AU756190B2 - Coin handling device - Google Patents

Description

-1-

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant/s: Actual Inventor/s: Address for Service: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Conlux Nobuyuki lida and Kenji Nakajima and Masato Yagi and Yukio Ito and Tetsuro Kikuchi BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS MARGARET STREET SYDNEY NSW 2000 3710000352 CCN: Invention Title: 'COIN HANDLING DEVICE' Details of Original Application No. 28520/99 dated 17 Mar 1999 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- File: 26063AUP01 iP Austraft ,Do uments rpr-r ii On: Z lic

DESCRIPTION

Coin handling device TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a coin handling device for use in automatic vending machines, money changing machines, self-service machines and the like, which sorts and stores inserted coins according to their denomination, and dispenses the sorted and stored coins as change.

Automatic vending machines, money changing machines, self-service machines and similar facilities are conventionally fitted with a coin handling device, which sorts and stores inserted coins according to their denomination, and dispenses the sorted and stored coins as change.

Broadly speaking, this coin handling device comprises the following three sections.

.*15 The first section is the body of the device, which constitutes the casing 0. the coin handling device. At the very bottom of the body of the device is located a coin dispenser unit which serves to dispense change.

The second section is a coin storage unit, located directly above the coin dispenser unit and storing coins which have been sorted by denomination. The coin storage unit comprises a plurality of coin tubes, and is fitted to. the body of the device in such a manner as to be capable of being attached and detached freely.

The third section is a coin sorting unit, which isq lo-cated directly above the coin storage unit and serves to sort the inserted coins into authentic ones or counterfeit ones and sorts the authentic coins according to the denominations.

The coin sorting unit has a complex system of coin passages which serve to identify coins inserted through the coin insertion aperture as authentic -2 or counterfeit, and to sorts the coins identified as authentic according to the denominations. In some parts of this complex system of coin passages is located a variety of coin-sorting machinery, including coin identification devices comprising oscillation coils and reception coils, a plurality of levers which serve to sort the coins into the prescribed coin passages, and solenoids which serve to drive them..

With a coin handling device structured in this manner, inserted coins first enter the coin sorting unit. Here, as they roll along the respective prescribed coin passages, they are identified as authentic or counterfeit, and the authentic coins are sorted by denomination. Counterfeit coins are channelled into a prescribed coin passage, while authentic coins are each sorted and guided into prescribed coin passages formed according to denomination. The authentic coins are then stored by denomination in the coin storage unit. When the denominations which constitute the required change are determined, coins which have been stored in the coin storage unit are selected according to the amount of change required, and dispensed through a coin o dispensing unit located at the very bottom.

Within the casing which constitutes the body of the coin handling device are located various types of electronic equipment including a pay-out slide which dispenses the coins, a motor which drives the pay-out slide, and ooo solenoid plungers. A problem exists here in that if, for instance, detergent or a similar viscous liquid drops down into the interior from the upper surface of o: o.the casing which constitutes the body of the device, this may penetrate the various members which constitute the coin handling device, adhering to the solenoids and other pieces of electronic equipment or the various pieces of driving machinery, causing them to malfunction and thereby impair the function of the coin handling device. A further problem is that when viscous 3 liquid adhering to such machinery dries, it can act as a lock preventing the machinery from operating, and thus halt the function of the coin handling device altogether.

In the coin sorting unit in particular, due to the complex formation of coin passages within the body of the device and the fact that the coins roll along these coin passages, if soft drinks or detergent and similar liquids are allowed in, this liquid will also run along the coin passages and penetrate the interior of the device.

The fear is that if detergents and similar viscous liquids are allowed into the coin passages, they will adhere to the coin sorting levers and other sorting apparatus which is located in these coin passages, causing them to malfunction and impair the sorting function.

There is a further problem in that not only can viscous liquid adhering to the sorting apparatus dry and act as a lock preventing the sorting apparatus from operating, thus halting the function of the coin handling device, but it can also penetrate as far as the coin tubes where the authentic coins are stored after sorting by denomination. This may cause the electronic circuitry, motors and other electrical components located in that vicinity to be short-circuited and malfunction.

Numerous suggestions have been made for the provision of liquid discharging means at various points in a coin handling device.

However, it has proved especially difficult to eliminate liquid flowing along the cables which run into the coin handling device from outside, feeding i signals and electric power to it.

The applicant of the present invention has previously proposed a method of preventing liquid from penetrating the coin passages formed within the coin handling device in Japanese Patent Publication 2-76092. According to the -4proposed coin handling device, liquid guide grooves are provided both on the main plate, where are form both the coin insertion aperture and the coin passages which connect with the coin insertion aperture and lead roughly vertically downwards, and on the gate plate which serves to open and close the main plate. Liquid penetrating through the coin insertion aperture is swiftly discharged from the device with the aid of the liquid grooves together with a liquid collection unit which is provided downstream from the liquid guide grooves, and a liquid discharge passage which connects to the liquid collection unit.

However, even with the provision of liquid guide grooves on the main plate and on the gate plate, and the liquid collection unit downstream from them, the risk remains that large amounts of liquid entering through the coin insertion aperture may overflow from the liquid guide grooves and penetrate the body of the device.

