Coin processing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a coin processing device that can smoothly transport coins while aligning them to one side along the transport path. [Solution] The coin processing device 1 includes a coin discrimination unit 20 that determines the authenticity and denomination of inserted coins, and a sorting and conveying unit 30 that transports the coins received from the coin discrimination unit 20 and sorts them by denomination. The sorting and conveying unit 30 includes a first coin transport path 31 that extends substantially parallel to the first direction, a first transport belt 32 that slides and transports coins on the first coin transport path 31, a first guide wall 33 provided along the first coin transport path on one end of the first coin transport path in the width direction, and a plurality of coin sorting holes 34a to 34f for each denomination provided on the first coin transport path 31, and the road surface of the first coin transport path 31 forms a downward sloping surface from the other end to the one end in the width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin processing device, and more particularly to a reflux type coin processing device having a function of storing deposited coins by denomination and paying them out as change as needed.

Background Art

[0002] This type of coin processing device is widely used in convenience stores, supermarkets, gas stations, etc. After discriminating the denomination of the coins inserted into the coin inlet, the coin processing device distributes and stores them in the hopper section. Also, by discharging the specified amount from the hopper section by a host device, coins can be paid out as change.

[0003] Regarding coin processing devices, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a coin sorting and classifying machine that supplies multi-denomination mixed coins onto a rotating disk, takes them out one by one using the centrifugal force of the rotating disk, sends them out by a feed belt, and classifies the coins on a classification path where classification holes for dropping the coins are arranged in the order of small-diameter holes to large-diameter holes. In this coin sorting and classifying machine, an inclined feed belt is provided so that the coins are pressed against a guide plate arranged on one side in the width direction of the classification path. The coins are sent while being pressed against one guide plate and fall into and accumulate in one of the classification holes that match the diameter of the coins.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 describes a coin processing machine that secures the length of the coin passage while maintaining miniaturization by bending the coin passage to improve the discrimination accuracy of coins. The coin passage is provided with a first straight portion, a first bending portion, a second straight portion, a second bending portion, and a third straight portion in this order, and a material detection sensor is provided in the first straight portion. An image detection unit and a first reject hole are provided in the second straight portion, and a second reject hole is provided in the first bending portion. In the third straight portion, sorting holes for sorting and dropping the conveyed coins by denomination are provided, and the sorting holes are arranged so as to drop the coins in ascending order of the coin diameter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-250792 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-185095 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the conventional coin processing device described in Patent Document 1, in order to enhance the effect of pressing the coins against the guide plate, it is necessary to increase the angle of the feed belt with respect to the coin transport direction. However, when the angle of the transport belt is increased, the resistance to transporting the coins increases, which leads to a problem of reduced transport efficiency.

[0007] In the conventional coin processing device described in Patent Document 2, the extension direction of the conveyor belt in the third straight section is parallel to the coin conveying direction, resulting in a weak effect of pressing the coins against the guide, which may prevent the coins from being properly dropped into the corresponding sorting holes.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to provide a coin processing device that can smoothly transport coins on a transport path while aligning them to one side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the coin processing device according to the present invention comprises a coin discrimination unit that discriminates the authenticity and denomination of inserted coins, and a sorting and conveying unit that transports coins received from the coin discrimination unit and sorts them by denomination, wherein the sorting and conveying unit comprises a first coin transport path extending substantially parallel to a first direction, a first transport belt that slides and transports coins on the first coin transport path, a first guide wall provided along the first coin transport path on one end of the first coin transport path in the width direction, and a plurality of coin sorting holes for each denomination provided on the first coin transport path, wherein the road surface of the first coin transport path forms a downward sloping surface from the other end in the width direction toward the one end.

[0010] According to the present invention, coins can be stably transported by utilizing gravity, while being pushed to one end of the first coin transport path in the width direction. Therefore, smooth transport of coins and improved sorting accuracy can be achieved.

