JP3647782B2

JP3647782B2 - Coin dispenser

Info

Publication number: JP3647782B2
Application number: JP2001257341A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 雅和田中; 康三原; 博明片平; 和己小谷; 一也大川
Original assignee: Toshiba Tec Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Tec Corp
Priority date: 2001-08-28
Filing date: 2001-08-28
Publication date: 2005-05-18
Anticipated expiration: 2021-08-28
Also published as: JP2003063661A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、硬貨払出装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、金種毎に分けられた複数の硬貨収納部を平行に配列し、これらの硬貨収納部に１円・５円・１０円・５０円・１００円・５００円等の硬貨を収納し、ＰＯＳ(Point Of Sales)端末やＥＣＲ(Electronic Cash Register)からの指令により釣り銭がある場合には、硬貨収納部内の硬貨をベルトにより硬貨払出口に払い出すようにした硬貨払出装置がある。
【０００３】
このような硬貨払出装置には、図７に一例を示すように、硬貨選別部（図示せず）で金種別に選別し落下させた硬貨Ｃを金種別に収納する硬貨収納部１０１が設けられている。この硬貨収納部１０１内の硬貨Ｃを硬貨払出口（図示せず）に払い出すために、硬貨収納部１０１の底面から硬貨払出口まで延出する搬送ベルト１０２が設けられている。そして、搬送ベルト１０２に対して平行な状態で搬送ベルト１０２に載っている硬貨Ｃが搬送ベルト１０２により搬送され払い出される。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、図８に示すように、例えば、搬送ベルト１０２に対して平行な状態で搬送ベルト１０２上に載っている硬貨Ｃと硬貨収納部１０１の側面１０１ａとの間に直立状態の硬貨Ｃが挟まることにより、それらの硬貨Ｃが硬貨収納部１０１の両側面１０１ａ間に挟まり硬貨Ｃが詰まってしまうという問題がある。
【０００５】
また、硬貨払出装置には、紙幣入出金装置や貨幣ドロワ等とともにモジュール化されて、ユーザの店舗運用に応じてそれらの内一つと組み合わされて並設され、面一状態にされたそれらの上面にＰＯＳ端末やＥＣＲが載置されて使用されるものがある。このようなモジュール化において、使い勝手を良くする為に装置の横幅をＰＯＳ端末やＥＣＲの横幅と略同じに設定されて上面にＰＯＳ端末やＥＣＲが載置されて使用される硬貨払出装置を適用する場合には、この硬貨払出装置を他のモジュールと並設した場合にそれらの横幅がＰＯＳ端末やＥＣＲの横幅より大きくなり使い勝手が悪くなってしまう。
【０００６】
本発明の目的は、硬貨収納部における硬貨の詰まりを防止することである。
【０００７】
本発明の別の目的は、硬貨払出装置の横幅を縮小することである。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１記載の発明は、金種毎の硬貨収納部に金種別に収納された硬貨を硬貨払出搬送経路に沿って搬送面上を搬送して払い出すようにした硬貨払出装置において、前記硬貨収納部の前記搬送面部の硬貨払出搬送方向と直交する方向の幅をその硬貨収納部に収納される硬貨の直径よりも広くその硬貨収納部に収納される硬貨の直径にその硬貨の厚さを加えた幅よりは狭く形成した。
【０００９】
したがって、硬貨払出搬送方向と直交する方向の幅を横幅とすると、硬貨収納部の搬送面部の横幅方向には、水平な状態の硬貨は一枚のみ収納され、かつ、この状態では、搬送面部の幅方向で硬貨が挟まれることがないので、硬貨収納部の搬送面部に収納された硬貨の詰まりが防止される。また、装置全体の横幅をＰＯＳやＥＣＲの横幅と略同じに設定された従来の硬貨払出装置に比べ装置全体の横幅を縮小することが可能となる。
