Coin processing device

Abstract

Provided is a coin processing device (100) comprising: a handling unit (120) for receiving a plurality of coins (10) and sending out the coins one by one at intervals; a sorting unit (130) for receiving the coins one by one from the handling unit, determining the types of the coins, and guiding the coins to paths by type; a storage unit (150) for storing the coins by type; and a bucket (160) for sending out the coins discharged from the storage unit to a discharge tray (165). The coins rejected by the sorting unit are discharged to the discharge tray via the bucket.

Description

Coin Processing Device

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for a coin processing device that receives coins, stores them by type, and dispenses the coins.

[0002] Conventionally, devices for receiving coins and sorting them by type have been known. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2024-067367 (Patent Document 1) discloses a coin processing device. Patent Document 1 provides a coin processing device including: a sorting unit that receives coins or medals and sends them out one by one at intervals; and a sorting unit that receives coins or medals one by one from the sorting unit, moves the coins or medals along an arc, determines the type of coin or medal, and guides them to a path for each type.

[0003] JP 2024-067367 A

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a coin processing device that can efficiently discharge rejected coins.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coin processing device comprising a handling unit for receiving a plurality of coins and sending them out one by one at intervals, a sorting unit for receiving coins one by one from the handling unit, determining the type of coin, and guiding them to a path for each type, a storage unit for storing coins by type, and a bucket for sending coins discharged from the storage unit to a discharge tray, and configured to discharge coins rejected from the sorting unit to the discharge tray via the bucket.

[0006] As described above, according to the present invention, a coin processing device capable of efficiently discharging rejected coins is provided.

[0007] 1 is an image diagram showing the overall appearance of a coin processing device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a right side cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the coin processing device according to the first embodiment, with the bucket in a raised state; FIG. 3 is a right side cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the coin processing device according to the first embodiment, with the bucket in a lowered state; FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view showing an identifying and sorting unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the identifying and sorting unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a left side cross-sectional view showing the front part of the coin processing device according to the first embodiment, with the bucket in a lowered state; FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing the front part of the coin processing device according to the first embodiment, with the tray and the front wall removed, with the bucket in a lowered state; FIG. 8 is a left side cross-sectional view showing the front part of the coin processing device according to the first embodiment, with the bucket in a raised state; FIG. 9 is a front perspective view showing the front part of the coin processing device according to the first embodiment, with the tray and the front wall removed, with the bucket in a raised state; FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing the front part of the coin processing device according to the first embodiment, with the tray and the front wall removed, with the bucket in a raised state; FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the bucket, with the bucket in a raised state, with the front wall removed. 1 is an upper right oblique view of a coin processing device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view of an upper storage unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a plan view of a lower storage unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is an upper oblique view of a lower storage unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a rear oblique view of a lower storage unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a front view of the vicinity of a coin discharge section of a lower storage unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a plan sectional view below the separating roller near the coin discharge section of a lower storage unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a plan sectional view above the separating roller near the coin discharge section of a lower storage unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 9 is a front oblique view of a lower storage unit at a first timing for coin discharge according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a front view of a lower storage unit at a first timing for coin discharge according to the first embodiment;1 is a front view of the lower storage unit at a second timing for coin ejection according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front oblique view of the lower storage unit at a third timing for coin ejection according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of the lower storage unit at a third timing for coin ejection according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front oblique view of the lower storage unit at a fourth timing for coin ejection according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front oblique view of the lower storage unit at a fourth timing for coin ejection according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front oblique view of the lower storage unit at a fifth timing for coin ejection according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view of the lower storage unit at a fifth timing for coin ejection according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a right side cross-sectional view of the detection sensor and right side pin of the lower storage unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a right side cross-sectional view of the lower storage unit at the left side pin of the lower storage unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a side guide block, ceiling guide, and separation roller that are replaced according to the thickness and width of the coin according to the first embodiment. 1 is an upper perspective view of a lower storage unit showing first to third steps when replacing the separating rollers to match the thickness of coins according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a right side view of a lower storage unit showing the third step when replacing the separating rollers to match the thickness of coins according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of a lower storage unit showing the fourth step when replacing the separating rollers to match the thickness of coins according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a right side view of a lower storage unit showing the fourth step when replacing the separating rollers to match the thickness of coins according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of a lower storage unit showing the fifth step when replacing the separating rollers to match the thickness of coins according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of a lower storage unit in which side guide blocks and ceiling guides are stored to match the width and thickness of coins according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a front view of a lower storage unit in which side guide blocks and ceiling guides are stored to match the width and thickness of coins according to the first embodiment;1 is a right side cross-sectional view of a lower storage unit in which side guide blocks and ceiling guides are stored to match the width and thickness of coins according to the first embodiment; an upper oblique view of a lower storage unit from which side guide blocks have been removed to match the width and thickness of coins according to the first embodiment; a front view of a lower storage unit from which side guide blocks have been removed to match the width and thickness of coins according to the first embodiment; a right side cross-sectional view of a lower storage unit from which side guide blocks have been removed to match the width and thickness of coins according to the first embodiment; an upper oblique view of a lower storage unit from which side guide blocks and ceiling guides have been removed to match the width and thickness of coins according to the first embodiment; a front view of a lower storage unit from which side guide blocks and ceiling guides have been removed to match the width and thickness of coins according to the first embodiment; a right side cross-sectional view of a lower storage unit from which side guide blocks and ceiling guides have been removed to match the width and thickness of coins according to the first embodiment.

