JP3203111B2 - Coin processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is, for example, incorporated in a vending machine or a financial terminal device and the like. A coin processing device having a function of automatically distributing coins to a predetermined coin storage unit according to denomination, and quickly returns to a normal state even when receiving a fake coin, clogging of a received object, or other abnormalities. The present invention relates to a coin processing device provided with a new mechanism capable of performing coin processing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional coin processing apparatus having such a sorting function is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-67474. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the publication, this coin processing device is provided with a sorting plate (19) for slidingly guiding a received coin, and a sliding surface of the sorting plate (19) includes:
Multiple sorting holes designed with different inner diameters depending on the denomination
(20a), (20b), (20c) are formed along the guide direction. A guide plate is opposed to the sliding surface of the sorting plate (19), and the distance between the sliding surface and the guide plate is narrow enough to allow all types of coins to pass one by one. Is set to Further, since the sorting plate (19) is arranged slightly inclined so as to be below the guide plate, and the rear end side is inclined downward with respect to the coin receiving end, the received coins Slides on the sorting plate (19) by gravity. Further, for each of the sorting holes (20a) (20b) (20c)..., Counting chutes (21a) (21b) (21c). These counting chutes (21a) (21b) (21c)…
Consists of a plurality of guide holes for individually passing only coins of a specified denomination matching the sorting holes (20a) (20b) (20c)… coins are stored at the lower end of each hole for each denomination There is provided a holding unit (12) for performing the operation.

[0003] Then, the coin received from the receiving end of the sorting plate (19) is transferred to one of the sorting holes (20a) (20b) (20c). The coin falls and is guided by a specific counting chute connected to the sorting hole and is held for each denomination, so that coin sorting processing is achieved.

[0004]

However, in such a conventional coin processing apparatus, a path for guiding the received coins to the holding section corresponds to the sorting plate, the guide plate, and each sorting hole. It is realized by the provided counting chute,
Further, since such a mechanism has a fixed structure, for example, even if clogging caused by intrusion of a false coin or the like or other abnormalities occur, the mechanism automatically removes such foreign matter. As a result, it was not possible to return to the normal distribution processing enabled state. As a result, maintenance management becomes complicated, and in particular, when such an abnormality occurs by being built in an automatic ticket vending machine at a station, there is a problem that the ticketing business is obstructed and congestion in the station premises is caused.

The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and when any abnormality occurs, a coin processing for automatically removing an abnormal state and automatically returning to the coin processing. It is intended to provide a device.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is arranged behind discriminating means for discriminating denominations, and receives coins passing through the discriminating means for each denomination. The present invention is directed to a coin processing device for sorting coins into a plurality of different specific routes.

[0007] A conveying means for conveying the received coins at a constant speed in a predetermined conveying direction is provided. During the conveyance by the conveying means, small-diameter coins are allowed to penetrate and drop in front of the conveying direction. A plurality of sorting holes set to the inner diameter that can be dropped through in order of coins are provided, and a chute groove for guiding coins falling through these sorting holes to separate paths for each denomination is communicated with each sorting hole. Provided. Furthermore,
Since these chute grooves are grooves, one side end is open, and a reject plate for opening and closing the open side end, a flapper that advances and retreats into the plurality of chute grooves below the reject plate, Driving means for opening and closing the plate and driving the flapper to advance and retreat, and a plurality of sensors provided at each output end of the plurality of chute grooves to detect the passage of coins, further comprising a denomination detected by the discriminating means. The coincidence between the measurement information of the time from the input of the information to the generation of the passage detection information of the sensor and the time information set in advance for each denomination is collated, and when the coincidence is satisfied, the drive is performed. By controlling the means, the flapper is retracted from the inside of the chute groove and the reject plate is closed on the open side end of the chute groove, so that the chute groove, the reject plate and the flapper are A rare pit-like path is set, and when the coincidence is not satisfied, the drive means is controlled to cause the flapper to enter the chute groove and open the reject plate from the open end of the chute groove. By doing so, control means for preventing passage of coins to each output end of the chute groove and setting a falling state of the chute groove halfway is provided.

[0008]

[Function] When clogging occurs in the device due to the insertion of deformed coins, etc., or when the inserted coin passes through the wrong chute groove because it did not fall through the proper sorting hole among the sorting holes. If an abnormality occurs, such as when the discriminating means overlooks the detection of a fake coin, a coin or the like is not output through a regular path within a regular time. The present invention focuses on such a phenomenon, and sets the required time for each denomination when passing through a regular route in the control means in advance, and sets the actual required time (measurement information) of the received coins in advance. Since the required time (time information) of the coin is checked, the occurrence of an abnormality is automatically detected. Furthermore, a chute groove having an open end on one side is applied to the distribution path, and when an abnormality such as that described above is detected, the openable / closable reject plate is opened to open the regular path. The discharged material is discharged out of the space, and the flow of the charged material into the output end of the chute groove is completely prevented by the flapper. Therefore, since the input material causing the occurrence of the abnormality is completely removed by the removing operation, it is possible to automatically return to the original normal operation state without fail.