Another risk is that when liquid guide grooves are formed on both the main plate and the gate plate, opening the two plates in order to return coins which have lodged 15 between them may allow the coins to wedge between the liquid guide grooves formed respectively on the main plate and on the gate plate, thus making it impossible to return the coins.

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be .:o.oi considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common OO. 20 general knowledge in the field.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the invention provides a coin handling device having a coin-sorting unit comprising: coin guide means for guiding coins inserted by way of a coin insertion aperture downwards substantially vertically; liquid collecting means for collecting liquid dropping down through the coin guide means; liquid discharging means for discharging the collected liquid to outside the device; liquid flow-in means for allowing liquid dropping down through the coin guide means to flow thereinto; liquid passing means for allowing large amount of the liquid which has been flown into the liquid flow-in means to pass therethrough; and liquid flow-out means for allowing the liquid which has been passed through the liquid passing means to flow out to the liquid discharging means, wherein the coin guide means comprises a coin passage defined by a main plate and a gate plate for opening and closing the main plate, the coin passage being connected directly 15 to the coin insertion aperture, wherein, of the main plate and the gate plate that define the coin passage, only the main plate is formed with concave sections for guiding the liquid; the liquid collecting means is provided in a portion of the main plate located o:oo• beneath the coin passage, and comprises a liquid collecting unit for collecting liquid •ge 20 dropping down through the coin passage; the liquid discharging means comprises a liquid discharge passage connected to the liquid collecting unit; the liquid flow-in means comprises a liquid inlet hole formed upstream portion of the coin passage; -6the liquid flow-out means comprises a liquid outlet hole or a liquid guide protrusion, formed downstream portion of the coin passage; and the liquid passing means comprises a liquid flow passage formed on the rear surface of the coin passage, for allowing large amounts of liquid flowing from the liquid inlet hole towards the liquid outlet hole or the liquid guide protrusion to pass.

Advantageously, the invention, at least in a preferred form provides a coin handling device wherein liquid entering through the coin insertion aperture is not allowed to flow into the body of the device and if liquid runs down the cable and penetrates the interior of the device, such liquid is swiftly discharged.

In this manner, advantageously, the invention, at least in a preferred form provides that even if detergent or a similar viscous liquid is introduced in large amounts through the coin insertion aperture, it is discharged swiftly from the interior of the device by way of the liquid passing means, thus making it possible to prevent, as far as is feasible, liquid introduced through the coin insertion aperture from overflowing from the coin 15 guide means. It is therefore possible, as far as is feasible, to prevent liquid from adhering to the sorting apparatus which is located within the coin sorting unit, thus ensuring continuous stable functioning.

•...*Preferably, by not forming a liquid guide groove on at least one plate from among the main plate and gate plate which constitute the coin guide means, it can advantageously be ensured that when the two are opened in order to return coins which have lodged between them, it is possible to do so and return the coins without any of them becoming wedged between the main plate and the gate plate, thus providing a coin handling device having a stable function for the return of lodged coins.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of -6aexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a front view of the first embodiment of the coin handling device to which the invention of the first aspect pertains; Fig. 2 is a top view of the coin handling device to which the first aspect pertains; Fig. 3 is a rear view of the coin handling device to which the first aspect pertains; Fig. 4 is an enlarged cut-away view of the principal part of Fig. 3; -7- Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-section along the line V-V in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a front view of the first embodiment of the coin handling device to which the invention of the second aspect pertains, illustrating the coin-sorting unit; Fig. 7 is an enlarged cut-away view of the principal part of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is an enlarged cut-away view of the gate plate; Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-section along the line IX-IX in Fig. 6; Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-section of the second embodiment of the coin handling device to which the second aspect pertains, illustrating the coin-sorting unit; Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-section along the line XE-XI in Fig. 10; and Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-section along the line XIII-XII in Fig. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION There follows a detailed description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments of the coin handling device to which the inventions of the first and second pertain will be described below in detail.

Fig. l is a front view of the coin handling device 1 to which the first aspect pertains.

The coin handling device 1 comprises the following three sections as in conventional devices.

The first section is the device body 2, which constitutes the casing of the coin handling device 1. At the very bottom of the device body 2 is located a coin dispenser unit 3 which serves to dispense change.

The second section is a coin storage unit 4, located directly above the coin dispenser unit 3 and storing coins which have been sorted by denomination. As in the case of conventional devices, the coin storage unit 4 8comprises a plurality of coin tubes, and is fitted to the device body 2 in such a manner as to be capable of being attached and detached freely.

The third section is a coin sorting unit 5, which is located directly above the coin storage unit 4 and serves to identify coins inserted through the corn.

insertion aperture A as authentic or counterfeit, and to identify the denominations of authentic coins. As in the case of conventional devices, the coin sorting unit 5 is fitted to the device body 2 in such a manner as to be capable of being attached and detached freely.

Meanwhile, as may be. seen from the top view of the device body 2 in Fig. 2, a concave section 11 is formed along its perimeter. The bottom surface of the concave section 11 is formed so as to incline towards the rear surface 12 of the device body 2, while in the centre of the rear surface 12 is formed a cutting 13 which connects to the interior of the concave section 11.

The upper surface 10 of the device body 2 allows liquid which drops on to it to be guided thanks to the concave section li on to the rear surface 12 of the device body 2, as is denoted by the arrows B. It then drops through the cutting 13 to below the rear surface 12.