また、前記硬貨を投入するための硬貨投入口を設け、前記硬貨投入口に投入された前記硬貨を搬送する過程で選別穴により前記硬貨を金種別に選別して前記硬貨収納部に落下させる硬貨選別部を設け、前記選別穴から落下する硬貨を当該硬貨の直径により定まる落下直後の当該硬貨が占める位置を含む大きさよりも大きな面で受け止めて受け止めた当該硬貨を滑らせて斜め下方へ向けて落下させる傾斜ガイドを設けた。したがって、選別穴から落下する硬貨は、水平な状態に近付けられて落下して硬貨収納部に収納されるようになり、硬貨が硬貨収納部の幅方向で挟まれることが防止される。
更に、前記傾斜ガイドを前記硬貨収納部の入口付近にのみ設けた。したがって、硬貨収納部に収納された硬貨の詰まりが防止されるとともに、傾斜ガイドを例えば硬貨収納部の搬送面付近まで延ばして設けた場合に比べ硬貨収納部の硬貨収納量が大きくなる。
【００１０】
請求項２記載の発明は、請求項１記載の硬貨払出装置において、前記硬貨収納部の幅は、垂直面である前記硬貨収納部の両側面によって規定されている。
【００１１】
したがって、硬貨払出搬送方向と直交する方向の幅を横幅とすると、硬貨収納部の横幅方向には、水平な状態の硬貨は一枚のみ収納され、かつ、この状態では、硬貨が硬貨収納部の両側面により挟まれることがないので、硬貨収納部に収納された硬貨の詰まりが防止される。また、装置全体の横幅をＰＯＳやＥＣＲの横幅と略同じに設定された従来の硬貨払出装置に比べ装置全体の横幅を縮小することが可能となる。
【００１７】
請求項３記載の発明は、請求項１又は２記載の硬貨払出装置において、前記硬貨選別部は、前記硬貨選別部に形成された硬貨選別搬送経路を搬送される前記硬貨の側面を案内する基準面を有し、前記硬貨の前記基準面側よりも前記基準面とは反対側を先に前記選別穴から落下させ、前記傾斜ガイドは、前記選別穴の前記基準面に近い方の端部から遠い方の端部に向かうに従い斜め下方に傾斜している。
【００１８】
したがって、基準面側よりも基準面とは反対側が先に選別穴から落下して傾斜した硬貨の上部から下部へ向かう傾斜の水平成分方向と、傾斜ガイドの基準面に近い方の端部から遠い方の端部に向かう傾斜の水平成分方向とが同じであるので、硬貨が傾斜ガイドに当たった際に硬貨が跳ねることを防止することが可能であり、硬貨を確実に傾斜ガイド上に滑らせることが可能である。
【００１９】
請求項４記載の発明は、請求項３記載の硬貨払出装置において、前記基準面を前記選別穴よりも硬貨払出搬送方向下流側に設けた。
【００２０】
したがって、硬貨は、選別穴の硬貨払出搬送方向上流側に落下して、硬貨収納部の硬貨払出搬送方向下流側に搬送される。
【００２１】
請求項５記載の発明は、請求項１、２、３又は４記載の硬貨払出装置において、前記搬送面は、前記硬貨払出搬送経路を形成し硬貨払出搬送方向下流に向かうに従い高さが高くなり、前記傾斜ガイドの前記選別穴から下方へ向かう傾斜の水平成分方向と、前記搬送面の硬貨払出搬送方向上流側から下流側に向かう傾斜の水平成分方向とが逆向きである。
【００２２】
したがって、硬貨は、硬貨収納部の搬送面に対して平行若しくはそれに近い状態で落下して硬貨収納部の搬送面に対して平行に収納され、硬貨収納部に収納された硬貨の詰まりが防止される。
【００２３】
請求項６記載の発明は、請求項５記載の硬貨払出装置において、前記傾斜ガイドは、前記搬送面に対して平行である。
【００２４】
したがって、硬貨は、硬貨収納部の搬送面に対して平行若しくはそれに近い状態で落下して硬貨収納部の搬送面に対して平行に収納され、硬貨収納部に収納された硬貨の詰まりが防止されるとともに、例えば搬送面に平行な状態より傾斜ガイドの下端が搬送面に近い状態に傾斜ガイドを傾けて設けた場合に比べ硬貨収納部の硬貨収納量が大きくなる。
【００２５】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の実施の一形態を図１ないし図６に基づいて説明する。本実施の形態は、ＰＯＳ端末（図示せず）に接続されて使用される硬貨払出装置への適用例である。ここで、図１は硬貨払出装置１を概略的に示す外観斜視図、図２は硬貨払出装置１の内部構造を示す平面図である。
【００２６】
図１及び図２に示すように、本体ケース２の右側手前に硬貨Ｃ（図３参照）を一括して投入するための上方開口の硬貨投入口３が設けられている。この硬貨投入口３には、光電的に硬貨Ｃの有無を検出する複数組の投入センサ４が設けられている。そして、硬貨投入口３の一端には投入ローラ５が設けられ、この投入ローラ５と硬貨投入口３とにより投入部６が形成されている。投入ローラ５は、硬貨Ｃを一列にして搬送する搬送ベルト７の真上に１枚分の硬貨Ｃが通る隙間をあけて対向配置されている。また、この投入ローラ５は、搬送ベルト７上に硬貨Ｃが重なった場合には最下層の硬貨Ｃ以外の硬貨Ｃを硬貨投入口３側に戻すように回転方向が定められている。ここで、搬送ベルト７は、搬送ベルト７の始端から終端に到る硬貨搬送経路８を形成している。