[0008] [First embodiment] <Overall configuration of coin processing device 100> First, the overall configuration of coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is an external view of coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment. Referring to Fig. 1, coin processing device 100 is configured with a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 101, with a coin insertion slot 102 provided on the top surface and a coin ejection slot (described later) provided on the front surface.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall internal structure of the coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment with the bucket 160 raised. Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall internal structure of the coin processing device 100 with the bucket 160 according to this embodiment lowered. With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the coin processing device 100 is provided at its upper part with an identifying and sorting unit 110 for feeding coins 10 one by one, identifying them, and sorting and feeding them by type. A storing and dispensing unit 150 is provided at its lower part for storing and dispensing coins 10 by type.

[0010] In this embodiment, the storing and dispensing section 150 includes an upper storage unit 151 for four denominations and a lower storage unit 152 for four denominations. In this embodiment, the upper storage unit 151 and the lower storage unit 152 can be removed with the front wall of the coin processing device 100 removed.

[0011] The coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment is provided with a control unit 190 at the lower end of the identifying and sorting unit 110. The control unit 190 includes a microcomputer and various communication interfaces for controlling each unit of the coin processing device 100. The microcomputer includes a CPU, various memories, and the like.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the identifying and sorting unit 110 according to this embodiment with the upper cover 101A removed. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the identifying and sorting unit 110 according to this embodiment with the upper cover 101A removed. Referring to Figs. 4 and 5 , the inserted coins 10 are sent one by one to the sorting unit 130 by the handling unit 120. The sorting unit 130 identifies the type of each coin 10 using the recognition unit 1330, and sends the coin 10 to a first conveying path 1311 formed outside the sorting unit 130, a second conveying path 1312 formed inside the sorting unit 130, a third conveying path 1313 formed outside the sorting unit 130, a fourth conveying path 1314 formed inside the sorting unit 130, or a fifth conveying path 1315 formed outside the sorting unit 130. The waste paper is sent to the conveying path 1315 formed inside the sorting section 130, to the sixth conveying path 1316 formed inside the sorting section 130, to the seventh conveying path 1317 formed outside the sorting section 130, to the eighth conveying path 1318 formed inside the sorting section 130, to the overflow conveying path 1319 formed outside the sorting section 130, or to the reject conveying path 1320 formed outside the sorting section 130.

[0013] 2 to 5, coins 10 sent to the first conveying path 1311, the third conveying path 1313, the fifth conveying path 1315, and the seventh conveying path 1317 outside the sorting unit 130 are accumulated by denomination in a predetermined storage space of the lower storage unit 152. Coins 10 sent to the second conveying path 1312, the fourth conveying path 1314, the sixth conveying path 1316, and the eighth conveying path 1318 inside the sorting unit 130 are accumulated by denomination in a predetermined storage space of the upper storage unit 151.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a left side cross-sectional view of the front part of the coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment with the bucket 160 lowered. FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the coin processing device 100 showing the bucket 160 lowered. Note that FIG. 7 shows a state in which the bucket cover 105 and the discharge tray 165 have been removed for the sake of explanation. FIG. 8 is a left side cross-sectional view of the front part of the coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment with the bucket 160 raised. FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the coin processing device 100 showing the bucket 160 raised. Note that FIG. 9 shows a state in which the bucket cover 105 and the discharge tray 165 have been removed for the sake of explanation. FIG. 10 is also a front perspective view of the coin processing device 100 showing the bucket 160 raised. Note that FIG. 10 shows the discharge tray 165 for the sake of explanation.

[0015] 6 and 7 , in the coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment, when dispensing coins 10, the bucket 160 is lowered to the bottom end in accordance with a command from the control unit 190. Then, in accordance with the command from the control unit 190, a specified number of coins 10 stocked in each storage space are ejected forward and onto the ejection tray 165 by the bucket 160.