Meanwhile, as may be seen from the rear view of the device body 2 in Fig. 3, there is formed on the rear surface 12 of the device body 2 a liquid guide groove 15 comprising a plurality of concave sections 14.

The upstream end of the liquid guide groove 15 faces on to the cutting 13, while the groove itself is formed in such a manner that it bends to the. right partway along its 'lengt, its downstream end i5a then extending downwards along the right-hand edge of the device body 2.

Partway along its length, the liquid guide groove 15 is joined by a liquid guide groove 17 comprising a plurality of concave sections 16 formed above on the rear surface 12 of the -device body 2 crossing toward the right part, and 9by a further liquid guide groove 19 comprising a plurality of concave sections 18 formed below on the rear surface 12.

By means of the liquid guide grooves 15, 17, 19 comprising the concave sections 14, 16, 18, of any liquid dropping on to the upper surface 10 of the device body 2, liquid which drops within the concave section 11 illustrated in Fi g. 2 is guided by the liquid guide groove 15 illustrated in Fig. 3 to the righthand side of the rear surface 12 of the device body 2, whence it drops down further and is discharged swiftly to outside the device body 2.

Meanwhile, liquid which has overflowed from the upper surface 10 of the device body 2 illustrated in Fig. 2 is collected by the liquid guide grooves 17, 19 illustrated in Fig. 3 crossing towards the right partway down the rear surface 12 of the device body 2, whence it drops down further and is discharged swiftly to outside the de~vice body 2.

Within the device body 2 is located a cable 20 which serves to feed electric power and signals to the various pieces of electronic apparatus installed within it.

Fig. 2 -demonstrates, the cable 20 extends from the left-hand side of the upper surface 10 of the device body 2 towards the interior thereof.

Consequently, there is a risk that any liquid dropping on the cable may run down the cable 20 and penetrate the interior of the device body 2.

.00. On the other hand, as Fig. 3 shows, a liquid storage box 30 is formed at the top within the device body 2, and this serves temporarily to store any liquid whiuch. runs down the1- cabjle.

As may be seen from Fig. 4, which is an enlarged cut-away view of the principal part of Fig. 3, the liquid storage box 30 comprises a body 31 of the box 30 and a lid 32 which covers the upper surface thereof, the box body 31 being integral with the device body 2 and having a cross-section shaped 10 roughly in the form of three sides of a rectangle.

A slit 33 is formed in the centre of the lid 32, and into the slit 33 is inserted a cable bend 20b formed by bending the upper end 20a of the cable roughly in the shape of a letter U.

As may be seen from Fig. 5, which is a schematic cross-section along the! line V-V in Fig. 4, the lid 32 comprises one lid section 32a being integral with the device body 2 in such a manner as to create in its centre the slit 33 into which the cable bend 20b is inserted, and another lid section 34a being integral with a centre cover 34 which covers the interior of the device body 2.

The upper surfaces of the lid sections 32a, 34a are formed in such a manner as to incline towards the slit 33.

A bottom surface 3 1 a of the box body 3 1 is inclined toward the rear surface 1 of the device body 2, and at the end the bottom surface 3 1 a are formed two liquid discharge outlets 3 l b (Fig. 3).

atteThe cable bend 20b, which is formed roughly in the shape of a letter U atteupper end 20a of the cable 20, and the lid 32, which covers the upper surface of the box body 31 and is formed in such a manner as to incline towards the slit 33 into which the cable bend 20b is inserted, constitute liquid guide means 6 1, which serves to guide liquid dropping down along the cable 20 and through the cable guide hole 1lOa into the device body 2.

foot Meanwhile, the liquid storage box 30, which consists of the box body 31 having a cross-section shaped roughly in the form of three sides of a rectangle, ::..forms liquid storing means 62, -which serve-s to store the aforesaid liquid S C**guided by virtue of the liquid guide means 6 1. At the same time, a liquid discharge outlet 3 l b formed in the box body 3 1 constitutes liquid discharging means 63, which serves to discharge liquid stored in the liquid storing means 62 to outside the body of the device.

11 As Fig. 3 shows, there is formed on the rear surface 12 of the device body 2 beneath the liquid discharge outlet 31 b a liquid guide groove 41 comprising a plurality of concave sections 40. The end of the liquid guide groove 41 connects with the aforesaid liquid guide groove In Figs. 4 and 5, the reference number 50 is a cable guide which not only covers the cable guide hole 10a formed on the upper surface 10 of the device body 2, but also holds the upper end 20a of the cable 20, and the reference numeral 51 is a guide rod which regulates the attitude of the cable There follows a description concerning the action of the liquid storage box As Fig. 4 demonstrates, liquid dropping down along the cable 20 (arrow D) enters by way of the slit 33 into the body.31 of the liquid storage box where it is temporarily stored. Then, as arrow E in Fig. 5 shows, the liquid which has been stored temporarily in the liquid storage box body 31 is guided thanks to the inclined bottom surface 31a of the box body 31 to the liquid discharge aperture 31b. Then, as may be seen from Fig. 3, liquid which has been discharged through the liquid discharge aperture 3 lb is guided to the.

liquid guide groove 41 comprising a plurality of concave sections, and in this manner discharged swiftly from inside the device body 2.