【００２７】
搬送ベルト７の終端部分には、硬貨搬送方向を直角に変換して硬貨Ｃを底板９に圧接させて硬貨選別位置に搬送する搬送ベルト１０が設けられている。この底板９と搬送ベルト１０とは、硬貨選別搬送経路１１を形成している。この硬貨選別搬送経路１１の一側縁には、基準面１２が設けられている。詳しくは、基準面１２は、後述する硬貨選別部１３の選別穴１４よりも硬貨払出搬送方向（後述）下流側となる硬貨選別搬送経路１１の一側縁に設けられている。この基準面１２は、硬貨選別搬送経路１１を搬送される硬貨Ｃの側面を案内し、後述する硬貨選別部１３の選別穴１４から対応する硬貨Ｃを正しく落下させる為に必要な硬貨Ｃの搬送基準を得る為の硬貨案内面である。そして、搬送ベルト１０は、基準面１２に硬貨Ｃの側面を当接させた状態で硬貨Ｃを搬送する。
【００２８】
次いで、底板９には、搬送ベルト１０に沿わせて、即ち、硬貨選別搬送経路１１に沿わせて順次穴幅寸法が拡大する金種毎の選別穴１４が形成され、ここに硬貨選別位置に位置し、搬送された硬貨を金種別に選別する硬貨選別部１３が形成されている。選別穴１４は、図２において右から１円・５０円・５円・１００円・１０円・５００円のそれぞれの金種に対応するように６個設けられている。本実施の形態では、硬貨選別搬送方向で隣り合う選別穴１４同士はそれぞれ連続して形成されており、外見上、一つの穴を形成している。硬貨選別部１３は、硬貨Ｃが搬送されて、所定の外径の選別穴１４に到達した際に、金種毎に後述する硬貨収納部１５に落下させる。その際、硬貨選別部１３は、硬貨Ｃの基準面１２側を底板９により支持することにより硬貨Ｃの基準面１２側よりも基準面１２とは反対側を先に落下させる。そして、各選別穴１４には、金種毎に計数センサ１６が設けられており、金種毎に硬貨Ｃの枚数がカウントされる。
【００２９】
図３は硬貨払出装置１に内蔵される硬貨収納部１５と搬送部とを示す縦断側面図、図４はその平面図である。硬貨払出装置１には、選別穴１４のそれぞれに連通させて、垂直で互いに平行な複数の仕切板１７により金種毎に仕切られた上方開口の硬貨収納部１５が設けられている。硬貨収納部１５の仕切板１７により仕切られた各硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆのそれぞれの横幅Ｗ、即ち、仕切板１７により形成される両側面１７ａ間の幅は、その硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに収納される硬貨Ｃの直径よりも広くその硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに収納される硬貨Ｃの直径にその硬貨の厚さを加えた幅よりは狭く設定されている。
【００３０】
この硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆのそれぞれの底部分には、図示しないモータに連結されて駆動される搬送ベルト１８が駆動ローラ１９と従動ローラ２０とに懸け渡されて設けられている。この搬送ベルト１８は、エンドレスベルトであって、硬貨払出搬送方向下流側に向かうに従い高さが高くなるような搬送面１８ａを形成するように傾斜配置されており、この搬送面１８ａ上の硬貨Ｃを硬貨払出搬送方向へ搬送する。硬貨払出搬送方向は、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの横幅Ｗ方向と直交する方向に設定されている。そして、搬送ベルト１８の搬送面１８ａは、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの底面及び硬貨払出搬送経路２１を形成している。ここで、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの底面部、即ち搬送面１８ａ部の横幅Ｗは、前述したように両側面１７ａにより定められているので、その硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに収納される硬貨Ｃの直径よりも広くその硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに収納される硬貨Ｃの直径にその硬貨の厚さを加えた幅よりは狭く設定されている。また、搬送ベルト１８、駆動ローラ１９、従動ローラ２０によって、搬送部が形成されている。
【００３１】
