Coin processing device

Abstract

Provided is a coin processing device (100) comprising: a handling unit (110) for accepting coins and feeding out the coins one by one; and a sorting unit (120) for receiving the coins one by one from the handling unit, determining the type of coin or medal while moving the coins along an arc, and guiding the coins to a path for each type. The handling unit includes a guiding member (114X) provided at a coin exit portion in order to guide the coins out. The sorting unit includes, on the upstream side of the guiding member in the coin conveyance direction, a first lever (151) that is biased in the direction of pushing the coins back out of the sorting unit.

Description

Coin processing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology of a coin processing device for receiving coins and storing them for each type.

[0002] Conventionally, a device for receiving coins and sorting them for each type has been known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-067367 (Patent Document 1) discloses a coin processing device. According to Patent Document 1, there is provided a coin processing device including a handling unit for receiving coins or medals and sending them out at intervals one by one, and a sorting unit for receiving coins or medals one by one from the handling unit, determining the type of the coins or medals while moving the coins or medals along an arc, and guiding them to a path for each type.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-067367

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a coin processing device capable of smoothly receiving and transporting the coins sent from the handling unit by the sorting unit.

[0005] According to an aspect of this invention, there is provided a coin processing device including a handling unit for receiving coins and sending them out one by one, and a sorting unit for receiving coins one by one from the handling unit, determining the type of the coins or medals while moving the coins along an arc, and guiding them to a path for each type. The handling unit includes a guiding member provided at an outlet portion of the coins for guiding the coins outward. The sorting unit includes a first lever biased in a direction to push the coins back to the outside of the sorting unit on the upstream side in the coin transport direction from the guiding member.

[0006] As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a coin processing device capable of smoothly receiving and transporting the coins sent from the handling unit by the sorting unit.

[0007] This is an image diagram showing the overall appearance of the coin processing device according to the first embodiment. This is a right side cross-sectional view showing the bucket in the raised state, illustrating the overall configuration of the coin processing device according to the first embodiment. This is a right side cross-sectional view showing the bucket in the lowered state, illustrating the overall configuration of the coin processing device according to the first embodiment. This is an upper perspective view showing the identification and sorting unit according to the first embodiment. This is a plan view showing the identification and sorting unit according to the first embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the drive mechanism of the processing unit and sorting unit according to the first embodiment. This is a plan view showing the configuration when the processing unit discharges coins according to the first embodiment. This is a plan view showing the transfer unit before the coins are transferred from the processing unit to the sorting unit according to the first embodiment. This is a plan view showing the transfer unit immediately after the coins have been transferred from the processing unit to the sorting unit according to the first embodiment. This is a plan view showing the transfer unit immediately after the next coin has been transferred from the processing unit to the sorting unit according to the first embodiment. This is a plan view showing the transfer unit before the coins are transferred from the processing unit to the sorting unit according to the second embodiment. This is a plan view showing the transfer section immediately after the coins are passed from the processing section to the sorting section according to the second embodiment. This is a plan view showing the transfer section immediately after the next coins are passed from the processing section to the sorting section according to the second embodiment. This is an illustrative diagram showing the output of the diameter sensor of a coin processing device that does not have the first lever. This is an illustrative diagram showing the output of the diameter sensor of a coin processing device that has the first lever.

[0008] [First Embodiment] <Overall Configuration of Coin Processing Device 100> First, the overall configuration of the coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is an external view of the coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 1, the coin processing device 100 is composed of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing 101, with a coin input opening 102 on the top surface and a coin discharge opening, which will be described later, on the front surface.

[0009] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall internal structure of the coin processing device 100 in the state in which the bucket 160 is raised according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall internal structure of the coin processing device 100 in the state in which the bucket 160 is lowered according to this embodiment. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the coin processing device 100 is provided with an identification and sorting unit 109 at the top for feeding out coins one by one, identifying them, sorting them by type and feeding them out. At the bottom, there is a storage and dispensing unit 140 for accumulating and dispensing coins by type.