Meanwhile, as Fig. 5 shows, liquid dropping down from the vicinity of the cable guide hole 10 Oa (arrow F) is caught by the lid 32 having the respectively inclined lid sections 32a, 34b. The liquid Ich .as, been caught by the lid 32 drops down by way of the slit 33 into the body 31 of the liquid 25 storage box 30 (Fig. where it is temporarily stored. Then, the liquid which has been stored in the box body 31 is discharged swiftly from inside the device body 2 by the same route as above.

-12 Consequently, the liquid storage box 30 allows liquid which drops along the cable and through the cable guide hole 10a to drop down further with the aid of the slit 33 and the lid 32 inclined towards the slit 33 into the body 31 of the liquid storage box where it is stored. The liquid which has been store-d in the box body 31 in this manner is discharged swiftly from inside the device body 2 by way of the liquid discharge aperture 31lb.

Thus, the first embodiment is a coin handling device 1 having at least a cable which serves to feed various signals and electric power, a cable guide hole 10a which is formed on the upper surface.10 of the device body 2 and into which the cable 20 is inserted, and a coin-sorting unit 5 located within the device body 2 which serves to sort inserted coins into authentic ones and counterfeit ones. In this embodiment, the cable bend 20b formed at the upper end 20b of the cable 20 is located within the liquid storage box 30 formed within the device body 2 and having a slit 33 towards which the lid 32 of the liquid storage box 30 is inclined, in such a manner that liquid dropping along the cable 20 and through the cable guide hole 1iOa is guided with the aid of the slit 3 3 and the lid 32 into the body of the device 2, where it is stored in the liquid storage box 30, after which it is discharged swiffly to the rear surface 12 of the device body 2 by way of the liquid discharge aperture 3 lb formed on the side of the liquid storage box 30. In this manner it is possible to prevent, as far as is feasible, liquid dropping down along the cable 20 and through the cable guide hole 10a from adhering to the various components :within the device body 2, thus providing a coin handling device which will function in a stable fashion over long periods of time, and to guard the coin handling device against pranks involving the pouring of liquid into it.

-13- In other words, the coin handling device to which the invention of the first aspect pertains has at least a cable 20 which serves to feed various signals and electric power, a cable guide hole 10a which is formed on the upper surface 10 of the device body 2 and into which the cable 20 is inserted, and a coin-sorting unit 5 located within the device body 2 which serves to sort inserted coins into authentic ones and counterfeit ones. This coin handling device has liquid guide means which serves to guide liquid dropping down along the cable 20 and through the cable guide hole 10a into the device body 2, liquid storing means 62 which serves to store the aforesaid liquid guided by virtue of the liquid guide means 61, and liquid discharging means 63 which serves to discharge liquid stored in the liquid storing means 62 to outside the body of the device. In this manner, liquid dropping down along the cable 20 and through the cable guide hole 10a is guided by the liquid guide means 61 into the device body 2, where it is stored with the aid of the liquid storing means 62, and is then discharged with the aid of the liquid discharging means 63 to outside the device body 2, thus making it possible, as far as is feasible, to prevent 4* liquid dropping down along the cable 20 and through the cable guide hole 10a from adhering to the various components within the device body 2.

Consequently, the coin handling device to which the invention of the first aspect pertains is capable of functioning in a stable fashion over long periods of time, and can be guarded effectively against pranks involving the pouring of liquid into it.

There follows next a detailed description of the first and second embodiments of *the coin handling device to which the invention of the second aspect pertains.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the first embodiment of the coin handling device to which the second aspect pertains, illustrating the coin-sorting unit.

The first embodiment of the coin handling device 100 to which the second aspect pertains has a coin sorting unit 101 with an identification unit 14 102 comprising a main plate 103 formed of a hard high-molecular material.

The upper part of the main plate 103 is covered with a gate plate 104, also formed of a hard high-molecular material, in such a manner as to be capable of being opened and closed freely.

The lower part of the front of the main plate 103 is similarly covered with a front cover 105 fn such a manner as to be capable of being opened and closed freely. Between the main plate 103 and the front cover 105 is formed a plurality of coin passages.

As may be seen from Fig. 7, which is a front view of the coin sorting unit 101 with part of the gate plate 104 and front cover 105 cut away, a coin insertion aperture A is formed between the upper section of the main plate 103 and the gate plate 104. More or less vertically beneath the coin insertion aperture A is formed a coin passage 106, which is connected directly to the coin insertion aperture A and serves to guide coins inserted through the coin insertion aperture A more or less vertically downwards. The coin passage 106 formed by the main plate 103 and the gate plate 104 constitutes coin guide means 18 1, which serves to guide coins inserted through the coin insertion aperture A more or less vertically downwards.' At the downstream end of the coin passage 106 is formed an inclined coin passage 107 which causes corns dropping vertically down the coin passage 106 to roll to the right of the drawing. The coin passage 107 comprises a metal gate rail 108 located on the gate plate 104, and partway down it is located a coin sensor 109 w.hich ide.ntifies inserted coins as authentic or counterfeit, and determines the denomination of the authentic corns.