そして、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの出口部には、硬貨Ｃを一枚毎に分離する分離ローラ２２が、搬送ベルト１８に対して硬貨Ｃ一枚が通過し得る間隔を隔てて配設され、かつ、全ての金種の出口部をそれらの金種毎に横断するように配設されている。
【００３２】
図５は、硬貨払出装置１に内蔵される硬貨選別部１３と硬貨収納部１５と傾斜ガイド２３とを拡大して示す斜視図である。硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆにおける硬貨選別部１３の選別穴１４との連通部、即ち、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの入口付近には、選別穴１４から落下する硬貨Ｃを案内する傾斜ガイド２３が設けられている。これらの傾斜ガイド２３は、硬貨選別部１３の選別穴１４の基準面１２に近い方の端部から遠い方の端部に向かうに従い下方に傾斜し、かつ、搬送ベルト１８の搬送面１８ａと平行に設定されている。そして、この傾斜ガイド２３は、硬貨選別部１３の選別穴１４により選別されて落下する硬貨Ｃを斜め下方へ向けて落下させる。
【００３３】
さらに、硬貨収納部１５の出口部には、所定枚数の硬貨Ｃを一列に整列させて、待機させる硬貨待機部２４が金種毎に設けられている。
【００３４】
加えて、図３に示すように、各搬送ベルト１８の先端付近の上部には、それぞれ金種別に硬貨Ｃを一時的に停止させるとともに必要枚数の硬貨Ｃを送り出すように動作制御がなされる硬貨シャッタ２５が設けられている。これらの硬貨シャッタ２５は、一端で搬送ベルト１８上の先頭の硬貨Ｃを押えているが他端に連結されたシャッタソレノイド２６により駆動され指定された枚数だけ硬貨Ｃを払い出すように構成されている。さらに、各硬貨シャッタ２５の直後には、金種毎に払い出された硬貨Ｃの枚数を計数する光センサである払出センサ２７が設けられている。
【００３５】
さらに、搬送ベルト１８によって硬貨Ｃを金種別に落下させる硬貨払出位置には、図１及び図２に示すように、上面が開口した筐体状の硬貨払出口２８が配置されている。さらに、本体ケース２の硬貨払出口２８の奥側には、表示器２９及び各種の操作部３０が設けられている。
【００３６】
このような構成において、硬貨Ｃが硬貨投入口３に投入されると、投入センサ４がその硬貨Ｃを検出し、この検出信号により投入ローラ５、搬送ベルト７，１０が駆動される。そして、硬貨投入口３に投入された硬貨Ｃは、投入ローラ５と搬送ベルト７との間で１枚ずつ分離されて搬送される。硬貨Ｃは、搬送ベルト７から搬送ベルト１０に方向転換されて搬送され、硬貨選別部１３で金種毎の選別がなされる。すなわち、硬貨Ｃは、金種に応じて選別穴１４から落下し、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに金種別に収納される。そして、選別穴１４から落下した硬貨Ｃは、計数センサ１６によりその数がカウントされる。
【００３７】
また、硬貨待機部２４に硬貨Ｃがない場合には、搬送ベルト１８が駆動されて硬貨待機部２４に所定枚数の硬貨Ｃが常に存在するように動作制御がなされる。
【００３８】
ついで、ＰＯＳ端末において締め処理がなされ、ＰＯＳ端末より硬貨Ｃの払出命令があった場合には、搬送ベルト１８が駆動されるとともに、金種毎に硬貨シャッタ２５がシャッタソレノイド２６によって駆動されるため、必要枚数の硬貨Ｃが送り出される。このように送り出された硬貨Ｃは、硬貨払出口２８に払い出される。
【００３９】
次に、硬貨Ｃが金種に応じて選別穴１４から落下し硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに金種別に収納される際の動きについて詳しく説明する。硬貨Ｃは、基準面１２側よりも基準面１２とは反対側、即ち、硬貨払出搬送方向上流側が先に選別穴１４から落下して、傾斜ガイド２３を滑り落ちる。これにより、硬貨Ｃは、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの硬貨払出搬送方向上流側へ向けて落下する。
【００４０】
このとき、基準面１２側よりも基準面１２とは反対側が先に選別穴１４から落下して傾斜した硬貨Ｃの上部から下部へ向かう傾斜の水平成分方向と、傾斜ガイド２３の基準面１２に近い方の端部から遠い方の端部に向かう傾斜の水平成分方向（換言すると、傾斜ガイド２３の選別穴１４から下方へ向かう傾斜の水平成分方向）とが同じであるので、硬貨Ｃが傾斜ガイド２３に当たった際に硬貨Ｃが跳ねることを防止することができ、硬貨Ｃを確実に傾斜ガイド２３上に滑らせることができる。