[0009]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, based on FIG. 1, an application example in which the coin processing device of the present embodiment is applied will be described to clarify the technical position of the coin processing device of the present invention as a machine element applied to various machine systems. To

FIG. 1A shows a case where the present invention is applied to a coin processing device built in an automatic ticket vending machine at a station. The coin processing apparatus includes a slot A for a customer to insert coins, a forced transport mechanism B and a discriminating mechanism C sequentially provided on a guide path connected to the slot A.

When the forcible transport mechanism B detects an input to the input port A, the forcible transport is forcibly transported to the discriminating mechanism C along the guide path. Differential mechanism C, the measurement unit C ₁ to differentiate presence and denomination of a true coin by automatically measured using a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor of the shape and material of inserted things that has been conveyed, together with the guide path and a swingable guide plate C ₂ for preventing the falling of the coin.

The discriminating mechanism C includes a measuring unit C ₁
Based on the discrimination result, when the charged substance is determined to be deformed coin or counterfeit coin, by rotate the guide plate C ₂ in a predetermined direction to open the guide path, the turned product The coin is dropped by its own weight onto a discharge belt conveyor V (see FIG. 2B) provided at the bottom of the coin processing device, and a return port (not shown) provided at the end of the discharge belt conveyor V Return the input via. On the other hand, if the discrimination mechanism C determines that the input material is a genuine coin (that is, genuine coin), the discrimination mechanism C carries out the coin to the coin processing apparatus D of the present embodiment.

The detailed structure of the coin processing device D will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 to 15. The main function is to sort the received coins by denomination, drop and transfer the coins to the coin storage section E via individual paths. Is to do.

[0014] coin reservoir E, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), a through cylinder E ₁ to E ₄ of each denomination corresponding to the path group of the coin processing apparatus D, the through cylinder E ₁ support E ₅ for fixing the to E ₄ is supported swingably by a driving mechanism E ₆ having a drive motor or an electromagnetic solenoid or the like.
The inner diameter of each of the penetrating cylinders E _{1 to} E ₄ is designed to be large enough to allow each coin to be inserted according to the type of coin. The lower end of the through-cylinder E ₁ to E _4, as shown in FIG. (C), closing plate E ₇ to collectively controls the opening and closing of the lower end opening of the through cylindrical body E ₁ to E ₄ GaYura Further, a plurality of change dispensers F _{1 to} F ₄ are provided below the opening / closing plate E _{7 so} that respective upper openings are formed in the respective through-cylinders E _1.
It is arranged so as to face the lower end opening of the to E _4. Further, on the rear side of the safe container F ₁ to F _4, the discharge belt conveyor V is placed.

Next, the operation of the coin processing apparatus having such a structure will be outlined.

First, when the customer inserts coins to purchase a ticket, the control is performed such that the through-bodies E _{1 to} E ₄ stand as shown by the solid lines in FIG. is close all these lower opening and closing plate E ₇ becomes horizontal. Therefore, at this time, deposited coin is sorted for each denomination is reserved in predetermined through cylinder E ₁ to E _4.

[0017] When the customer after such coin input specifies a boarding section, as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. (C), the opening and closing plate E ₇ is rotated, tilted toward the lower side, through cylindrical body E _{1 to} E ₄
By dropping the coins have been reservoir within the safe container F ₁ to F _4, to achieve a recovery of fare. Then, a ticketing mechanism (not shown) releases the ticket.

On the other hand, if the customer inserts a foreign object while inserting coins to purchase a ticket,
The closing plate E ₇ while held horizontally, the lower end opening by tilting the through cylinder E ₁ to E ₄ in accordance with a command from the differential mechanism C as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. (C) By releasing the coin, all the coins stored so far are dropped onto the discharge belt conveyor V and returned.

Even when the customer operates the return button during coin insertion, the penetrating cylinders E _{1 to} E ₄ are similarly moved while the opening / closing plate E ₇ is held horizontally, as shown in FIG. By tilting as shown by the two-dot chain line to open the lower end opening, all the coins stored so far are dropped and returned to the belt conveyor for discharge.

As described above, the coin processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to, for example, a coin processing apparatus or the like, and is used for sorting the inserted coins.

Next, the configuration of the coin processing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 14, it is assumed that the direction of arrow Y is the direction of gravity, the direction of arrow X (the direction in which coins are conveyed) is horizontal or slightly downward, and the direction of arrow Z is the direction of the front. Show. 2 is a front view of the coin processing apparatus, FIG. 3 is a rear view, FIG. 4 is a bottom view when viewed from below, FIGS. 5 to 11 are exploded views showing main elements of the coin processing apparatus, 12 to 14 are explanatory diagrams of the operation, and FIG. 15 is a control circuit diagram for controlling the operation of the coin processing device.