:25 Beneath the end of the coin passage 107 between the main plate 103 and front cover 105 are formed coin sorting means, which comprises a solenoid or similar device (not illustrated in the drawing) for sorting inserted coins by 15 denominaticin in accordance with detection signals from the coin sensor 109, and separate coin passages which guide the coins after sorting according to denomination.

In this manner, the main plate 103 and the gate plate 104 constitute the coin passage 106, which connects directly to the coin insertion aperture A and is formed facing more or lesi vertically downwards. On the main plate 103 si de is formed a plurait 7 of liquid guide concave sections 110 which serve to block liquid introduced through the coin insertion aperture A and guide it downstream, and liquid guide walls 111 which form 6xtensions to the liquid guide concave sections 110 downstream. It should be added that this plurality o-F liquid guide concave sections 110 is inclined towards the upstream side of the coin passage 107, and is formed in this manner so that liquid introduced through the coin insertion aperture A will not head downstream .Along the coin passage 107.

15 These liquid guide walls 111 are formed facing vertically downwards, and the downstream end thereof faces the liquid inlet hole of the liquid collection unit described below. Between the liquid guide walls 111 are formed liquid guide channels 112.

Meanwhile, no liquid guide grooves are formed on the gate plate 104 20 which constitutes the other side of the coin passage 106. As may be seen from Fig. 8, which is an enlarged cut-away view of the principal part of the gate plate, liquid inlet holes 120 having a circular cross-section are formed facing a lateral direction intre place-s on the upstream side of the coin passage 0% 106.

25 On the downstream side of the coin passage 106 is formed a plurality of liquid outlet holes 121 having a rectangular cross-section and facing towards the liquid collection unit described below. In the first embodiment, these liquid 16 outlet holes 121 tire formed in four places and face in a lateral direction.

The liquid inlet holes 120 constitute liquid flow-in means 184, which allows liquid dropping down the coin guide means 181 to flow into the coinsorting unit 10 1 rather than into the liquid collecting means described below.

The liquid outlet holes 121 constitute liquid flow-out means 186, which allows liquid which has been allowed to'pass the liquid passing means, also described below, to flow out to the liquid discharging means described below.

It should be added that the aforesaid metal gate rail 108 is fitted by virtue of snap action to the gate plate 104 midstream in the coin passage 106, in such a manner as to be capable of being attached and detached freely within the gate rail insertion hole 122.

As Fig. 6 demonstrates, a sub-plate 123 having a cross-section shaped roughly in the form of three sides of a rectangle is fitted to the lower section of the rear surface 1 04a of the gate plate 104 in such a manner as to be capable of being attached and detached freely. Between the sub-plate 123 and the lower section of the rear surface 104a of the gate plate is formed a liquid flow passage 130 through which are allowed to pass large amounts of liquid. The liquid flow passage 130 constitutes the liquid passing means 185, which allows large amounts of liquid to pass, having been allowed to flow in by the liquid flow-in means 184.

As may be seen from Fig. 7, a box-shaped liquid collection unit 140 which collects liquid dropping down along the coin passage 106 is formed on theI main plate 103 below the gate rai 108 andAA Tgrl mai plate 103. The liquid collection unit 140 constitutes liquid collecting means 182, .25 which serves to collect liquid dropping down the coin guide means 181.

On the upper surface 140a of the liquid collection unit 140 is formed a plurality of liquid inlet holes 141 of various sizes, while a liquid discharge -17passage 142 is formed on the lower left-hand side in order to discharge liquid which has collected. The liquid discharge passage 142 constitutes liquid discharging means 183, which serves to discharge collected liquid to outside the device.

As may be seen from Fig. 9, which is a schematic enlarged cross-section along the line DI-IX in Fig. 6, a fin 143 is formed integrally facing vertically downwards so as to allow dropping liquid to drop smoothly into the liquid collection unit 140.

There follows an explanation of the action of discharging liquid in the coin sorting unit 101 of the coin handling device 100 to which the first embodiment of the invention of the second aspect pertains.

As Fig. 9 shows, if detergent or a similar liquid J is introduced through the coin insertion aperture A, some of the liquid drops into the liquid collection unit 140 by way of the plurality of liquid guide concave sections 110 formed on the main plate 103, the liquid guide channels 112 formed between the liquid guide walls 111, and the plurality of liquid inlet holes 141 of the liquid collection unit 140. This is then swiftly discharged 15 to outside the device 100 by way of the passage 142 illustrated in Fig. 7, as shown by the arrow L.

Meanwhile, as may be seen from Fig. 9, some of the liquid J introduced through the coin insertion aperture A is guided as liquid M downstream along the gate plate 104.

The liquid M enters through the liquid inlet holes 120 having a circular cross-section which are formed in the gate plate 104, and pass the liquid flow passage 130 which is formed between the sub-plate 123 and the gate plate 104, and through which large amounts of liquid are allowed to pass. After that it drops down into the liquid collection unit 140 by way of the liquid outlet holes 121 which are formed facing the upper surface 140a of the liquid collection unit 140, as shown by the arrow N. It is then -18discharged to outside the device 100 by way of the liquid discharge passage 142 illustrated in Fig. 7, as shown by the arrow L.