[0016] More specifically, the coins 10 accumulated in the upper storage unit 151 are sent forward by a conveyor belt driven in accordance with instructions from the control unit 190, and fall onto the upper surface of the bucket 160. Similarly, the coins 10 accumulated in the lower storage unit 152 are sent forward by a conveyor belt driven in accordance with instructions from the control unit 190, and fall onto the upper surface of the bucket 160.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1 , the front surface of the lower part of the housing 101 and the right and left side surfaces of the front part of the housing 101 are covered with a plastic bucket cover 105. As shown in Figs. 8 to 10 , the bucket 160 is configured so that coins 10 are held by the bucket 160 body and the inner surface of the bucket cover 105 and are lifted up to the discharge tray 165. More specifically, the bucket 160 is mainly configured by an inclined surface 160X that is low in the front and high in the rear. The coins 10 are held by the inclined surface 160X and the back surface of the bucket cover 105 of the coin processing device 100. More specifically, coins 10 discharged from the upper storage unit 151 and the lower storage unit 152 are held by the inclined surface 160X of the bucket 160, the back surface of the front portion of the housing 101 which forms the outer surface of the coin processing device 100, the left surface of the front part of the right side of the housing 101 of the coin processing device 100, and the right surface of the front part of the left side of the housing 101 of the coin processing device 100.

[0018] The bucket cover 105 has an opening at the upper rear of the discharge tray 165. The bucket 160 rises to this opening in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 190. That is, it rises to a position above the upper rear of the discharge tray 165. As a result, the coins 10 on the bucket 160 slide down and forward along the inclined surface 160X. That is, they slide down from the opening of the bucket cover 105 into the discharge tray 165.

[0019] 11 is an enlarged view showing the structure around the bucket 160 according to this embodiment when the bucket 160 is raised. In this embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5 and 11, coins that fail to be recognized are sent to the reject conveying path 1320 at the left end of the front of the sorting unit 130 and slide down toward the front and downward. The coins then slide down the upper surface of the inclined surface 160X of the bucket 160, and slide down from above the bucket cover 105 into the discharge tray 165. It is preferable that the inclination of the bottom surface of the reject conveying path 1320 and the inclination of the inclined surface 160X of the bucket 160 are the same angle.

[0020] 6 and 8 , in this embodiment, coin slot 102 is provided above bucket 160. Coin slot 102 is provided with an opening / closing shutter 107. In addition, above bucket 160 and below opening / closing shutter 107, an inclined surface 108 having the same size as bucket 160 is formed.

[0021] When coins 10 are to be accepted, that is, when coins 10 are to be accepted and sorted or stored, the opening / closing shutter 107 is tilted in accordance with a signal from the control unit 190, thereby guiding the coins 10 to the handling unit 120. On the other hand, when coins 10 are not to be accepted, the opening / closing shutter 107 is lifted in accordance with a signal from the control unit 190, thereby discharging the coins 10 as they are, that is, dropping them onto the inclined surface 108.

[0022] As a result, even if a coin 10 is inserted into the inlet 102 in a state where it is not expected that coins 10 will be accepted, the inclined surface 108 allows the coin 10 to be smoothly discharged into the discharge tray 165. For example, even if the bucket 160 is lowered when the opening / closing shutter 107 is raised, the coin 10 inserted into the coin inlet 102 hits the inclined surface 108 and flows directly into the discharge tray 165, preventing the coin 10 from falling down to the position of the bucket 160.

[0023] 5 and 12, the coins 10 sent to the overflow conveying path 1319 are configured to fall from a discharge port at the right front of the sorting unit 130 along the right side surface of the housing 101 of the coin processing device 100 to the bottom end. <Configuration of the storing and paying out unit 150>

[0024] Next, we will explain the configuration of the storing and paying out section 150 arranged at the bottom of the coin processing device 100. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, an upper storing unit 151 is arranged at approximately the center in the vertical direction of the coin processing device 100, and a lower storing unit 152 is arranged at the bottom of the coin processing device 100.

[0025] The coins 10 stored in the upper storage unit 151 and the lower storage unit 152 are then transported forward by the conveyor belt 154 and the separating roller 155, discharged from the discharge port 1515 at the front end, and dropped onto the bucket 160. More specifically, a signal from the control unit 190 drives the motor 157, which then drives the conveyor belt 154 and the separating roller 155.

[0026] The configuration of the upper storage unit 151 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13 . The upper storage unit 151 is provided with four storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, and 1514 for storing four types of coins 10. The first storage space 1511 is connected to the second transport path 1312 of the sorting unit 130. The second storage space 1512 is connected to the fourth transport path 1314 of the sorting unit 130. The third storage space 1513 is connected to the sixth transport path 1316 of the sorting unit 130. The fourth storage space 1514 is connected to the eighth transport path 1318 of the sorting unit 130.