First, the configuration of the coin processing device will be described with reference to FIG. 2 (front view). A coin M authenticated by the discriminating mechanism shown in FIG. 1 is carried in from the left end (hereinafter, referred to as a receiving end) IN of the flat sorting plate 1. On the front side of the sorting plate 1, there is provided a transport mechanism G for forcibly transporting the received coins M along the transport direction X while pressing the received coin M against a predetermined sliding contact surface of the sorting plate 1 by the transport belts 2 a and 2 b. . In the transport mechanism G, a pair of arms 3a and 3b integrally protruding from the lower end of a base 3 made of aluminum die-casting is provided with a sorting plate 1.
The drive motor 5 is swingably supported by support projections 4a and 4b fixed to the lower end of the base 3, and is fixed to the right end of the base 3.
Drive the transport belts 2a and 2b.

FIG. 5 (front view) shows the structure of the transport mechanism G.
More specifically, referring to FIG. 6 (top view), first, as shown in FIG. 5, two drive pulleys 7a and 7b are provided above a rotating shaft 6 rotatably provided at the right end of the base 3. The driving force of the driving motor 5 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 6 via the driving belt 8 wrapped between the pulley 7c fixed to the lower end of the rotating shaft 6 and the driving shaft 5a of the driving motor 5. ing. At the left end of the base 3, a driven pulley 9 is provided at the upper end.
A fixed shaft 10 provided with a and 9b is rotatably provided, and a conveyor belt 2a and a pulley 7b are provided between pulleys 7a and 9a.
The conveyor belt 2b is wound between each of the belts 9b and 9b. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (top view), swing members 11a, 11b, 11c which are swingably supported at the upper end of the base portion 3.
Are biased by springs 12a, 12b, and 12c, and the other ends thereof are transport belts 2a, 2b.
Rollers 13a, 13b, 1 for elastically urging the rollers from the inside
3c is rotatably supported. Further, a pair of locking knobs 15a and 15b provided with locking projections 14a and 14b on the back side are provided at one end of the base 3, and the locking knobs 15a and 15b are rotated in a predetermined direction to be described later. When the locking projections 14a, 14b are locked in the locking holes 21a, 21b, 26a, 26b (see FIGS. 8 and 9), the entire transport mechanism G is held opposite to the sorting plate 1 as shown in FIG. Locking holes 21a, 21b, 26a, 26b
When the locking of the locking projections 14a, 14b is released, the arm can be turned to the front side with the connecting portion between the arm portions 3a, 3b and the supporting protrusions 4a, 4b as a fulcrum. Thus, the provision of the transport mechanism G so as to be able to swing with respect to the sorting plate 1 facilitates repair and maintenance.

At normal times, the transport mechanism G is held opposite to the sorting plate 1, so that the coins M loaded from the receiving end IN of the sorting plate 1 are transferred to the sliding surfaces of the sorting belt 1 with the transport belts 2 a and 2 b. And is forcibly transported in the transport direction X while being sandwiched therebetween.

Next, the structure of the sorting plate 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8 (an exploded front view). The sliding surface facing the conveyor belts 2a and 2b has a plurality (four) of sorting holes 16a and 1 through which coins of the denomination to be sorted are penetrated.
6b, 16c, and 16d are formed in the transport direction X, and the sorting holes closer to the receiving end IN are formed to have an inner diameter that allows coins having a smaller outer diameter to penetrate. For example, sorting hole 1
6a is for passing a 50 yen coin, the sorting hole 16b is for passing a 100 yen coin, the sorting hole 16c is for passing a 10 yen coin, and the sorting hole 16d is for passing a 500 yen coin. Furthermore, each sorting hole 16
At the lower ends of a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, recessed notches are formed.

A ridge rail 17 extending in the transport direction X is fixed to the sliding contact surface immediately below the sorting holes 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, and the peripheral wall of the coin being transported is slid on the upper edge to thereby make the coin Is designed to prevent unnecessary drops. A stopper piece 18 is provided at the rightmost end of the sorting plate 1 to prevent coins from being conveyed by mistake.
Is fixed.

Further, the sorting holes 16a, 16b, 16c, 1
A tongue piece 19 which is slightly bent toward the front side by press working, for example, is formed on the lower end face of the 6d notch.
a, 19b, 19c, 19d are provided, and tongue pieces 19a,
Small-diameter through-holes 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are formed in lower end portions hanging down from 19b, 19c, and 19d. Further, the locking knob 15 of the transport mechanism G shown in FIG.
a, 21b for inserting through holes 15a, 15b
And screw holes 22a to 22d for screw fixing. Note that these four sets of sorting holes 16a,
16b, 16c, 16d, tongue pieces 19a, 19b, 19
c, 19d and through holes 20a, 20b, 20c, 20
d is arranged along chute grooves La, Lb, Lc, and Ld, which will be described later.