【００４１】
そして、傾斜ガイド２３により硬貨Ｃは水平状態に近付けられて落下する。
【００４２】
さらに、傾斜ガイド２３の選別穴１４から下方へ向かう傾斜の水平成分方向と、搬送面１８ａの硬貨払出搬送方向上流側から下流側に向かう水平成分方向とが逆向きであるので、硬貨Ｃは搬送面１８ａに対して平行若しくはそれに近い状態で落下する。
【００４３】
さらに、傾斜ガイド２３が搬送面１８ａに平行であるので、より確実に硬貨Ｃは搬送面１８ａに対して平行若しくはそれに近い状態で落下する。よって、硬貨Ｃは、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの底面、即ち搬送面１８ａに対して確実に平行な状態で収納される。これにより、硬貨Ｃが硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの底面に対して直立した状態で収納されることが防止される。
【００４４】
ここで、本実施の形態の硬貨払出装置１は、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの横幅Ｗがその硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに収納される硬貨Ｃの直径よりも広くその硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに収納される硬貨Ｃの直径にその硬貨の厚さを加えた幅よりは狭く設定されていることにより、図６に一例を示すように、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの横幅Ｗ方向には、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの底面に平行な状態の硬貨Ｃは一枚のみ収納される。この状態では、硬貨Ｃと硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの側面１７ａとの間には隙間Ｙがあり、この隙間Ｙは硬貨の厚さよりも狭いのでこの隙間Ｙに直立状態の硬貨Ｃも入り込めないので、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの底面に平行な状態の硬貨Ｃが挟まれることがない。これにより、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに収納された硬貨Ｃの詰まりを防止することができる。そして、前述したように、本実施の形態では、落下した後の硬貨Ｃが硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの底面に対して確実に平行な状態で収納されるので、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに収納された硬貨Ｃの詰まりを確実に防止することができる。
【００４５】
そして、硬貨Ｃは、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの硬貨払出搬送方向上流側に落下した後、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの硬貨払出搬送方向下流側に搬送される。これにより、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに効率よく硬貨Ｃを収納することができる。
【００４６】
また、傾斜ガイド２３は、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの入口付近にのみに設けられ、かつ、搬送ベルト１８の搬送面１８ａに平行であるので、傾斜ガイド２３を例えば硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの底面付近まで延ばして設けた場合に比べ硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの硬貨収納量を大きくすることができ、また、例えば搬送面１８ａに平行な状態より傾斜ガイド２３の下端が搬送面１８ａに近い状態に傾斜ガイド２３を傾けて設けた場合に比べ硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの硬貨収納量を大きくすることができる。
【００４７】