[0011] In the present invention, the inclination angle (θ1) of the road surface of the first coin transport path with respect to the horizontal plane is preferably 5 to 20 degrees. This allows the coins to be transported while being concentrated on one side without worsening the transport efficiency.

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferable that the extending direction of the first conveyor belt is inclined obliquely with respect to the first direction such that as it progresses in the coin conveying direction, it approaches one end of the first coin conveying path in the width direction. In this case, it is preferable that the inclination angle (θ4) of the extending direction of the first conveyor belt with respect to the first direction is 0.2 to 0.5 degrees. This makes it possible to convey coins while aligning them to one side without worsening conveying efficiency, and to convey coins while keeping them in contact with the first guide wall.

[0013] In the present invention, the coin discrimination unit comprises a second coin transport path extending substantially parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a second transport belt that slides and transports coins on the second coin transport path to the first transport belt, a second guide wall provided along the second coin transport path on one end of the second coin transport path in the width direction, and a sensor unit that detects the characteristics of coins flowing through the second coin transport path, wherein the surface of the second coin transport path preferably forms an upward sloping surface toward the first transport belt. This makes it possible to secure the full length of the coin transport path while maintaining the miniaturization of the device and improving the accuracy of coin discrimination. Furthermore, it is possible to transport coins while aligning them to one end of the second coin transport path in the width direction using gravity, thereby improving the accuracy of coin discrimination by the sensor unit.

[0014] In the present invention, it is preferable that the surface of the second coin transport path forms the same inclined surface as the surface of the first coin transport path. This allows the first coin transport path and the second coin transport path to be formed on the same plane, and the inclined surface of the first coin transport path can be used as the inclined surface of the second coin transport path.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the extending direction of the second conveyor belt is inclined obliquely with respect to the second direction such that as it progresses in the coin conveying direction, it approaches one end of the second coin conveying path in the width direction. In this case, it is preferable that the inclination angle (θ2) of the extending direction of the second conveyor belt with respect to the second direction is 1 to 5 degrees. This makes it possible to convey coins while aligning them to one side without worsening the conveying efficiency.

[0016] In the present invention, it is preferable that the inclination angle (θ3) of the second guide wall in the direction of extension with respect to the second direction is smaller than the inclination angle (θ2) of the second conveyor belt in the direction of extension. In this case, it is preferable that the inclination angle (θ2) of the second conveyor belt in the direction of extension with respect to the second direction is 1 to 5 degrees, and the inclination angle (θ3) of the second guide wall in the direction of extension with respect to the second direction is 0.5 to 4.5 degrees. This makes it possible to convey coins while aligning them to one side without worsening conveying efficiency, and to convey coins while keeping them in contact with the second guide wall.

[0017] In the present invention, the first conveyor belt has a first straight section extending substantially parallel to the first direction, a bent section, and a second straight section extending substantially parallel to the second direction. Preferably, the direction of extension of the first straight section is inclined obliquely with respect to the first direction such that as it progresses in the coin transport direction, it approaches one end of the first coin transport path in the width direction. In this case, the inclination angle (θ4) of the direction of extension of the first straight section with respect to the first direction is preferably 0.2 to 0.5 degrees. This makes it possible to transport coins while aligning them to one side without worsening transport efficiency, and to transport coins while keeping them in contact with the first guide wall.