[0010] In this embodiment, the storage and dispensing unit 140 includes an upper storage unit 141 for four denominations and a lower storage unit 142 for four denominations. In this embodiment, the upper storage unit 141 and the lower storage unit 142 can be removed while the front wall of the coin processing device 100 is removed.

[0011] In this embodiment, the coin processing device 100 has a control unit 190 located at the lower end of the identification and sorting unit 109. The control unit 190 is equipped with a microcomputer and various communication interfaces for controlling each part of the coin processing device 100. The microcomputer includes a CPU and various types of memory.

[0012] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the identification and sorting unit 109 with the upper cover 101A removed according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a plan view of the identification and sorting unit 109 with the upper cover 101A removed according to this embodiment. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the multiple coins that are inserted are sent one by one to the sorting unit 120 by the sorting unit 110. The configuration for sending the coins one by one from the sorting unit 110 to the sorting unit 120 will be described later.

[0013] The sorting unit 120 identifies the type of coin for each of the multiple coins using the identification unit 1330, and sends them to the first transport path 1311 formed outside the sorting unit 120, the second transport path 1312 formed inside the sorting unit 120, the third transport path 1313 formed outside the sorting unit 120, the fourth transport path 1314 formed inside the sorting unit 120, and other paths formed outside the sorting unit 120. The materials are sent to a fifth transport path 1315, a sixth transport path 1316 formed inside the sorting section 120, a seventh transport path 1317 formed outside the sorting section 120, an eighth transport path 1318 formed inside the sorting section 120, an overflow transport path 1319 formed outside the sorting section 120, or a reject transport path 1320 formed outside the sorting section 120.

[0014] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, coins sent to the first transport path 1311, the third transport path 1313, the fifth transport path 1315, and the seventh transport path 1317 outside the sorting unit 120 are accumulated in predetermined storage spaces in the lower storage unit 142, according to their denomination. More specifically, coins sent to the first transport path 1311 are sent to the rightmost storage space in the lower storage unit 142, as viewed from the front. Coins sent to the third transport path 1313 are sent to the second storage space from the right in the lower storage unit 142. Coins sent to the fifth transport path 1315 are sent to the second storage space from the left in the lower storage unit 142. Coins sent to the seventh transport path 1317 are sent to the leftmost storage space in the lower storage unit 142.

[0015] Furthermore, coins sent to the second transport path 1312, fourth transport path 1314, sixth transport path 1316, and eighth transport path 1318 inside the sorting section 120 are accumulated in predetermined storage spaces in the upper storage unit 141 according to their denomination. More specifically, coins sent to the second transport path 1312 are sent to the rightmost storage space of the upper storage unit 141 when viewed from the front. Coins sent to the fourth transport path 1314 are sent to the second storage space from the right of the upper storage unit 141. Coins sent to the sixth transport path 1316 are sent to the second storage space from the left of the upper storage unit 141. Coins sent to the eighth transport path 1318 are sent to the leftmost storage space of the upper storage unit 141.

[0016] Referring to Figure 2, in the coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment, when dispensing coins, the bucket 160 lowers to its lower end in accordance with a command from the control unit 190. Next, in accordance with a command from the control unit 190, a specified number of coins stocked in each storage space are discharged forward. More specifically, the coins accumulated in the upper storage unit 141 are sent forward by a conveyor belt 154 driven in accordance with a command from the control unit 190 and fall onto the upper surface of the bucket 160. Similarly, the coins accumulated in the lower storage unit 142 are also sent forward by a conveyor belt 154 driven in accordance with a command from the control unit 190 and fall onto the upper surface of the bucket 160. Finally, as shown in Figure 3, the bucket 160 carrying the coins rises, and the coins are discharged from the front. <Configuration of the identification and sorting unit 109>