A comb-shaped intermediate plate 23 shown in FIG. 9 is fixed to the rear surface of the sorting plate 1 having such a structure. The intermediate plate 23 forms the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc, and Ld (shown by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 2) by, for example, pressing a hard flat plate slightly thicker than the thickest coin to be processed. Recessed portions 24a, 24b, 24 for constituting
c, 24d are formed, and screw holes 25a to 25d formed at predetermined positions and screw holes 22a to 22d of the sorting plate 1 are formed.
And are fixed by screws. Further, through holes 26a and 26b which match the through holes 21a and 21b of the sorting plate 1 when fixed are formed, and a through hole 27 to which an electromagnetic solenoid 40 described later is mounted is provided on the left end.
Are drilled. Incidentally, the concave notches 24a, 24b, 24
The inner width of each of c and 24d is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of a specific coin.

The intermediate plate 23 is fixed to the rear surface of the sorting plate 1 so that the concave portions 24a, 24b, 24
The upper sides of c, 24d are sorting holes 16a, 16b, 16c,
16d, and the sorting holes 16a, 16b, 16c, 16
The parts other than d include the concave notches 24a, 24b, 24c, 2
Four chute grooves La, Lb, Lc, Ld are formed, which are separated by the side edge of 4d and the back wall of the sorting plate 1. The depth of each chute groove La, Lb, Lc, Ld is determined by the intermediate plate 23.
Equal to the thickness of

Further, on the back surface of the intermediate plate 23, a flat pressing plate 28 shown in FIG. The holding plate 28 is formed by press working or the like. When the holding plate 28 is fixed to the intermediate plate 23, the recessed portions 24a, 24a
Except for the lower portions of b, 24c, and 24d, a rectangular hole 29 is formed to open the entire remaining back side. Also, the screw holes 22a to 22d of the sorting plate 1 and the screw holes 2 of the intermediate plate 23
Positioning and fixing are performed by screws which are screwed into screw holes 30a to 30d corresponding to 5a to 25d. Furthermore, the through hole 3 that matches the through hole 27 of the intermediate plate 23
1 and through holes 20a, 20b, 20c, 20 of the sorting plate 1.
d, small-diameter through holes 32a, 32b, 32c, 3
2d is drilled in the lower part.

The holding plate 28 having such a structure is
As shown in FIG. 4 (bottom view), the chute groove L is fixed by sandwiching the intermediate plate 23 together with the sorting plate 1.
In the lower part of a, Lb, Lc, and Ld, slit-shaped output shafts 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d capable of passing specific coins one by one are formed.
Through holes 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d facing each other
And the through holes 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d are located in these output shafts 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d.
And, these through holes 20a and 32a facing each other,
The optical switch elements 34a, 34b, 34c, 34 correspond to 20b and 32b, 20c and 32c, and 20d and 32d, respectively.
d is fixed, and the output shafts 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d
The passage of coins is detected by blocking the luminous flux when coins pass through the inside.

As shown in FIG. 3 (rear view), on the rear side, a reject plate 35 for covering approximately half the rear side above the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc, Ld, and the chute grooves La, Lb , Lc, and Ld are provided with flappers 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d for covering approximately half of the back surface below. That is, the reject plate 3 formed of a rectangular flat plate
The hinge 5 is swingably supported by a hinge mechanism 37 attached between the upper end thereof and the upper rear part of the holding plate 28, and is usually interposed in the rectangular hole 29 by a spring provided in the hinge mechanism 37. While being in contact with the rear wall of the intermediate plate 23 in parallel, the chute grooves La, Lb,
Lc and Ld cover a substantially half upper rear side (that is, an open portion), and are opposed to the spring force by an actuator (not shown) connected to a projection 38 provided at one end. When swinging by pulling, the upper half of the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc, Ld is opened. The actuator (not shown) is an electric actuator operated by an electromagnetic solenoid or the like.