[0018] In the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of coin sorting holes for each denomination are arranged in order from the upstream to the downstream of the first coin transport path, with the coin diameter decreasing in that order. This allows coins to be sorted by denomination without the use of any special mechanism, thereby improving the smooth transport and sorting accuracy of the coins. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coin processing device that can smoothly transport coins while aligning them to one side along the transport path. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a coin processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic external perspective view of the coin processing device from the back side. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the coin processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an external perspective view of the coin depositing and separating unit and the coin discrimination unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of the coin discrimination unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the sorting and conveying unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic plan sectional view of the coin storage unit.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, for the sake of convenience, the main parts may be emphasized to make the features of the present invention easier to understand, and the dimensional ratios of each component are not necessarily the same as the actual ones.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic external perspective view of the coin processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Also, Figure 2 is a schematic external perspective view of the coin processing device 1 from the back side, and Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the coin processing device 1.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the coin processing device 1 includes a coin depositing and separating unit 10 that receives a plurality of inserted coins one by one while separating them, a coin discrimination unit 20 that discriminates the authenticity and denomination of the coins delivered from the coin depositing and separating unit 10, a sorting and conveying unit 30 that conveys the coins delivered from the coin discrimination unit 20 and sorts them by denomination, a coin storage unit 40 that stores the coins sorted by denomination by the sorting and conveying unit 30, a coin discharging and conveying unit 50 that discharges the coins released from the coin storage unit 40 outside the device, and a control unit (not shown) that controls each unit. The coin depositing and separating unit 10, the coin discrimination unit 20, and the sorting and conveying unit 30 are provided on the upper surface (top plate surface) of the device housing 60, and the coin storage unit 40 and the coin discharging and conveying unit 50 are provided inside the device housing 60.

[0024] Figure 4 is an external perspective view of the deposit separation unit 10 and the coin discrimination unit 20. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of the coin discrimination unit 20.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the deposit separation unit 10 includes a coin receiving port 11 that can simultaneously accept multiple coins of different denominations, a conveyor belt 12 that transports the coins inserted into the coin receiving port 11, and a separation roller 13 that rotates in the opposite direction to the conveyor belt 12 to separate overlapping coins.

[0026] The coin discrimination unit 20 includes a coin transport path 21 (second coin transport path) extending in the X direction (second direction), a transport belt 22 (second transport belt) for sliding and transporting coins on the coin transport path 21, a guide wall 23 (second guide wall) provided on one side in the width direction of the coin transport path 21 (in this case, the left side when facing the coin transport direction), a sensor unit 24 for detecting characteristics of the coin such as material and diameter, and a reject hole 25 provided downstream of the sensor unit 24 in the coin transport path 21.

[0027] The coin transport path 21 is formed by the top surface of the metal device housing 60, and the path surface is a smooth metal surface. In particular, the path surface of the coin transport path 21 is not a horizontal plane, but forms a gently sloping surface toward the coin transport direction (X direction). This inclination of the path surface of the coin transport path 21 makes it easier to shift the transported coins to one side in the width direction of the coin transport path 21. By shifting the coins to one side, the accuracy of coin identification by the sensor unit 24 can be improved. Furthermore, the accuracy of collection when driving an electromagnetic drive component (not shown) to drop coins that are not to be processed into the reject hole 25 and collect them can be improved.

[0028] The inclination angle θ1 of the road surface of the coin transport path 21 is preferably 5 to 20 degrees, and particularly preferably 10 to 15 degrees (see Figure 2). If the inclination angle θ1 is too small, the effect of pushing the coins closer together will not be obtained, and if the inclination angle θ1 is too large, the resistance when transporting the coins will increase, resulting in poor transport efficiency.

[0029] The conveyor belt 22 is a flat belt stretched between a first pulley 26a, which is provided at the starting end of the coin conveying path 21, and a second pulley 26b, which is provided at the ending end of the coin conveying path 21. The conveyor belt 22 uses its high frictional force to slide and convey coins on the coin conveying path 21. The conveyor belt 22 is connected to the conveyor belt 32 of the distribution conveying section 30 via the second pulley 26b and is rotationally driven together with the conveyor belt 32.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the extension direction of the conveyor belt 22 is not strictly parallel to the X direction, but is slightly tilted to the left in the direction of coin transport. That is, it is positioned so that as it moves downstream of the coin transport path 21, it gets closer to the left end of the coin transport path 21. This allows coins being transported in the X direction to be directed towards the left end of the coin transport path 21, and the coins can be transported while in contact with the guide wall 23.