[0027] In this embodiment, the storage spaces 1513 and 1514 are configured with smaller left-right widths to accommodate coins 10 with smaller diameters, while the storage spaces 1511 and 1512 are configured with larger left-right widths to accommodate coins 10 with larger diameters. For example, the storage spaces 1513 and 1514 are configured to accommodate coins 10 with a diameter of approximately 25 mm, and the storage spaces 1513 and 1514 are configured to accommodate coins 10 with a diameter of up to approximately 35 mm. This allows the left-right width of the upper storage unit 151 to be reduced while accommodating multiple types of coins 10, and as a result, the left-right width of the entire coin processing device 100 can be made compact.

[0028] Behind the first storage space 1511, a space is formed for coins 10 from the first transport path 1311 to fall into the lower storage unit 152. Behind the second storage space 1512, a space is formed for coins 10 from the third transport path 1313 to fall into the lower storage unit 152. Behind the third storage space 1513, a space is formed for coins 10 from the fifth transport path 1315 to fall into the lower storage unit 152. Behind the fourth storage space 1514, a space is formed for coins 10 from the seventh transport path 1317 to fall into the lower storage unit 152.

[0029] The configuration of the lower storage unit 152 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14 . The lower storage unit 152 also has four storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, and 1514 for storing four types of coins 10. The first storage space 1511 is connected to the first transport path 1311 of the sorting unit 130. The second storage space 1512 is connected to the third transport path 1313 of the sorting unit 130. The third storage space 1513 is connected to the fifth transport path 1315 of the sorting unit 130. The fourth storage space 1514 is connected to the seventh transport path 1317 of the sorting unit 130.

[0030] In the lower storage unit 152, the storage spaces 1513 and 1514 are configured with smaller left-right widths to accommodate coins 10 with smaller diameters, while the storage spaces 1511 and 1512 are configured with larger left-right widths to accommodate coins 10 with larger diameters. For example, the storage spaces 1513 and 1514 are configured to accommodate coins 10 with a diameter of approximately 25 mm, while the storage spaces 1513 and 1514 are configured to accommodate coins 10 with a diameter of up to approximately 35 mm. This allows the left-right width of the lower storage unit 152 to be kept small while accommodating multiple types of coins 10, and as a result, the left-right width of the entire coin processing device 100 can be made compact.

[0031] Next, we will explain the configuration common to the upper storage unit 151 and the lower storage unit 152. The following will explain the lower storage unit 152, but since the upper storage unit 151 also has a similar configuration, the explanation will not be repeated.

[0032] 15 and 16, a horizontal cover 153H is provided on the upper part of the lower storage unit 152, and is configured to prevent coins 10 sent to the storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, and 1514 from flying out upward.

[0033] A vertical cover 153V is connected downward to the front end of the horizontal cover 153H. The vertical cover 153V is provided up to just above the separation rollers 155, 155.... Each of the separation rollers 155, 155... is an elastic member made of resin, and its surface is formed with an uneven shape, i.e., a comb shape, when viewed from the back and the front. The lower end of the vertical cover 153V is formed with an uneven shape, i.e., a comb shape, to match the uneven shape of the separation roller 155. This prevents coins from getting in above the separation rollers 155, 155...

[0034] The diameter of the separating rollers 155, 155... is adjusted according to the type of coins 10 passing through the separating rollers 155, 155.... FIG. 17 is an enlarged front view of the discharge portion of the lower storage unit 152 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, each of the separating rollers 155, 155, 155, 155 is set to have a diameter according to the thickness of the coins 10 stored in the rear storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, and 1514. That is, when the coins 10 stored in the storage space 1514 are thick, a roller with a small diameter such as the left roller 155L is used. Conversely, when the coins 10 stored in the storage space 1511 are thin, a roller with a large diameter such as the right roller 155R is used.

[0035] 18 and 19, side guide blocks 161, 161... are arranged behind the separating roller 155 to move coins 10 passing through the separating rollers 155, 155... to the right end. The side guide blocks 161, 161... are adjusted according to the type of coins 10 passing through. That is, each of the side guide blocks 161, 161... is set to have a width corresponding to the width of the coins 10 stocked in the rear storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, and 1514. For example, if the coins 10 stocked in storage space 1514 are wide, a narrow side guide block such as the left side guide block 161L is used. Conversely, if the coins 10 stocked in storage space 1511 are narrow, a wide side guide block such as the right side guide block 161R is used.

[0036] Next, we will explain the configuration for dispensing only the specified number of coins 10. Note that, although the following describes the configuration for dispensing only the specified number of coins 10 for the coin dispensing portion for coins stocked in the first storage space 1511 on the right side, the same configuration is also provided for the coin dispensing portions for coins stocked in the other second, third and fourth storage spaces 1512, 1513 and 1514.