Further, the four flappers 36a, 36b, 3
6c and 36d are fixed to a rod 39 rotatably supported between supporting portions 38a and 38b fixed to both ends of the back surface of the holding plate 28, and an electromagnetic solenoid 40 fixed to the right end of the back surface of the holding plate 28. Rod 39 and flappers 36a, 36 via an actuator 41 connected to the drive shaft of
b, 36c and 36d are integrally rotated. Further, the structure of the actuator 41 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11. A swing member 42 is integrally fixed to one end of a rod 39, and one end of the swing member 42 is fixed to a predetermined protrusion 44 via a tension spring 43. Connected to
The other end is connected to a drive shaft 40 a of the electromagnetic solenoid 40. When the electromagnetic solenoid 40 is not energized, the flappers 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d are integrated with the rod 39 by the tensile force of the spring 43.
11 rotates clockwise in FIG. 11 and remains tilted, and the upper ends of the flappers 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d close the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc, and Ld. On the other hand, when the electromagnetic solenoid 40 is energized, the flapper 3 is integrated with the rod 39 against the tensile force of the spring 43.
6a, 36b, 36c, and 36d rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 11 and are held parallel to the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc, and Ld, and as a result, the chute grooves La, Lb, and L
Coins can pass through c and Ld. The flappers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d have a slope-shaped vertical cross section that is thinner at the upper end, and have chute grooves La, L.
When closing the insides of b, Lc and Ld, the respective upper ends abut against the back surfaces of the tongue pieces 19a to 19d formed on the sorting plate 1, so that no steps are generated in the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc and Ld. , To smoothly change the falling direction of coins.

Next, the operation of the coin processing apparatus having such a structure will be described. However, the sorting holes 16a to 16d are designed to have an inner diameter corresponding to a 50-yen coin, a 100-yen coin, a 10-yen coin, and a 500-yen coin in this order.

The coin M carried in from the receiving end IN is forcibly carried in the carrying direction X by the carrying belts 2a and 2b.
Here, if the coin M is a 50-yen coin, the first sorting hole 1
6a, falls along the chute groove La, and if the coin M is a 100-yen coin, passes through the selection hole 16a, falls into the next selection hole 16b, falls along the chute groove Lb, and the coin M Is a 10-yen coin, the sorting hole 16a,
16b, falls further into the next sorting hole 16c and falls along the chute groove Lc. If the coin M is a 500-yen coin, it passes over the sorting holes 16a, 16b, and 16c to form the final sorting hole. It falls into 16d, and falls along the chute groove Ld.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the reject plate 35 and the flappers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d are set and controlled so as to be parallel to the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc, Ld, thereby closing the falling passage. If there is no coin, the coins M passing through the sorting holes 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d fall along the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc, Ld and pass through the output shafts 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d. Is output. Therefore, for example, the coin storage unit E shown in FIG. 1 is connected to these output shafts 33a, 33b, 33c, 33.
By arranging the coins in accordance with d, coin distribution processing is achieved.

As shown in FIG. 13, the reject plate 35 is set and controlled so as to be parallel to the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc and Ld, while the flappers 36a and 36 are controlled.
b, 36c, 36d to chute grooves La, Lb, Lc, L
When the setting control is performed so that the falling path is closed by tilting the coin M, the coins M that have passed through the sorting holes 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d are partially moved toward the chute grooves La, Lb, and L.
c, and falls along Ld.
a, 36b, 36c, 36d, and falls to the rear side. Therefore, the coin M is output to the output shafts 33a, 33b, 3
It is prohibited to pass through 3c and 33d. Then, for example, the coin storage section E shown in FIG.
By disposing them corresponding to a, 33b, 33c, and 33d, and further arranging a discharge belt conveyor V on the back side of the coin storage unit E, fake coins and the like can be discharged to the discharge belt conveyor V.

Further, as shown in FIG.
5 is swung in the rearward direction at a wide angle to set and control the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc, Ld to be in the open state, and to set the flappers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d in the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc, Ld. When the setting control is performed so that the falling path is closed by tilting the sorting holes 16a, 16b, 16
The coin M passing through c and 16d is hardly restricted by the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc and Ld immediately after that, and furthermore, the flappers 36a, 36b, 36c and 36d.
As a result, passage through the output shafts 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d is prohibited, and the vehicle freely falls to the rear side. Also in this case, for example, the coin storage section E shown in FIG. 1 is arranged corresponding to these output shafts 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, and further, a discharge belt conveyor V is provided on the back side of the coin storage section E. When it is arranged, fake coins, stagnant jammed coins, and the like can be discharged to the discharge belt conveyor V.

It is to be noted that, slightly different from the case of FIG.
b, Lc, and Ld are set and controlled to be in the open state, but the flappers 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d are set to the chute grooves La and L.
When the falling passage is not blocked by controlling the setting in parallel to b, Lc, and Ld, the sorting holes 16a, 16d
Abnormal state in which all the coins M passing through b, 16c and 16d do not fall to the back side but enter the output shafts 33a, 33b, 33c and 33d along the chute grooves La, Lb, Lc and Ld. There is. That is, when such setting control is performed, false coins to be removed to the rear side are erroneously output to the output shaft 3.
3a, 33b, 33c, and 33d, so as not to cause such a problem, the reject plate 35 is swung in the rear direction to shoot the chute grooves La, L.
Before releasing b, Lc, Ld, the flappers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d are moved to the chute grooves La,
Lb, Lc and Ld are tilted into the output shafts 33a and 33d.
It is desirable to close the drop passage on b, 33c, 33d.