[0031] The inclination angle θ2 of the conveyor belt 22 with respect to the X direction is preferably 1 to 5 degrees, and particularly preferably 2 to 3 degrees. If the inclination angle θ2 of the conveyor belt 22 is too small, the effect of shifting the coins to one side will not be obtained, and if the inclination angle θ2 is too large, the resistance when conveying the coins will increase, resulting in poor conveying efficiency.

[0032] The guide wall 23 is a component that defines the left end of the coin transport path 21. The direction in which the guide wall 23 extends is not strictly parallel to the X direction, but is slightly tilted to the left in the direction of coin transport. That is, it is positioned so that it becomes further to the left as it moves downstream along the coin transport path 21. This allows coins being transported in the X direction to be directed toward the left end of the coin transport path 21, and the coins can be transported while in contact with the guide wall 23.

[0033] The inclination angle θ3 of the guide wall 23 with respect to the X direction is preferably 0.5 to 4.5 degrees, and particularly preferably 1.5 to 2.5 degrees. If the inclination angle θ3 of the guide wall 23 is too small, the effect of shifting the coins to one side will not be obtained, and if the inclination angle θ3 is too large, the resistance when transporting the coins will increase, resulting in poor transport efficiency. The inclination angle θ3 of the guide wall 23 is preferably smaller than the inclination angle θ2 of the transport belt 22.

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the distribution and conveying unit 30.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the sorting and conveying unit 30 includes a coin transport path 31 (first coin transport path) extending in the Y direction, a conveyor belt 32 (first conveyor belt) for sliding and conveying coins on the coin transport path 31, a guide wall 33 (first guide wall) provided on one side in the width direction of the coin transport path 31 (here, the left side when facing the coin transport direction), and a plurality of sorting holes 34a to 34f for each denomination provided in the coin transport path 31.

[0036] The coin transport path 31, like the coin transport path 21, is formed by the top surface of the metal device housing 60, and its surface is a smooth metal surface. The coin transport path 21 occupies a portion of the top surface, while the coin transport path 31 occupies another portion of the top surface. Therefore, the surfaces of the coin transport path 21 and the coin transport path 31 are on the same plane and form the same inclined surface. Here, the extension direction of the coin transport path 31 is the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the X direction, so the surface of the coin transport path 31 forms a downward inclined surface from the right end to the left end in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the coin transport direction (Y direction). This inclination of the surface of the coin transport path 31 makes it easier to push the coins being transported toward the left end of the coin transport path 31. By shifting the coins to one side, the positioning of the coins relative to the sorting holes 34a to 34f becomes more precise, thereby improving the accuracy of coin retrieval when dropping the coins into the sorting holes 34a to 34f for each denomination.

[0037] Since the surface of the coin transport path 31 is on the same plane as the surface of the coin transport path 21, the inclination angle of the surface of the coin transport path 31 is the same as the inclination angle θ1 of the surface of the coin transport path 21. That is, the inclination angle (θ1) of the surface of the coin transport path 21 is preferably 5 to 20 degrees, and 13 degrees is particularly preferred. If the inclination angle θ1 is too small, the effect of shifting the coins to one side will not be obtained, and if the inclination angle θ1 is too large, the resistance when transporting the coins will increase, resulting in poor transport efficiency.