Thus, as Fig. 9 demonstrates, in the coin handling device 100 to which the abovementioned first embodiment pertains, some of the liquid J introduced through the coin insertion aperture A is guided downstream along the gate plate 104, dropping down into the liquid collection unit 140 by way of the liquid flow passage 130, through which large amounts of liquid are allowed to pass, and the liquid outlet holes 121. As a result, even if the liquid J is poured into the coin insertion aperture A in large amounts, it is swiftly discharged through the liquid discharge passage 142, so that the risk of it overflowing from the coin passage 106 is reduced as far as is feasible.

In other words, the coin handling device 100 to which the first embodiment of the invention of the second aspect pertains has a coin-sorting unit 101, coin guide means 181 which serves to guide coins inserted by way of the coin insertion aperture A downwards o roughly vertically, liquid collecting means 182 which serves to collect liquid dropping 15 down the coin guide means 181, and liquid discharge means 183 which serves to "discharge the collected liquid to outside the device, being further equipped with liquid flow-in means 184, which allows liquid dropping down the coin guide means 181 to flow into the coin-sorting unit 101 rather than into the liquid collecting means 182, liquid passing means 185, which allows large amounts of the liquid which has been 9*9999 allowed to flow in to pass, and liquid flow-out means 186, which allows the liquid which has been allowed to pass to flow out to the liquid discharging means. As a result, even supposing detergent or a similar viscous liquid is poured into the coin insertion aperture A in large amounts, it is swiftly discharged to outside the device by way of the liquid flow passage 130 formed on the rear surface of the gate plate 104 and the liquid collection 19 unit 140, making it possible to prevent, as far as is feasible, the liquid from overflowing from the coin passage 106.

.Moreover, in the coin handling device 100 to which the first embodiment pertains, no liquid guide groove is formed on the gate plate 104, one of the plates constituting- the coin passage 106, which is the coin guide means 181. Thus, it can be ensured that when the main plate 103 and the gate plate 104 are opened in order to return coins which have lodged between them, it is possible to do so and return the coins without any of them becoming wedged between the main plate 103 and the gate plate 104, thus providing a coin handling device having a stable function for the return of lodged coins.

Furthermore, in the coin handling device 100 to which the first embodiment pertains, liquid running down the liquid flow passage 130 of the gate plate 104 is guided temporarily into the liquid collection unit 140, and then discharged from there by way of the liquid discharge passage 142. However, this invention is in no manner restricted to the above embodiment, and it is also possible for liquid to be discharged by guiding it directly to a liquid collection passage 142 formed on the main plate 103.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-section of the second embodiment of the coin handling device to which the invention of thle second aspect pertains, illustrating the coin-sorting unit In particular, it is shown with the sub-plate 123, which forms the liquid flow passage 130, removed. Components which are the same as those illustrated in Figs. 6-9 have been allocated the same reference numbers or symbols.

:In the coin handling device 200 to which the second embodiment of the second aspect pertains, two liquid guide ribs 151, 152 are formed above and below the gate plate 104 within the liquid flow passage 130, integrally with it and inclining from right to left in the drawing. Of these, the upper liquid guide 20 rib 151 does not reach as far as the-left-hand side 130a of the liquid flow passage 130, where a hole 130b is formed.

On the left-hand side 130a of the liquid flow passage 130 is also formed a liquid outlet hole 153, which causes liquid running along the liquid flow passage 130 to drop down towards the liquid discharge passage 142. The bottom surface 153a of the liquid outlet hole 153 extends a prescribed distance to the left of the drawing, and on its under surface there protrudes towards the liquid discharge passage 142 a liquid guide protrusion 153b having a elliptical cross-section.

As may be seen from Fig. 11, which is a schematic cross-section along the line XI-XI in Fig. 10, there is formed on the right-hand side of the liquid discharge passage 142 within the coin sorting unit 201 of the coin handling device 200 to which this second embodiment pertains a liquid storage concave section 160 which connects with the liquid discharge passage 142 and the liquid collection unit 140. At the top of this is formed an aperture 160a, on to -which the aforesaid liquid guide protrusion 153b abuts.

The liquid outlet hole 153 and liquid guide protrusion 153b replace the *liquid flow-out means 186 of the coin handling device 100 to which the first embodiment pertains, and constitute a liquid flow-out means 216, allowing liquid which has passed through the liquid passing means 185 to flow out to the liquid discharging means 183. The liquid flow passage 130 constitutes the liquid passing means 185, which allows large amounts of liquid to pass from 1" me liquid inlet hole 120 towards the liquid outlet hole 153 and liquid guide protrusion 153b.

25 As Figs. 10 and 11 show, a slit 160b is formed on the rear surface of the aperture 160a of the liquid storage concave section 160.