[0017] Next, the configuration of the identification and sorting unit 109 at the top of the coin processing device 100 will be described in detail. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, as described above, the identification and sorting unit 109 mainly includes a sorting unit 110 and a sorting unit 120. The sorting unit 110 is located on the front side, i.e., the front part, of the coin processing device 100 and is for sending the coins that are successively inserted from the coin slot 102 to the sorting unit 120 one by one. The sorting unit 120 is located on the back side, i.e., the rear part, of the coin processing device 100 and identifies the type of coin sent from the sorting unit 110 and sends it to the transport path according to the type. <Configuration of the sorting unit 110>

[0018] The sorting unit 110 will be described below with reference to Figures 5, 6, and 7. The sorting unit 110 is provided with a circular base 111 and cylindrical side walls 112. A coin-collecting rotating disc 113, driven by a motor 106, is positioned on the upper surface of the base 111. Multiple holes 113X into which coins are fitted are formed in the coin-collecting rotating disc 113. In this embodiment, three holes 113X are formed. That is, holes 113X are formed at 120° intervals around the drive shaft. The coin-collecting rotating disc 113 is driven by a motor, which will be described later, to push the coins fitted into the holes 113X outwards one by one through the discharge port 112X at the rear of the side wall 112 and send them to the sorting unit 120. More specifically, the coins rotate clockwise in a plan view in accordance with the movement of the hole 113X of the coin receiving turntable 113, and when they hit the multiple guide pins 114, 114..., they are pushed backward along the line of the multiple guide pins 114, 114..., that is, outwards from the side wall 112.

[0019] In this embodiment, the height of the portion of the guide pins 114, 114... that protrudes above the surface of the base 111 is set even lower than the thinnest coin the device is targeting. For example, about 1 mm. As a result, even if two coins are stacked in the hole 113X of the intake turntable 113, the upper coin does not collide with the guide pins 114, 114... but is pushed back towards the side wall 112 and the inside of the hole 113X. As a result, even if two coins are stacked in the hole 113X of the intake turntable 113, only the bottom coin is pushed by the guide pins 114, 114..., pushing the biasing member at the outlet upward and backward, and is discharged to the sorting section 120. <Configuration of the sorting section 120>

[0020] Next, the sorting unit 120 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The sorting unit 120 is provided with a circular base 121. Above the base 121 is a conveying rotating body 123 driven by a motor 106. Multiple conveying pins 123X, 123X... are formed on the conveying rotating body 123 to push the coins forward from the rear. In this embodiment, five conveying pins 123X, 123X... are formed. That is, the conveying pins 123X, 123X... are attached at 72° intervals around the axis of the conveying rotating body 123. The conveying rotating body 123 is driven by the drive motor 106 to slide the coins one by one along the side walls 122 around the base 121 in a counterclockwise direction in a plan view. In other words, in this embodiment, the sorting unit 120 can convey up to five coins simultaneously or send them to the conveying path.

[0021] The identification unit 1330 determines the authenticity of a coin and identifies its type by measuring its diameter, thickness, surface irregularities, reverse surface irregularities, and electrical resistance, among other things, for coins sent by the transport pins 123X. The identification unit 1330 sends the determination result and identification result to the microcontroller of the control unit 190. In this embodiment, the microcontroller's memory stores the transport path or storage case location for each type of coin. Based on the determination result and identification result, the control unit 190 drives motors and solenoids on the base 121 to transport the coins to the reject path or to the transport path or storage location according to their type. As described above, the coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment transports four types of coins toward the outside of the circular sorting unit 120 and four types of coins toward the bottom of the circular sorting unit 120, making it possible to compactly sort and transport multiple types of coins. <Drive mechanism for the processing unit 110 and sorting unit 120>

[0022] Next, the drive mechanisms of the processing unit 110 and the sorting unit 120 will be described. As shown in Figure 6, the driving force of the drive motor 106 is transmitted to the intake rotation shaft 1131 of the intake turntable 113 of the processing unit 110 via a plurality of gear groups 107, i.e., a gear reduction unit. In this embodiment, the driving force of the drive motor 106 is also provided to the conveying rotation body 123 between the gear groups 107 and the intake rotation shaft 1131. More specifically, the driving force of the drive motor 106 is also transmitted to the conveying rotation shaft 1231 of the conveying rotation body 123 via a first pulley 1084 having the same axis as the common shaft 1081 of the middle gear 1082 located at the rear of the gear group 107, and a timing belt 1239.