[0038] The conveyor belt 32 is a round belt stretched between a second pulley 26b located at the end of the coin conveyor path 21, a third pulley 36a (not shown in Figure 6, see Figures 1, 2, and 4) located at the beginning of the coin conveyor path 31, and a fourth pulley 36b (not shown in Figure 6, see Figures 1, 2, and 4) located at the end of the coin conveyor path 31. The third pulley 36a is an intermediate pulley used to change the direction of travel of the conveyor belt 32 by 90 degrees from the X direction to the Y direction. The fourth pulley 36b is connected to a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a stepping motor and is rotationally driven according to instructions from the control unit.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, auxiliary rollers 38 are provided at predetermined intervals along the conveyor belt 32. The auxiliary rollers 38 maintain tension on the conveyor belt 32, prevent the conveyor belt 32 from lifting, and enhance the conveying force of the coins. Preferably, the auxiliary rollers 38 are positioned above the sorting holes 34a to 34f for each coin denomination. This makes it possible to enhance the conveying force of the coins along the entire length of the coin conveying path 31.

[0040] The conveyor belt 32 is arranged in an L-shape in plan view and consists of a first straight section 32a extending in the Y direction, a bent section 32b, and a second straight section 32c extending in the X direction. The second straight section 32c of the conveyor belt 32 overlaps with the end of the conveyor belt 22 on the coin discrimination section 20 side. This ensures reliable transfer of coins from the coin discrimination section 20 to the sorting conveyor section 30.

[0041] The extension direction of the first straight section 32a of the conveyor belt 32 is not strictly parallel to the Y direction, but is slightly tilted to the left in the direction of coin transport. That is, it is positioned so that as it moves downstream of the coin transport path 31, it gets closer to the left end of the coin transport path 31. This allows coins being transported in the Y direction to be shifted to the left side (-X direction) of the coin transport path 31, and the coins can be transported while in contact with the guide wall 33.

[0042] The inclination angle θ4 of the conveyor belt 32 with respect to the Y direction is preferably 0.2 to 0.5 degrees, and particularly preferably 0.3 to 0.4 degrees. If the inclination angle θ4 of the conveyor belt 32 is too small, the effect of shifting the coins to one side will not be obtained, and if the inclination angle θ4 is too large, the resistance when conveying the coins will increase, resulting in poor conveying efficiency.

[0043] The guide wall 33 is a member that defines the left end of the coin transport path 31. In this example, the extension direction of the guide wall 33 is parallel to the Y direction. That is, it does not have to be inclined to the left in the direction of coin transport, as is the case with the guide wall 23 of the coin discrimination unit 20. This is because the surface of the coin transport path 31 forms a downward sloping surface toward the guide wall 33, so the coins can be sufficiently aligned even without inclining the guide wall 33.

[0044] The sorting holes 34a to 34f are arranged in order of increasing coin diameter, with the holes for 1 yen 34a, 50 yen 34b, 5 yen 34c, 100 yen 34d, 10 yen 34e, and 500 yen 34f being provided in this order from upstream to downstream.

[0045] The opening size (opening width) of each sorting hole is set so that the target coin (and coins with a smaller diameter) will fall through, but coins with a larger diameter will not.

[0046] Figure 7 is a roughly plan cross-sectional view of the coin storage section 40.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, the coin storage section 40 is equipped with multiple hopper sections 41a to 41f, each for a different denomination. The sorting holes 34a to 34f for each denomination are connected to the corresponding hopper sections 41a to 41f via the corresponding ducts 43a to 43f. Therefore, a coin that falls into one of the sorting holes 34a to 34f is sent to the corresponding hopper section 41a to 41f through the corresponding duct 43a to 43f. In this way, by dropping coins into one of the sorting holes 34a to 34f for each denomination, the coins can be sorted and stored according to their denomination.

[0048] The six hopper sections 41a to 41f are arranged in a 3x2 grid. Closer to the sorting and conveying section 30, the 1-yen hopper section 41a, the 100-yen hopper section 41d, and the 10-yen hopper section 41e are provided in that order, forming the first hopper row 42A. Further away from the sorting and conveying section 30, the 50-yen hopper section 41b, the 5-yen hopper section 41c, and the 500-yen hopper section 41f are provided in that order, forming the second hopper row 42B.