Next, the configuration of a control circuit for controlling the operation of the coin processing apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This control circuit has a unit configuration in consideration of versatility so that the coin processing device can be applied to various automatic devices.

First, a denomination data register 100 for inputting denomination data DI generated by a discriminating mechanism C or the like provided in the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. A counting circuit 1 that starts a counting operation (up counting) in synchronization with the input of DI and stops the counting operation when at least one of the output signals Sa to Sd of the optical switch elements 34a to 34d changes.
10 and a matching circuit 120 for comparing and matching the denomination data DI of the denomination data register 100 and the count data DT of the counting circuit 110 based on a predetermined algorithm.

The output signals Sa to Sd are binary signals that become logic "L" when the inserted coin passes through the optical switch elements 34a to 34d, and become logic "H" when it does not pass. After that, the logical sum gate turns to the stop signal SP, and the counting circuit 110 stops the counting operation in synchronization with the stop signal SP turning to the logic "H". Further, since the denomination data register 100 generates a start signal ST in synchronization with the input of the denomination data DI, the counting circuit 110 restarts in synchronization with the generation of the start signal ST. Therefore, the counting circuit 110 measures the time Tc from the generation of the start signal ST to the generation of the stop signal SP.

Here, as shown in FIG.
Passes through the specific chute grooves La to Ld according to the denomination, so that the time Tc differs according to the length of the transport time by the transport belts 2a and 2b, and this time Tc exhibits characteristics unique to the denomination. Become. That is, when a 50-yen coin is inserted, the coin passes through the sorting hole 16a and the chute groove La closest to the discriminating mechanism C, so that the time _Tc is the shortest time _Tca from the generation of the start signal ST to the generation of the signal Sa. Becomes
When a 100-yen coin is inserted, the coin passes through the sorting hole 16b and the chute groove Lb, so that the time _Tc is the time _Tcb from the generation of the start signal ST to the generation of the signal Sb (where _Tca ≦ T _cb ). Similarly, if the 10 yen coins has been inserted, since through the selection hole 16c and shoots groove Lc, a signal from the occurrence time T _c is the start signal ST S
The time until occurrence of c is T _cc (where T _cb ≦ T _cc ),
If 500 yen coins is turned on, since through the selection hole 16d and shoots groove Ld, time T _cd from generation of time T _c start signal ST to the generation of the signal Sd (however,
T _cc ≦ T _cd ). And the overall relationship is T _ca ≦ T
a _cb ≦ T _cc ≦ T _cd.

Therefore, the collation circuit 120 determines in advance these T
Time data of _ca , T _cb , T _cc , and T _cd are stored, and the time data corresponding to the inserted coin is internally reserved based on the denomination data DI of the denomination data register 100. Further, the matching circuit 120 inputs the count data DT which is the counting result of the counting circuit 110, compares the above-mentioned internally reserved time data with the count data DT. In such a case, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. It should be noted that a predetermined time margin Δτ is set instead of judging complete coincidence. If the following conditions 1 to 4 are satisfied, it is determined that normal operation is being performed. Otherwise, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. Only at this time, an abnormality occurrence signal CH is output. The time T _H in the condition 4
Is the maximum time generated in the counting circuit 110 as a result of the stop signal SP not being generated even after a predetermined long time has passed despite the insertion of coins.

(Condition 1) When DI = 50 yen, (0 <) T _ca −Δτ <DT <T
_ca + Δτ (Condition 2) When DI = 100 yen, T _cb −Δτ <DT <T _cb +
Δτ (Condition 3) When DI = 10 yen, T _cc −Δτ <DT <T _cc +
Δτ (Condition 4) When DI = 500 yen, T _cd −Δτ <DT <T _cd +
Δτ The timing generator 130 synchronizes with the generation of the abnormality occurrence signal CH and controls the control signal Q synchronized with a predetermined timing.
1, Q2, and Q3, the drive motor drive circuit 140, the electromagnetic solenoid drive circuit 150, and the actuator drive circuit 1
60 to control the power supply to the drive motor 5, the electromagnetic solenoid 40 and the actuator,
The reject processing described later is performed.

The timing generator 130 includes:
An activation signal DR for the purchase operation by the next customer to start and shift from the standby state to the operation state (this signal is specifically,
The motor is driven by detecting that a second customer has inserted a coin into the slot).
An input terminal for operating the drive belt via the electromagnetic solenoid drive circuit 150 to operate the transport belts 2a and 2b to simultaneously start application to the electromagnetic solenoid 40 and maintain the state shown in FIG. And an external input terminal for inputting the abnormality occurrence signal CH.