[0037] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view showing the state immediately before the last coin 10 to be discharged this time is transported to just below the pins 159L and 159R. FIG. 21 is a front view showing the state immediately before the last coin 10 to be discharged this time is transported to just below the pins 159L and 159R. FIG. 22 is a front perspective view showing the state in which the last coin 10 to be discharged this time is located just below the pins 159L and 159R. FIG. 23 is a front view showing the state in which the last coin 10 to be discharged this time is located just below the pins 159L and 159R. FIG. 24 is a front perspective view showing the state immediately after the last coin 10 to be discharged this time has passed just below the pins 159L and 159R. FIG. 25 is a front perspective view showing the state immediately after the last coin 10 to be discharged this time has passed just below the pins 159L and 159R. FIG. 26 is a front perspective view showing the state in which the pins 159L and 159R have blocked the next coin 10X. Fig. 27 is a front view showing a state in which the pins 159L and 159R have blocked the next coin 10X. Fig. 28 is a front perspective view showing a state in which the last coin 10 to be discharged this time has fallen onto the bucket. Fig. 29 is a front view showing a state in which the last coin 10 to be discharged this time has fallen onto the bucket. Fig. 30 is a side cross-sectional view at the position of the right pin 159R and the coin detection sensor 158Y when the two pins 159L and 159R have descended. Fig. 31 is a side cross-sectional view at the position of the left pin 159L when the two pins 159L and 159R have descended.

[0038] In this embodiment, in order to dispense only the specified number of coins 10, when the last coin 10 to be dispensed is conveyed, two pins 159R and 159L block the conveyance of the next coin 10X. The two pins 159R and 159L are biased downward by a spring or the like, and are configured to be temporarily lifted upward by a solenoid in response to a signal from the control unit 190. More specifically, in this embodiment, the right pin 159R is configured to be able to descend to a position where it abuts against the conveyor belt 154. The left pin 159L is configured to be able to descend to a position lower than the conveyor belt 154.

[0039] 30, in this embodiment, the passage of coins 10 conveyed by the conveyor belt 154 is detected by the LED light of a photointerrupter. In this embodiment, a light 158X (light-emitting element) is disposed below the right side of the conveyor belt 154, and a coin detection sensor 158Y (light-receiving element) for detecting light 158Z is disposed above the light 158X.

[0040] When the coins 10 are transported, the control unit 190 drives all of the transport belts 154, 154... and all of the handling rollers 155, 155.... The control unit 190 uses the coin detection sensor 158Y to check the passage of the coins 10 while illuminating the light 158X. The control unit 190 allows the transport of the coins 10 by lifting two pins 159L, 159R with a solenoid until a designated number of coins 10 for each type of coin 10 have passed. Then, when the designated number of coins 10 for each type of coin 10 have been transported, the control unit 190 lowers the two pins 159L, 159R to stop the transport of the coins 10, as shown in Figures 30 and 31 .

[0041] More specifically, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, for each type of coin 10, the control unit 190 uses a solenoid to lift two pins 159L and 159R based on a signal from the coin detection sensor 158Y, allowing the coins 10 to be transported until a specified number of coins 10 have passed.

[0042] Then, when the light detection is interrupted by the last coin 10, the right pin 159R and the left pin 159L are lowered while the conveyor belt 154 and the separating roller 155 are still driven, as shown in Figures 22 and 23.

[0043] At this time, the right end of the coin 10 is pushed downward by the right pin 159R, but the left pin 159L presses approximately the center of the coin 10 against the conveyor belt 154, so that the coin 10 is smoothly sent forward by the conveyor belt 154. In other words, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the right end of the coin 10 being pushed downward by the right pin 159R will cause the left side of the coin 10 to float up, or that the coin 10 and the conveyor belt 154 will not fit together and will slip.

[0044] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, when the last coin 10 is transported forward along the right edge, the right pin 159R descends into the gap behind the coin 10. This blocks the transport of the next coin 10X, as shown in Figures 26 and 27. In this way, in this embodiment, by moving the two pins 159L and 159R up and down using the solenoid in accordance with commands from the control unit 190, it is possible to smoothly discharge only the desired number of coins 10 and drop them onto the bucket 160. <Configuration for Parts Replacement>

[0045] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 32, the side guide blocks 161, 161... corresponding to the diameter of the coin 10, the ceiling guides 162, 162... corresponding to the thickness of the coin 10, and the separating rollers 155, 155... corresponding to the thickness of the coin 10 can be easily replaced or changed for each type of coin 10 stored in the storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514. Note that the types and numbers of the side guide blocks 161, 161..., the ceiling guides 162, 162..., and the separating rollers 155, 155... are not limited. There may be more or fewer of them.

[0046] The following describes a configuration that is common to the upper storage unit 151 and the lower storage unit 152, and that allows various parts of the discharge unit to be replaced in accordance with the width and thickness of the coins 10. <Configuration for replacing the separating roller>

[0047] First, a description will be given of the configuration for replacing the separating rollers 155 with different diameters depending on the thickness of the coins 10. First, as shown in FIG. 33(A), the worker removes the left-handed screw 171L for securing the horizontal cover 153H to the lower storage unit 152 from the side of the lower storage unit 152. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 33(B), the worker removes the right-handed screw 171R for securing the horizontal cover 153H to the lower storage unit 152 from the side of the lower storage unit 152. This allows the horizontal cover 153H and the vertical cover 153V to be lifted and removed from the lower storage unit 152, as shown in FIG. 33(C).