[0049] Since the first hopper row 42A is located almost directly below the sorting and conveying unit 30, coins that fall into sorting holes 34a, 34c, and 34e are sent to the corresponding hopper sections 41a, 41c, and 41e, respectively, through ducts 43a, 43c, and 43e that extend almost directly downwards. In contrast, since the second hopper row 42B is located far from the sorting and conveying unit 30, coins that fall into sorting holes 34b, 34d, and 34f are sent to the corresponding hopper sections 41b, 41d, and 41f, respectively, through ducts 43b, 43d, and 43f that extend diagonally downwards (in the X direction).

[0050] In the above configuration, when multiple coins are inserted into the coin receiving port 11 at once, they are sent one by one to the coin discrimination unit 20. As the coins pass through the coin transport path 21, their denomination is determined, and any coins that cannot be determined are dropped into the reject hole 25. As described above, the coins flowing through the coin transport path 21 are affected not only by the transport force of the transport belt 22 but also by gravity due to the inclined surface, so they are always transported while being pushed to the left end in the transport direction, and the coins are transported while in contact with the guide wall 23. Therefore, the accuracy of coin denomination identification and rejection can be improved.

[0051] Coins whose denomination has been identified by the coin identification unit 20 are sent to the coin storage unit 40. As described above, coins flowing along the coin transport path 31 are affected not only by the transport force of the transport belt 32 but also by gravity due to the inclined surface, so they are always shifted to the left side in the transport direction and transported while in contact with the guide wall 33. Therefore, the accuracy of sorting coins by denomination can be improved.

[0052] As described above, the coin processing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a coin discrimination unit 20 that discriminates the authenticity and denomination of inserted coins, and a sorting and conveying unit 30 that transports the coins received from the coin discrimination unit 20 and sorts them by denomination. The sorting and conveying unit 30 includes a coin transport path 31 (first coin transport path) that transports coins in the Y direction (first direction), a transport belt 32 (first transport belt) that slides and transports coins on the coin transport path 31, a guide wall 33 (first guide wall) provided along the coin transport path 31 on one end of the coin transport path 31 in the width direction, and a plurality of coin sorting holes 34a to 34f for each denomination provided on the coin transport path 31. The surface of the coin transport path 31 forms a downward sloping surface from the other end in the width direction toward the one end, so that coins can be transported stably while being biased toward one end of the transport path in the width direction. Therefore, it is possible to improve the smooth transport and sorting accuracy of coins.

[0053] Furthermore, the coin discrimination unit 20 includes a coin transport path 21 (second coin transport path) that transports coins in the X direction (second direction) perpendicular to the Y direction, a transport belt 22 (second transport belt) that slides and transports coins on the coin transport path 21, a guide wall 23 (first guide wall) provided along the coin transport path 21 on one end of the coin transport path 21 in the width direction, and a sensor unit 24 that detects the characteristics of coins flowing through the coin transport path 21. Since the surface of the coin transport path 21 forms an upward sloping surface toward the X direction, coins can be transported stably while being biased toward one end of the transport path in the width direction. Therefore, smooth transport of coins and improved discrimination accuracy can be achieved.

[0054] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, and these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0055] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration in which coins are transported while being concentrated on the left side in the coin transport direction was given as an example, but a configuration in which coins are transported while being concentrated on the right side in the coin transport direction may also be used.