[0023] In other words, in this embodiment, the driving force of a single drive motor 106 is used to simultaneously drive the intake rotating disc 113 of the processing unit 110 and the conveying rotating body 123 of the sorting unit 120.

[0024] More specifically, a central gear 1082 is fixed to the middle of the common shaft 1081 to receive driving force from the gear group 107. A first pulley 1084 is fixed to the upper part of the common shaft 1081. The driving force transmitted to the first pulley 1084 is transmitted to the second pulley 1284 via the timing belt 1239, and then to the conveying rotating shaft 1231. Meanwhile, a time lag gear 1083 is loosely fitted to the lower part of the common shaft 1081. The driving force from the central gear 1082 is transmitted to the time lag gear 1083, thereby transmitting driving force to the handling gear 1135 and the intake rotating shaft 1131.

[0025] In particular, in this embodiment, the timing of the coins being fed out by the rotation of the receiving turntable 113 of the sorting unit 110 corresponds to the timing of the conveying pins 123X of the conveying rotating body 123 of the sorting unit 120 starting to feed out coins. As described above, the receiving turntable 113 of the sorting unit 110 has three holes 113X, 113X, 113X, and the conveying rotating body 123 of the sorting unit 120 has five conveying pins 123X, 123X, 123X, 123X, 123X. Therefore, the number of teeth on the middle gear 1082 and time lag gear 1083 of the common shaft 1081, the diameter of the first pulley 1084, the number of teeth on the sorting gear 1135 of the intake rotating shaft 1131, and the diameter of the second pulley 1284 of the conveying rotating shaft 1231 are set so that the transport rotating body 123 of the sorting section 120 rotates by 72° while the intake rotating disc 113 of the sorting section 110 rotates by 120°.

[0026] As described above, in the coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment, coins inserted through the coin slot 102 are sorted one by one in the sorting unit 110 and sent to the sorting unit 120. The three holes 113X, 113X, 113X of the receiving turntable 113 and the five transport pins 123X, 123X, 123X, 123X, 123X of the transport rotating body 123 of the sorting unit 120 rotate synchronously with each other to transfer coins. The coins sent to the sorting unit 120 are then identified by the identification unit 1330 to determine their authenticity, denomination, etc., and are transported to their respective transport paths based on the results. <Structure for sending coins one by one from the sorting unit to the sorting unit>

[0027] In the following, with respect to this embodiment, a mechanism for the smooth transfer of coins from the sorting section 110 to the transport pin 123X of the sorting section 120 will be described.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, a discharge lever 117 is provided at the exit of the coin processing unit 110. The discharge lever 117 is biased from the outside inward in the direction of closing the exit of the processing unit 110. In this embodiment, the coins rotate clockwise in a plan view in accordance with the movement of the hole 113X of the intake turntable 113, and when they hit the multiple guide pins 114, 114..., they are pushed against the biasing force of the discharge lever 117, pushing the discharge lever 117 aside and being pushed out toward the rear of the device, that is, toward the outside of the side wall 112, along the arrangement of the multiple guide pins 114, 114....

[0029] In this embodiment, the outermost guide pin 114X, that is, the guide pin 114X located furthest back, is positioned outside the sorting section 110. In other words, it is positioned between the sorting section 110 and the sorting section 120. Unlike the other guide pins 114, this guide pin 114X may not slide vertically, or it may be a taller member than the other guide pins 114.

[0030] On the other hand, the coin receiving section of the sorting section 120 is provided with a first lever 151 for pushing the coins back. This lever 151 is positioned on the upper surface of the base 121 and is located to the left of the outermost guide pin 114X. In other words, the pivot axis 151X and the lever body 151Y of the lever 151 are positioned upstream of the closest point of the outermost guide pin 114X of the sorting section 110 in the path of the transport pin 123X. The lever 151 is biased to rotate in a direction that closes the entrance of the sorting section 120, that is, outward, that is, forward.