Next, an example of operation when applied to the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the apparatus is started (started) by turning on the power, a standard operation state is set in step 200. That is, the optical switch elements 34a to 34d are turned on to be in the light detection state. Other so-called "mechanical collapse"
That is, the initial reset operation processing for preventing a state in which each part is in an unrecognizable operating position due to a power failure or the like is performed as in other mechatronics devices.

Next, at step 210, the start signal D
When R is input, in step 220, electric power is supplied to the drive motor 5 and the electromagnetic solenoid 40, and the conveyance (forward feeding) operation by the conveyance belts 2a and 2b is started, and at the same time, as shown in FIG. And the flappers 36a to 36d are made parallel to the chute grooves La to Ld, so that the output resistance 3
All the chute grooves La to Ld from 3a to 33d are brought into a state in which coins can pass.

Next, in step 230, the discriminating mechanism C discriminates the inserted coin M, and when the denomination data DI is transmitted, in step 240, the denomination data register 100 inputs the denomination data DI. At the same time as holding, the counting circuit 110 starts the counting operation in step 250. Further, the matching circuit 120 determines that the denomination data D
Time data T _ca corresponding to I, T _cb, T _cc, one time data T _c of T _cd internally hold.

Next, when the stop signal SP is generated in step 260, the counting circuit 110 stops the counting operation in step 280, and in step 290, the collating circuit 120 holds the count data DT and the internal data. The time data _Tc is compared and collated based on the above conditions 1 to 4. On the other hand, in a further step 270 when the stop signal Sp does not occur in step 260, it is determined whether the elapse of the maximum time _{T H, T H} ≦
For T _c proceeds to step 280 (in the case of course), in the case of T _c <T _H (if not passed) to wait for occurrence of the stop signal Sp and proceeds to step 260.

Therefore, in steps 260 to 290, the inserted coins are separated by the transport belts 2a and 2b into the sorting plate 1.
Is forcibly conveyed on the sliding surface of the coin, and passes through one of the sorting holes 16a to 16d corresponding to the inserted coins, and further reaches one of the corresponding output shafts 33a to 33d. It is confirmed whether or not each species has passed within the specified time. Then, when the above conditions 1 to 4 are satisfied, it is determined that the coin sorting process has been normally performed, and the process shifts to the next coin sorting process from step 230 again via step 300.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 290 that the above conditions 1 to 4 are not satisfied, the process proceeds to step 310 via step 300. In addition, as a mode of occurrence of an abnormality, clogging occurs due to insertion of a deformed coin or the like, or coins are inserted into the sorting holes 16a to 16d.
Among them, there is a case where the discrimination mechanism C has missed the detection of the fake coin, when the vehicle has passed the wrong output pit because it did not fall into the regular sorting hole. In any of such cases, the normal coin sorting process cannot be realized, so the reject process in step 310 and thereafter is performed.

That is, in step 310, the power supply to the electromagnetic solenoid 40 is stopped based on the control signal Q2 from the timing generator 130. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in (2), all the flappers 36a to 36d are tilted into the chute grooves La to Ld to close the coin passage. next,
In this embodiment, after about 300 ms, in step 320, the actuator is driven based on the control signal Q3 to rotate the reject plate 35 to the rear side, and open the upper portions of the chute grooves La to Ld. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The passage of coins to .about.33d is completely prevented. Further, in step 330, the polarity of the power supply to the drive motor 5 is periodically changed, so that the transport belts 2a and 2b are reciprocated. When the processing of steps 310 to 330 is set, the reject state is maintained until the maintenance staff operates the reject release command or the customer issues a restart instruction, or until a preset time elapses. To discharge all the input materials (including coins) to the rear side, and completely prevent the coins from entering the coin storage section E (see FIG. 1). As a result, when an abnormal state occurs, the abnormality canceling process is automatically realized. Then, the processing from step 210 is restarted again via step 340.

As shown in FIG. 15, when an abnormality occurs, the collation circuit 120 also outputs an abnormality occurrence signal CH to an external output terminal, so that the coin storage section E is synchronized with the abnormality occurrence signal CH. discharge conveyor V to show through cylinder E ₁ to E ₄ (see FIG. 1) at a two-dot chain line in FIG. (c)
By tilting the coin to the side, the coins inserted by the customer before the occurrence of the abnormality can be returned. That is, it is possible to return all the coins whose denominations are not properly held due to overrun short runs of coins of the kind described above.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
A reject plate 35 that allows one side of the chute grooves La to Ld to be opened and closed and a flapper that can be tilted into the passages of the chute grooves La to Ld are provided. Therefore, maintenance management becomes easy and the realization of highly reliable automatic equipment can be promoted.

The configuration of the control circuit of the coin processing apparatus of this embodiment is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, a microprocessor having a plurality of interfaces in advance may be applied to perform the same control function by executing a computer program.