[0056] Furthermore, although the above embodiment targets Japanese yen coins, it can also be applied to coin processing equipment that processes coins other than Japanese yen. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1. Coin processing device 10. Deposit Separation Section 11 Coin slot 12 Conveyor belt 13 Separation roller 20 Coin discrimination section 21 Coin transport path 22 Conveyor belt 23 Guide Wall 24 Recovery Unit 25 Reject holes 26a First pulley 26b Second pulley 30 Distribution and Conveying Unit 31 Coin transport path 32 Conveyor belt 32a 1st straight section 32b Bend part 32c 2nd straight section 33 Guide Wall 34a Coin sorting hole (hole for 1 yen coin) 34b Coin sorting hole (hole for 50 yen coins) 34c Coin sorting hole (hole for 5 yen coins) 34d Coin sorting hole (hole for 100 yen coins) 34e Coin sorting hole (hole for 10 yen coins) 34f Coin sorting hole (hole for 500 yen coins) 36a Third pulley 36b Fourth pulley 38 Auxiliary rollers 40 Coin storage compartment 41a Hopper section (Hopper section for 1 yen coins) 41b Hopper section (Hopper section for 50 yen coins) 41c Hopper section (Hopper section for 5 yen coins) 41d Hopper section (Hopper section for 100 yen coins) 41e Hopper section (Hopper section for 10 yen coins) 41f Hopper section (Hopper section for 500 yen coins) 42A First hopper row 42B Second hopper row 43a~43f Duct 50 Withdrawal and Transport Department 60 Device housing

Claims

1. A coin discrimination unit that determines the authenticity and denomination of the inserted coin, The system includes a sorting and transporting unit that transports coins received from the coin discrimination unit and sorts them by denomination, The aforementioned distribution and transport unit is A first coin transport path extending approximately parallel to the first direction, A first conveyor belt that slides and conveys coins on the first coin conveying path, A first guide wall is provided along the first coin transport path on one end of the first coin transport path in the width direction, The system includes a plurality of coin sorting holes for different denominations provided on the first coin transport path, The coin processing device is characterized in that the surface of the first coin transport path forms a downward sloping surface from the other end in the width direction toward the one end.

2. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inclination angle of the road surface of the first coin transport path with respect to the horizontal plane is 5 to 20 degrees.

3. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extending direction of the first conveyor belt is inclined obliquely with respect to the first direction such that as it progresses in the coin conveying direction, it approaches one end of the first coin conveying path in the width direction.

4. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the inclination angle of the first conveyor belt in the extending direction with respect to the first direction is 0.2 to 0.5 degrees.

5. The aforementioned coin discrimination unit is, A second coin transport path extends substantially parallel to a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, A second conveyor belt slides and conveys coins on the second coin transport path to the first conveyor belt, A second guide wall is provided along the second coin transport path, on one end of the second coin transport path in the width direction, The system includes a sensor unit that detects the characteristics of coins flowing through the second coin transport path, The coin processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the second coin transport path forms an upward sloping surface toward the first transport belt.

6. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the surface of the second coin transport path forms the same inclined surface as the surface of the first coin transport path.

7. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the extending direction of the second conveyor belt is inclined obliquely with respect to the second direction such that as it progresses in the coin conveying direction, it approaches one end of the second coin conveying path in the width direction.

8. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the inclination angle of the second conveyor belt in the extending direction with respect to the second direction is 1 to 5 degrees.

9. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the extending direction of the second guide wall is inclined obliquely with respect to the second direction such that it approaches one end of the second coin transport path in the width direction as it advances in the coin transport direction.

10. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the inclination angle of the second guide wall in the extending direction with respect to the second direction is smaller than the inclination angle of the second conveyor belt in the extending direction.

11. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the inclination angle of the second conveyor belt in the extending direction with respect to the second direction is 1 to 5 degrees, and the inclination angle of the second guide wall in the extending direction with respect to the second direction is 0.5 to 4.5 degrees.

12. The first conveyor belt has a first straight section extending substantially parallel to the first direction, a bent section, and a second straight section extending substantially parallel to the second direction. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the extending direction of the first straight section is inclined obliquely with respect to the first direction such that it approaches one end of the first coin transport path in the width direction as it progresses in the coin transport direction.

13. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the inclination angle of the extension direction of the first straight portion with respect to the first direction is 0.2 to 0.5 degrees.

14. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of coin sorting holes for each denomination are arranged in order from the upstream to the downstream of the first coin transport path, with the diameter of the coins decreasing in that order.

Images