In the coin handling device 200 to which the second embodiment 21 pertains, liquid flowing on the main plate' 3 side in the coin sorting unit 201 drops down into the liquid collection unit 140 by way of the plurality of liquid guide concave sections 110, the liquid guide channels 112 formed between the liquid guide walls 111, and the plurality of liquid inlet holes 141 of the liquid collection unit 140, as is demonstrated by the arrow K in Fig. 12, which is a schematic cross-section along the line XII-XII in Fig. 10. This is then swiftly discharged by way of the liquid discharge passage 142 illustrated in Fig. Meanwhile, in the coin sorting unit 201 of the coin handling device 200 to which the second embodiment pertains, as may be seen from Fig. 12, some of the liquid J introduced through the coin insertion aperture A is guided as liquid M downstream along the gate plate 104. The liquid M enters through the liquid inlet holes 120 having a circular cross-section which are formed in the gate plate 104, and through the gate rail insertion hole 122 or elsewhere, and pass the liquid flow passage 130 which is formed between the sub-plate 123 15 and the gate plate 104. After that, as Fig. 10 shows, it drops down smoothly into the liquid storage concave section 160 by way of the liquid outlet hole 153 formed facing towards the liquid discharge passage 142, and the liquid guide e protrusion 153b, and is discharged immediately and swiftly to outside the device 200 by way of the liquid discharge passage 142. It should be added that, 20 as may be seen from Fig. 10, liquid which has overflowed from the aperture 160a of the liquid storage concave section 160 also drops down into the liquid storage concave section 160 by way of the slit 160b formed on the rear surface of the aperture 160a, and is swiftly dich1 red to outs ide the device 200 by way of the liquid discharge passage 142.

25 Consequently, in the coin handling device 200 to which the above second embodiment pertains, some of the liquid J introduced through the coin insertion aperture A flows downstream as liquid M along the gate plate 104, -22and is guided directly into the liquid discharge passage 142 by way of the liquid flow passage 130, through which large amounts of liquid are allowed to pass. It is then swiftly discharged, allowing the process of discharging the liquid to be implemented with even greater speed.

In other words, the coin handling device 200 to which the second embodiment of the invention of the second aspect pertains has a coin-sorting unit 201, coin guide means 181 comprising the coin passage 106 and serving to guide coins inserted by way of the coin insertion aperture A downwards roughly vertically, liquid collecting means 182 comprising the liquid collection unit 140 and serving to collect liquid dropping down the coin guide means 181, and liquid discharge means 183 comprising the liquid discharge passage 142 and serving to discharge the collected liquid to outside the device, being further equipped with liquid flow-in means 184, comprising the liquid inlet hole 121 and allowing liquid dropping down the coin guide means 181 to flow into the coinsorting unit 201 rather than into the liquid collecting means 182, liquid passing means I15 185, comprising the liquid flow passage 130 and allowing large amounts of the liquid 00 which has been allowed to flow in to pass, and liquid flow-out means 216, comprising too* the liquid outlet hole 153 and the liquid guide protrusion 153b, and allowing the liquid which has been allowed to pass to flow out to the liquid discharging means 183. As a result, even supposing detergent or a similar viscous liquid is poured into the coin insertion aperture A in large amounts, it is swiftly discharged to outside the device by way of the liquid flow passage 130 formed on the rear surface of the gate plate, maldng it possible to prevent, as far as is feasible, the liquid from overflowing from the coin passage 106 which connects directly to the coin insertion aperture A.

-23- Moreover, no liquid guide groove is formed on the gate plate 104, one of the plates constituting the coin passage 106 in the coin sortink unit 201. Thus, it can be ensured that when the main plate 103 and the gate plate 104 are opened in order to return coins which have lodged between them, it is possible to do so and return the coins without any of them becoming wedged between the main plate 103 and the gate plate 104, thus providing a coin handling device having a stable function for the return of lodged coins.

It should be added that of the first and second embodiments of the invention, of the second aspect, the first embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 9 has liquid discharging means which comprises the liquid outlet hole 121 formed at the bottom of the liquid flow passage 130 and allowing the liquid M to flow out towards the liquid collection unit 140, .while in the second embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 10 it comprises the liquid outlet hole 153 formed at the bottom of the liquid flow passage 130 and allowing the liquid M S"to flow out towards the liquid discharge passage 142, and the liquid guide protrusion 153b which guides the liquid M. However, this second aspect is in no way restricted to o: 15 the first and second embodiments, and it is possible, for instance, for the liquid 0 0 discharging means to comprise the liquid outlet hole 121 illustrated in the first o embodiment and a liquid guide protrusion which guides the liquid M towards the liquid collection unit 140. Similarly, it is possible to omit the liquid guide protrusion 153b •o.

illustrated in the second embodiment, and for the liquid discharging means to comprise only the liquid outlet hole 153.

It is also possible for the liquid discharging means to comprise both a liquid outlet hole 121 formed at the bottom of the liquid flow passage 130, and a liquid outlet hole 153 also formed at the bottom of the liquid flow passage 130 and allowing the liquid M to flow out towards the liquid discharge passage 142. What is more, it is also possible to -24form a liquid guide protrusion which guides the liquid towards the liquid collection unit 140, and a liquid guide protrusion 153b which guides the liquid M towards the liquid discharge passage 142.

Moreover, in the coin handling device 100, 200 to which the first and second embodiments pertain, liquid flow-in means 184 and liquid flow-out means 18B have been formed on the gate plate 104, one of the plates constituting the coin passage 106 which is the coin guide means 181 in the coin sorting unit 101, 201, and no liquid guide groove has been formed. However, in this second aspect all that is required is that no liquid guide groove be formed on at least one of the plates constituting the coin passage 106 which is the coin guide means 181, and it is also possible, for instance, to form the liquid flow-in means 184 on the main plate 103, the liquid flow-out means 186 on the gate plate 104, and no liquid guide groove.