[0048] Next, as shown in Fig. 35, the screws 172 for attaching the rotation shafts 163 of the separating rollers 155, 155 ... to the lower storage unit 152 are removed from the side of the lower storage unit 152. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 34, in this embodiment, on the side of the lower storage unit 152, a gear 176A of the motor 175 meshes with a transmission gear 176B, and a belt gear 176C of the conveyor belt and a roller gear 176D of the separating roller mesh with the transmission gear 176B.

[0049] In this embodiment, the transmission gear 176B and the roller gear 176D are pivotally supported on a frame 177 fixed to the lower storage unit 152 so as not to come off the frame 177. The frame 177 has a protrusion 177X fixed to the side of the lower storage unit 152 with a screw 172.

[0050] In this embodiment, by removing the screw 172, the worker can rotate the frame 177 counterclockwise around the roller gear 176D as shown in Figure 36. This allows the rib 177Y of the frame 177 to be pulled downward from the hook 152T of the lower storage unit 152 and then pulled rightward through the cutout 152S. In other words, the frame 177 can be removed from the lower storage unit 152 toward the right.

[0051] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, the worker can remove the frame 177 together with the transmission gear 176B, roller gear 176D, and rotating shaft 163 of the separating roller from the hole 152U of the lower storage unit 152.

[0052] 38, the worker removes the screw 173 at the right end of the rotating shaft 163 of the separating rollers 155, 155... from the end 163X of the rotating shaft 163. This makes it possible to remove the roller gear 176D and frame 177 from the end of the rotating shaft 163, and to remove all of the separating rollers 155, 155... from the rotating shaft 163. In this embodiment, spacers 156, 156... are sandwiched between the separating rollers 155, 155...

[0053] Although the separating rollers 155, 155... are configured to have different diameters, they are all configured to have the same width. In this embodiment, the storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, and 1514 are configured to have different widths, so the spacers 156, 156... are configured to have different widths to match these widths. In this embodiment, the left spacer 156 is configured to have a small width, and the two spacers 156, 156 on the right side are configured to have large widths.

[0054] In this manner, in this embodiment, the separating rollers 155, 155... can be removed individually by removing the four screws 171A, 171B, 172, 173 from the lower storage unit 152. Then, the operator can freely replace the separating rollers 155, 155... with those of different diameters depending on the thickness of coins to be stored in each of the storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514.

[0055] After replacement, the separating rollers 155, spacers 156, separating rollers 155, ... are inserted alternately from the end of the rotating shaft 163, in the reverse order of the above, as shown in Figure 38, and finally the roller gear 176D is fitted in together with the frame 177. The separating rollers 155 and the rotating shaft 163 are fixed by engaging with each other so as not to rotate. The roller gear 176D and the rotating shaft 163 are also fixed by engaging with each other so as not to rotate. Finally, the screw 173 is threaded into the end of the rotating shaft 163, thereby fixing the roller gear 176D and the frame 177 to the rotating shaft 163.

[0056] 35 to 37 , the worker inserts the frame 177 together with the transmission gear 176B, roller gear 176D, and rotation shaft 163 of the separation roller 155 into the hole 152U of the lower storage unit 152. At this time, the rib 177Y of the frame 177 fits into the cutout portion 152S of the lower storage unit 152.

[0057] 34, the frame 177 is rotated clockwise around the roller gear 176D. This causes the rib 177Y of the frame 177 to fit into the hook portion 152T of the lower storage unit 152. At the same time, on the side of the lower storage unit 152, the gear 176A of the motor 175 meshes with the transmission gear 176B, and the transmission gear 176B meshes with the belt gear 176C of the conveyor belt.

[0058] The worker fixes the protrusion 177X, i.e., the frame 177, to the lower storage unit 152 using the screws 172.

[0059] As shown in Figure 33(C), the worker inserts the horizontal cover 153H and the vertical cover 153V into the lower storage unit 152. As shown in Figures 33(A) and 33(B), the worker secures the horizontal cover 153H and the vertical cover 153V to the lower storage unit 152 with the left-hand screw 171L and the right-hand screw 171R. <Configuration for guide block replacement>

[0060] Next, the configuration for replacing the side guide blocks 161, 161... corresponding to the diameter of the coin 10 and the configuration for replacing the ceiling guides 162, 162... corresponding to the thickness of the coin 10 will be described. Figure 39 is a front perspective view showing the side guide block 161 and the ceiling guide 162 arranged in the discharge section at the front end of the second storage space 1512 from the right. Figure 40 is a front view of the lower storage unit 152 showing the side guide blocks 161, 161, 161, 161 and the ceiling guides 162, 162, 162, 162 attached to the lower storage unit 152. Figure 41 is a side cross-sectional view thereof.

