the movement path of the conveyed object receiving unit from one side along the rotation axis of the rotating body, The base has a second reject hole formed in the movement path of the conveyed material receiving section, at a position that avoids the movement path of the conveyed material receiving section from the time the conveyed material is transferred from the separation section to the rotating body until it is transferred to the distribution section, for discharging the foreign matter. The coin handling device according to claim 1, wherein when the conveyed object is identified as the second foreign object, the rotating body conveys the conveyed object to the reject hole without changing the direction of rotation after the second foreign object has been received in the conveyed object receiving section, thereby discharging the second foreign object.

6. The system further includes a shutter that is movable between an entry position, where the transported object is transferred from the identification unit to the distribution unit, and a retraction position, where the object is retracted from the transfer unit. The coin handling device according to claim 5, wherein the shutter is in the entry position when the conveyed object is identified as the second foreign object.

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