As has been explained above, the coin handling device 200 to which the second aspect pertains has at least a coin sorting unit 101,201 comprising coin guide means 181 which serves to guide coins inserted by way of the coin insertion aperture A downwards roughly vertically, liquid collecting means 182 which serves to collect liquid dropping down the coin guide means 181, and liquid discharging means 183 which serves to discharge the collected liquid to outside the device, the coin sorting unit 101, 201 being equipped with liquid flow-in means 184 which allows liquid dropping down the coin guide means 181 to flow into the coin-sorting unit 101, 201 rather than into the liquid collecting means 182, liquid passing means 185 which allows large amounts of the liquid having been allowed to flow in to pass, and liquid flow-out means 186, 216 which allows the liquid having been allowed to pass to flow out to the liquid discharging means 183. As a result, even supposing detergent or a similar viscous liquid is poured into the coin insertion aperture A in large amounts, it is swiftly discharged to outside the device, making it possible to prevent, as far as is feasible, the liquid from overflowing from the coin guide means 181. In this manner it is possible to prevent, as far as is feasible, liquid from adhering to the various pieces of sorting machinery within the coin handling device 101,201, thus providing a coin handling device which is endowed with continuous stable functioning.

Moreover, no liquid guide groove is formed on at least one plate from among the main plate 103 and the gate plate 104, which constitute the coin guide means 181. Thus, it can be ensured that when the main plate 103 and the gate plate 104 are opened in order to return coins which have lodged between them, it is possible to do so and return the coins without any of them becoming wedged between the main plate 103 and the gate plate 104, thus providing a coin handling device having a stable function for the return of lodged coins.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As has been explained above, the coin handling device to which the inventions of the first and second aspects pertain is effective as a coin handling device for use in automatic vending machines, money changing machines, self-service machines and elsewhere, which sorts and stores inserted coins according to their denomination, and dispenses the sorted and stored coins as change.

In particular, the coin handling device to which the first aspect pertains has succeeded in preventing, as far as is feasible, liquid dropping down along the cable and through the cable guide hole from adhering to the various components within the body of the device, and is thus -suited for use as a coin handling device which will function is a -26stable fashion over long periods of time, and guard effectively against pranks involving the pouring of liquid into it.

Similarly, the coin handling device to which the second aspect pertains has succeeded in preventing, as far as is feasible, liquid from adhering to the various pieces of sorting machinery within the coin handling device, thus providing a coin handling device which is endowed with continuous stable functions of sorting coins and returning lodged coins.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

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Claims (6)

1. A coin handling device having a coin-sorting unit comprising: coin guide means for guiding coins inserted by way of a coin insertion aperture downwards substantially vertically; liquid collecting means for collecting liquid dropping down through the coin guide means; liquid discharging means for discharging the collected liquid to outside the device; liquid flow-in means for allowing liquid dropping down through the coin guide means to flow thereinto; liquid passing means for allowing large amount of the liquid which has been flown o into the liquid flow-in means to pass therethrough; and liquid flow-out means for allowing the liquid which has been passed through the liquid passing means to flow out to the liquid discharging means, 15 wherein the coin guide means comprises a coin passage defined by a main plate and a gate plate for opening and closing the main plate, the coin passage being connected directly to the coin insertion aperture, wherein, of the main plate and the gate plate that define the coin passage, only the main plate is formed with concave sections for guiding the liquid; the liquid collecting means is provided in a portion of the main plate located beneath the coin passage, and comprises a liquid collecting unit for collecting liquid dropping down through the coin passage; the liquid discharging means comprises a liquid discharge passage connected to the liquid collecting unit; -28- the liquid flow-in means comprises a liquid inlet hole formed upstream portion of the coin passage; the liquid flow-out means comprises a liquid outlet hole or a liquid guide protrusion, formed downstream portion of the coin passage; and the liquid passing means comprises a liquid flow passage formed on the rear surface of the coin passage, for allowing large amounts of liquid flowing from the liquid inlet hole towards the liquid outlet hole or the liquid guide protrusion to pass.

2. The coin handling device according to claim 1, wherein: the coin guide means is a coin passage defined by the main plate and the gate plate for opening and closing the main plate, and comprises a coin passage which is connected directly to the coin insertion aperture; the liquid flow-in means and the liquid flow-out means are located on the gate plate; and the liquid passing means is located on the rear surface of the gate plate. eeoee 15

3. The coin handling device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid flow-out means is located facing towards the liquid collecting means so that liquid dropping down from the liquid flow-out means is discharged by way of the liquid collecting means and through the liquid discharging means. S.

4. The coin handling device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid flow-out means is located facing towards the liquid discharging means so that liquid dropping down from the liquid flow-out means is discharged through the liquid discharging means without passing through the liquid collecting means.

The coin handling device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid flow-out means is located facing respectively towards the liquid collecting means and the liquid discharging means so that liquid dropping down from the liquid flow-out means is -29- discharged by way of the liquid collecting means and through the liquid discharging means, and also through the liquid discharging means without passing through the liquid collecting means.

6. A coin handling device having a coin sorting unit, said device being substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. DATED this 20 th Day of February, 2002 KABUSHIKI KAISHA NIPPON CONLUX Attorney: STUART M. SMITH Fellow Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia of BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS 00 0e IP Australia Documents received on C) O FEB 2002 ooh oNo: 20IIII20I2III