[0061] As shown in Figures 39, 40 and 41, side guide blocks 161, 161... are detachably attached to the lower storage unit 152 for each storage space 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514 at the discharge portion thereof to guide coins 10 to the right end. More specifically, the upper locking portion 161X of each side guide block 161 is inserted into a rail 152Y formed on the left side of the discharge portion for each coin 10 at the front end of the lower storage unit 152. In particular, in this embodiment, as described above, the side guide blocks 161, 161... have the same left-right width and top-bottom width of the upper locking portion 161X, but are prepared in multiple types with different left-right widths of the lower portion for shifting coins to the right. In this embodiment, side guide blocks 161, 161... with a small left-to-right width at the bottom are prepared for wide coins 10, side guide blocks 161, 161... with a medium left-to-right width at the bottom are prepared for medium-width coins 10, and side guide blocks 161, 161... with a large left-to-right width at the bottom are prepared for small-width coins 10.

[0062] Then, ceiling guides 162, 162... are detachably attached to hold down the ceilings of the coins 10 discharged from the separating rollers 155, 155.... More specifically, the upper locking portion 162X of each ceiling guide 162 is inserted into a rail 152Z formed on the ceiling of the discharge portion for each coin 10 at the front end of the lower storage unit 152. In particular, in this embodiment, as described above, the ceiling guides 162, 162... have the same left-right and top-bottom widths of the upper locking portions 162X, but multiple types are prepared with different bottom widths for holding down the coins from above. In this embodiment, ceiling guides 162, 162... with a small bottom width are prepared for thicker coins 10, ceiling guides 162, 162... with a medium bottom width are prepared for medium-thick coins 10, and ceiling guides 162, 162... with a large bottom width are prepared for thinner coins 10.

[0063] In this embodiment, the worker can replace the side guide blocks 161, 161, 161, 161 according to the type of coin 10 to be stocked in the storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514, more specifically according to the width of the coin 10. Similarly, the worker can replace the ceiling guides 162, 162, 162, 162 according to the type of coin 10 to be set in the storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514, more specifically according to the thickness of the coin 10.

[0064] 42, 43, and 44, when the type of coins 10 stocked in the storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, and 1514 is changed, the worker removes the side guide blocks 161, 161, 161, and 161 from the lower storage unit 152 if necessary. More specifically, the locking portion 161X at the top of each of the side guide blocks 161 is removed from the rail 152Y formed on the left side of the discharge portion for each coin 10 at the front end of the lower storage unit 152.

[0065] 45, 46, and 47, when the type of coins 10 stocked in the storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, and 1514 is changed, the worker removes the ceiling guides 162, 162, 162, and 162 from the lower storage unit 152 if necessary. More specifically, the worker removes the upper locking portion 162X of each ceiling guide 162 from the rail 152Z formed on the ceiling portion of the discharge portion for each coin 10 at the front end of the lower storage unit 152.

[0066] Then, the worker selects side guide blocks 161, 161, 161, 161 according to the width of the coins 10 to be stocked in storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514, and reinserts them into the lower storage unit 152 as shown in Figures 39, 40, and 41. That is, the worker inserts the upper locking portion 161X of each side guide block 161 selected according to the width of the coin 10 into the rail 152Y formed on the left side of the discharge portion for each coin 10 at the front end of the lower storage unit 152.

[0067] The worker also selects ceiling guides 162, 162, 162, 162 according to the thickness of the coins 10 stocked in storage spaces 1511, 1512, 1513, 1514, and reinserts them into the lower storage unit 152 as shown in Figures 39, 40, and 41. That is, the worker inserts the upper locking portion 162X of each ceiling guide 162 selected according to the thickness of the coins 10 into rails 152Z formed on the ceiling of the discharge portion for each coin 10 at the front end of the lower storage unit 152.

[0068] In this way, in this embodiment, the side guide blocks 161, 161... and the ceiling guides 162, 162... can be easily removed from the lower storage unit 152, and the side guide blocks 161, 161... corresponding to the diameter of the coin 10 and the ceiling guides 162, 162... corresponding to the thickness of the coin 10 can be easily reset. [Second embodiment]

[0069] In the above embodiment, the left pin 159L and the right pin 159R are both configured to have the same thin columnar shape. However, they may be configured to have different shapes or lengths. For example, the right pin 159R may be configured to have a thin rod shape, and the left pin 159L may be configured to have a thick rod shape.

[0070] Alternatively, the right pin 159R may be formed in a thin rod shape, and the lower end of the left pin 159L may be configured as a rotatable roller.