[0031] As a result, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, when a coin 10 is pushed out from the sorting section 110, the first lever 151 of the sorting section 120 is configured to push the coin 10 back. This allows the first lever 151 to push the coin 10 back, even if it is forcefully fed from the sorting section 110 into the sorting section 120, and press it against the outermost guide pin 114X or the side wall of the sorting section 110. In other words, the coin 10 sent from the sorting section 110 is more likely to stop at a desirable waiting position on the path of the transport pin 123X. To put it another way, even if the coin 10 is forcefully fed from the sorting section 110 into the sorting section 120, the possibility of it going too far inside the sorting section 120 or going too far inside the path through which the transport pin 123X passes is reduced.

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the coins 10 passed to the sorting unit 120 are pressed against their outer surface by the guide lever 129 and transported by the transport pins 123X. At the same time that the previous coin 10 is being transported by the transport pins 123X while being pressed against its outer surface by the guide lever 129, even if the next coin 10 is forcefully sent from the sorting unit 110 to the sorting unit 120, the first lever 151 can press the coin 10 against the outermost guide pin 114X or the side wall of the sorting unit 110. In other words, even while the previous coin 10 is pushing away the guide lever 129, the coin 10 from the sorting unit 110 is more likely to stop at a preferred waiting position in the path of the transport pins 123X. In other words, even if the coins 10 from the processing unit 110 are forcefully fed into the sorting unit 120, the possibility of them going too far inside the sorting unit 120 or going too far inside the path through which the transport pins 123X pass can be reduced.

[0033] As described above, the coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment can smoothly transfer coins 10 one by one from the sorting unit 110 to the transport pins 123X of the sorting unit 120, to the appropriate positions. [Second Embodiment]

[0034] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, a second lever 152 for measuring the diameter of a coin is provided in the area of ​​the sorting section 120 that receives coins from the processing section 110. The pivot axis 152X of the second lever 152 is provided coaxially with the pivot axis 151X of the first lever 151. The pivot axis 152X of the second lever 152 and the main body 152Y are provided on the lower side of the conveying rotation base 121, and the coin contact portion 152Z provided at the other end of the main body 152Y protrudes upward from the conveying rotation base 121. The first lever 151 is located on the upper surface of the conveying rotation base 121.

[0035] The second lever 152 is also biased to push the coins outward from the sorting section 110, but the biasing force is weak in order to improve the accuracy of measuring the diameter of the coins. More specifically, the biasing force of the second lever 152 is intended to return the second lever 152 itself to a position close to the outer circumference of the sorting section 120, and is not intended to push the coins outward. In other words, the biasing force of the second lever 152 is adjusted to be weak in order to accurately measure the diameter of the coins. Conversely, since the purpose of the first lever 151 is to push the coins back outward, the outward biasing force of the first lever 151 is stronger than the outward biasing force of the second lever 152.

[0036] As a result, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, when a coin 10 is pushed out from the sorting section 110, the second lever 152 is pushed backward by the coin 10, while the first lever 151 is configured to push the coin 10 back. This allows the diameter of the coin 10 to be accurately measured via the second lever 152, even when the coin 10 is forcefully fed from the sorting section 110 to the sorting section 120, and the first lever 151 can press the coin 10 against the outermost guide pin 114X or the side wall of the sorting section 110. In other words, the coin 10 from the sorting section 110 is more likely to stop at a preferred waiting position along the path of the transport pin 123X. In other words, even if the coins 10 are forcefully fed from the processing unit 110 into the sorting unit 120, the diameter of the coins 10 can be accurately measured, while reducing the possibility that the coins 10 may go too far inside the sorting unit 120 or too far inside the path through which the transport pins 123X pass.