[0058]

As described above, according to the present invention, the time required for each denomination when the vehicle is guided by the chute groove and passes through the normal passage route is set in the control means in advance.
The actual required time for passage of the received coin (measurement information) is compared with a predetermined required time (time information) for the coin, and if these coincidences are not satisfied, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. Thus, occurrence of an abnormality can be reliably detected. Furthermore, a chute groove whose one end is open is applied, and when an abnormality is detected, the intrusion of the input material into the output end of the chute groove is completely prevented by the intrusion of the flapper, and a reject that can be opened and closed By opening the plate from the chute groove, the input material can be completely discharged out of the regular path, and the normal state can be reliably restored. In addition, when performing a so-called reject process in response to the occurrence of an abnormality, first, the reject plate is opened at the open side end of the chute groove after the flapper is completely blocked by passing the flapper into the chute groove.
Reliable rejection processing can be achieved without continuing incorrect allocation processing.

As described above, according to the present invention, as a result of realizing the elimination of the input material, it is possible to return and set the normal sorting processable state, so that not only vending machines and ticket vending machines but also various other machines can be used. This has an excellent effect that the reliability of the automatic device can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an automatic checkout device to which a coin processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the structure of the coin processing apparatus of the embodiment when viewed from the front.

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the structure of the coin processing apparatus of the embodiment when viewed from the rear side.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the structure of the coin processing apparatus of the embodiment when viewed from below.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the structure of the transport mechanism when viewed from the front.

FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating the structure of the transport mechanism when viewed from above.

FIG. 7 is a side view for explaining a support structure of the transport mechanism.

FIG. 8 is an exploded front view showing a sorting plate.

FIG. 9 is an exploded front view showing the intermediate plate.

FIG. 10 is an exploded front view showing the holding plate.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a flapper control mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view of a main part for explaining the operation of a reject plate and a flapper.

FIG. 13 is a main part longitudinal sectional view for further explaining the operation of the reject plate and the flapper.

FIG. 14 is an essential part longitudinal cross sectional view for further explaining the operation of the reject plate and the flapper.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example when the coin processing device of the embodiment is applied to an automatic checkout device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... sorting plate, 2a, 2b ... conveyor belt, 16a-16d
... Sorting hole, 17 ... Rail, 23 ... Intermediate plate, 24a ~
24d: concave notch, 28: holding plate, 29: rectangular hole, 34a
~ 34d: optical switch element, 35: reject plate, 36
a to 36d: flapper, 40: electromagnetic solenoid, La to
Ld: chute groove, 100: metal data register, 11
0: counting circuit, 120: collating circuit, 130: timing generator, 140: motor driving circuit, 150: electromagnetic solenoid driving circuit, 160: actuator driving circuit, C: discriminating mechanism, E: coin storage unit, F _{1 to} F ₄ ... safe container.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-60-231291 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G07D 1/00-9/06

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A coin processing device disposed behind a discriminating means for discriminating denominations, and sorting received coins passing through said discriminating means to a plurality of specific paths which are different for each denomination. Conveying means for conveying coins at a constant speed in a predetermined conveying direction, a plurality of sorting holes set to an inner diameter capable of penetrating and dropping coins in order of small diameter along the conveying direction, A plurality of chute grooves for restricting and guiding the falling direction of coins that fall through the sorting hole, a reject plate for opening and closing the open side ends of the plurality of chute grooves, and a plurality of chute grooves below the reject plate. A driving means for opening and closing the reject plate and for driving the flapper forward and backward; a plurality of sensors provided at each output end of the plurality of chute grooves for detecting the passage of coins; The match between the measurement information of the time from the input of the denomination information detected by the step to the generation of the passage detection information of the sensor and the time information preset for each denomination is checked, and the coincidence is satisfied. When controlling, the driving means is controlled to cause the flapper to retreat from the inside of the chute groove and the reject plate keeps a state in which the open side end of the chute groove is closed, so that the chute groove and the reject plate and A pit-shaped path surrounded by a flapper is set, and when the coincidence is not satisfied, the drive means is controlled to cause the flapper to enter the chute groove and to move the reject plate to the open side of the chute groove. A coin processing device comprising: a control unit that, when opened from an end, prevents coins from passing through the output ends of the chute groove and sets a state in which the chute groove falls halfway. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the time information set in advance in the control means is a denomination until a specific output end is reached through the conveying means and the sorting hole and the chute groove for each denomination in a normal processing state. The coin processing device according to claim 1, wherein the coin arrival time is set to the arrival time of each coin. 3. The control means, when the coincidence is not satisfied, causes the flapper to enter the chute groove, and then releases the reject plate from an open end of the chute groove. The coin processing device according to claim 1. 4. When the coincidence is not satisfied, the control means causes the flapper to enter the chute groove, and then releases the reject plate from the open side end of the chute groove. 2. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport means performs a reciprocating transport operation.