[0071] Alternatively, the right pin 159R may be made of a harder material than the left pin 159L, and the left pin 159L may be made of a softer material than the right pin 159R.

[0072] Alternatively, the right pin 159R may be formed of a longer member than the left pin 159L, and the left pin 159L may be formed of a shorter member than the right pin 159R.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the right pin 159R is configured to be able to descend to a position where it contacts the conveyor belt 154. The left pin 159L is configured to be able to descend to a position lower than the conveyor belt 154. However, the right pin 159R and the left pin 159L may also be configured to move up and down at the same height.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the right pin 159R and the left pin 159L move up and down at the same timing, but the right pin 159R may also move down at an earlier timing than the left pin 159L.

[0075] In the above embodiment, a coin processing device is provided that includes a handling unit for receiving multiple coins and sending them out one by one at intervals, a sorting unit that receives coins one by one from the handling unit, determines the type of coin, and guides them to a path for each type, a storage unit that stores coins by type, and a bucket for sending coins discharged from the storage unit to a discharge tray, and is configured to discharge coins rejected from the sorting unit to the discharge tray via the bucket.

[0076] Preferably, the storage unit is disposed below the sorting unit. The discharge tray is provided at a position lower than the sorting unit and higher than the storage case. The bucket lifts the coins from the storage unit upward to discharge them from the discharge tray.

[0077] Preferably, the bottom surface of the bucket is configured as a slope that is low at the front and high at the rear. An ejection tray is provided at an opening where the top of the front wall of the coin processing device is open. Coins are held between the back surface of the front wall of the coin processing device and the slope, and are lifted upward and sent to the opening.

[0078] Preferably, the coin processing device further includes a coin inlet provided above the bucket, a shutter rotatably attached below the inlet for guiding coins to the handling section, and a member fixed below the shutter for guiding coins directly to the discharge tray when the coin is not to be accepted.

[0079] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0080] 10: Coin 10X: Coin 100: Coin processing device 101: Housing 101A: Upper cover 102: Coin slot 105: Bucket cover 107: Open / close shutter 108: Inclined surface 110: Recognizing and sorting section 120: Sorting section 130: Sorting section 1311: First conveying path 1312: Second conveying path 1313: Third conveying path 1314: Fourth conveying path 1315: Fifth conveying path 1316: Sixth conveying path 1317: Seventh conveying path 1318: Eighth conveying path 1319: Overflow conveying path 1320: Reject conveying path 1330: Recognizing section 150: Storing and dispensing section 151 : Upper storage unit 152 : Lower storage unit 1511 : First storage space 1512 : Second storage space 1513 : Third storage space 1514 : Fourth storage space 1515 : Discharge opening 152S : Notch 152T : Hook 152U : Hole 152Y : Rail 152Z : Rail 153H : Horizontal cover 153V : Vertical cover 154 : Conveyor belt 155 : Separating roller 155L : Roller 155R : Roller 156 : Spacer 157 : Motor 158X : Light 158Y : Coin detection sensor 158Z : Light 159L : Pin 159R : Pin 160 : Bucket 160X : Inclined surface 161: Side guide block 161L: Side guide block 161R: Side guide block 161X: Locking portion 162: Ceiling guide 162X: Locking portion 163: Rotating shaft 163X: End portion 165: Discharge tray 171A: Screw 171B: Screw 171L: Left-handed screw 171R: Right-handed screw 172: Screw 173: Screw 175: Motor 176A: Gear 176B: Transmission gear 176C: Belt gear 176D: Roller gear 177: Frame 177X: Protrusion 177Y: Rib 190: Control unit

Claims

1. A coin processing device comprising: a handling unit for receiving a plurality of coins and sending them out one by one at intervals; a sorting unit for receiving the coins one by one from the handling unit, determining the type of coin, and guiding them to a path for each type; a storage unit for storing the coins by type; and a bucket for sending coins discharged from the storage unit to a discharge tray, wherein the coin processing device is configured to discharge coins rejected from the sorting unit to the discharge tray via the bucket.

2. A coin processing device as described in claim 1, wherein the storage unit is positioned below the sorting unit, the discharge tray is located lower than the sorting unit and higher than the storage case, and the bucket lifts coins from the storage unit upward to discharge them from the discharge tray.

3. A coin processing device as described in claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the bucket is configured as a slope that is low at the front and high at the rear, the discharge tray is provided at an opening where the top of the front wall of the coin processing device is open, and coins are held between the back surface of the front wall of the coin processing device and the slope, lifted upward, and sent to the opening.

4. A coin processing device as described in claim 1, further comprising: a coin inlet provided above the bucket; a shutter rotatably attached below the inlet for guiding the coin to the handling section; and a member fixed below the shutter for guiding the coin directly to the discharge tray when the coin is not accepted.

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