[0037] In this embodiment, the coins 10 passed to the sorting unit 120 are pressed against their outer surface by the guide lever 129 and transported by the transport pins 123X. As shown in Figure 13, even if the next coin 10 is forcefully sent from the sorting unit 110 to the sorting unit 120 at the same time that the previous coin 10 is pressed against its outer surface by the guide lever 129 and transported by the transport pins 123X, the first lever 151 can press the coin 10 against the outermost guide pins 114X and the side wall of the sorting unit 110. In other words, the coins 10 from the sorting unit 110 are more likely to stop at a preferred waiting position in the path of the transport pins 123X. In other words, even if the coins 10 from the processing unit 110 are forcefully fed into the sorting unit 120, the possibility of the coins 10 going too far inside the sorting unit 120 or going too far inside the path through which the transport pins 123X pass can be reduced.

[0038] More specifically, if only the second lever 152 for diameter measurement is provided, that is, if the first lever 151 is not provided, as shown in Figure 13, when the previous coin 10 is pressed against the guide lever 129 and the next coin 10 is continuously fed into the sorting unit 120, the second lever 152 tends to be pushed further back than necessary, making it difficult to accurately measure the diameter of the second coin 10.

[0039] However, in this embodiment, that is, when the first lever 151 is provided, as shown in Figure 14, even if the next coin 10 is fed into the sorting unit 120 while the previous coin 10 is being pressed down by the guide lever 129, the first lever 151 pushes the next coin 10 back, preventing the second lever 152 from being pushed further back than necessary, and making it easier to accurately measure the diameter of the next coin 10. <Summary>

[0040] In the above embodiment, a coin processing device is provided, comprising: a sorting unit for receiving coins and dispensing them one by one; and a sorting unit for receiving coins one by one from the sorting unit, moving the coins along an arc, determining the type of coin or medal, and guiding them to a path for each type. The sorting unit includes a guide member provided at the coin exit portion for guiding the coins outward. The sorting unit includes a first lever located upstream of the guide member in the coin transport direction, biased in a direction to push the coins back outward from the sorting unit.

[0041] Preferably, the sorting section includes a second lever for measuring the diameter of a coin, located upstream of the guide member in the coin transport direction. The first lever is positioned upstream of the second lever in the coin transport direction.

[0042] Preferably, the biasing force of the first lever is greater than the biasing force of the second lever.

[0043] Preferably, the coin processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pivot axes of the first lever and the second lever are located coaxially.

[0044] Preferably, the sorting unit includes a guide member for pressing the coin against the outer peripheral surface on the downstream side in the coin conveyance direction with respect to the second lever.

[0045] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

[0046] 10: Coin 100: Coin processing device 102: Coin insertion port 106: Drive motor 109: Identification and sorting unit 110: Disposal unit 111: Base 112: Side wall 112X: Discharge port 113: Inlet rotating disk 113X: Hole 114: Guide pin 114X: Guide pin 117: Discharge lever 120: Sorting unit 121: Conveying rotating base 122: Side wall 123: Conveying rotating body 123X: Conveying pin 129: Guide lever 1330: Identification unit 140: Storage and payout unit 141: Upper storage unit 142: Lower storage unit 144: Conveying belt 151: First lever 151X: Rotation axis 151Y: Lever body 152: Second lever 152X: Rotation axis 152Y: Body 152Z: Coin contact part 160: Bucket 190: Control unit 1330: Identification unit

Claims

1. A coin processing device comprising: a sorting unit for receiving coins and dispensing them one by one; a sorting unit for receiving the coins one by one from the sorting unit, moving the coins along an arc, determining the type of coin or medal, and guiding them to a path for each type; wherein the sorting unit includes a guide member provided at the exit portion of the coins for guiding the coins outward; and the sorting unit includes a first lever located upstream of the guide member in the coin transport direction, biased to push the coins back outward from the sorting unit.

2. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sorting unit includes a second lever for measuring the diameter of the coins, located upstream of the guide member in the coin transport direction, and the first lever is located upstream of the second lever in the coin transport direction.

3. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the biasing force of the first lever is greater than the biasing force of the second lever.

4. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pivot axes of the first lever and the second lever are located coaxially.

5. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sorting unit includes a guide member for pressing the coins against their outer surface, located downstream of the second lever in the coin transport direction.

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