そして、本実施の形態の硬貨払出装置１は、硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆの横幅Ｗがその硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに収納される硬貨Ｃの直径よりも広くその硬貨収納部１５ａ〜１５ｆに収納される硬貨Ｃの直径にその硬貨の厚さを加えた幅よりは狭く設定されていることにより、装置全体の横幅をＰＯＳやＥＣＲの横幅と略同じに設定された従来の硬貨払出装置に比べ装置全体の横幅を縮小することができる。
【００４８】
【発明の効果】
請求項１記載の発明によれば、金種毎の硬貨収納部に金種別に収納された硬貨を硬貨払出搬送経路に沿って搬送面上を搬送して払い出すようにした硬貨払出装置において、前記硬貨収納部の前記搬送面部の硬貨払出搬送方向と直交する方向の幅をその硬貨収納部に収納される硬貨の直径よりも広くその硬貨収納部に収納される硬貨の直径にその硬貨の厚さを加えた幅よりは狭く形成したことにより、硬貨払出搬送方向と直交する方向の幅を横幅とすると、硬貨収納部の搬送面部の横幅方向には、水平な状態の硬貨は一枚のみ収納され、かつ、この状態では、搬送面部の硬貨収納部の幅方向で硬貨が挟まれることがないので、硬貨収納部の搬送面部に収納された硬貨の詰まりを防止することができる。また、装置全体の横幅をＰＯＳやＥＣＲの横幅と略同じに設定された従来の硬貨払出装置に比べ装置全体の横幅を縮小することができる。
また、前記硬貨を投入するための硬貨投入口を設け、前記硬貨投入口に投入された前記硬貨を搬送する過程で前記硬貨を金種別に選別して前記硬貨収納部に落下させる硬貨選別部を有することにより、硬貨選別部により選別落下され硬貨収納部に収納された硬貨の詰まりを防止することができる。
また、前記硬貨選別部は、選別穴により前記硬貨を前記硬貨収納部に落下させ、前記選別穴から落下する硬貨を当該硬貨の直径により定まる落下直後の当該硬貨が占める位置を含む大きさよりも大きな面で受け止めて受け止めた当該硬貨を滑らせて斜め下方へ向けて落下させる傾斜ガイドを設けたことにより、選別穴から落下する硬貨は、水平な状態に近付けられて落下して硬貨収納部に収納されるようになり、硬貨が硬貨収納部の幅方向で挟まれることが防止できるので、硬貨収納部に収納された硬貨の詰まりを防止することができる。
更に、前記傾斜ガイドを前記硬貨収納部の入口付近にのみ設けたことにより、硬貨収納部に収納された硬貨の詰まりを防止することができるとともに、傾斜ガイドを例えば硬貨収納部の搬送面付近まで延ばして設けた場合に比べ硬貨収納部の硬貨収納量を大きくすることができる。
【００４９】
請求項２記載の発明によれば、請求項１記載の硬貨払出装置において、前記硬貨収納部の幅は、垂直面である前記硬貨収納部の両側面によって規定されていることにより、硬貨払出搬送方向と直交する方向の幅を横幅とすると、硬貨収納部の横幅方向には、水平な状態の硬貨は一枚のみ収納され、かつ、この状態では、硬貨が硬貨収納部の両側面により挟まれることがないので、硬貨収納部に収納された硬貨の詰まりを防止することができる。また、装置全体の横幅をＰＯＳやＥＣＲの横幅と略同じに設定された従来の硬貨払出装置に比べ装置全体の横幅を縮小することができる。
【００５３】
請求項３記載の発明によれば、請求項１又は２記載の硬貨払出装置において、前記硬貨選別部は、前記硬貨選別部に形成された硬貨選別搬送経路を搬送される前記硬貨の側面を案内する基準面を有し、前記硬貨の前記基準面側よりも前記基準面とは反対側を先に前記選別穴から落下させ、前記傾斜ガイドは、前記選別穴の前記基準面に近い方の端部から遠い方の端部に向かうに従い斜め下方に傾斜していることにより、基準面側よりも基準面とは反対側が先に選別穴から落下して傾斜した硬貨の上部から下部へ向かう傾斜の水平成分方向と、傾斜ガイドの基準面に近い方の端部から遠い方の端部に向かう傾斜の水平成分方向とが同じであるので、硬貨が傾斜ガイドに当たった際に硬貨が跳ねることを防止することが可能であり、硬貨を確実に傾斜ガイド上に滑らせることができる。
【００５４】
請求項４記載の発明によれば、請求項３記載の硬貨払出装置において、前記基準面を前記選別穴よりも硬貨払出搬送方向下流側に設けたことにより、硬貨は、選別穴の硬貨払出搬送方向上流側に落下して、硬貨収納部の硬貨払出搬送方向下流側に搬送されるので、硬貨収納部に効率よく硬貨を収納することができる。
【００５５】
請求項５記載の発明によれば、請求項１、２、３又は４記載の硬貨払出装置において、前記搬送面は、前記硬貨払出搬送経路を形成し硬貨払出搬送方向下流に向かうに従い高さが高くなり、前記傾斜ガイドの前記選別穴から下方へ向かう傾斜の水平成分方向と、前記搬送面の硬貨払出搬送方向上流側から下流側に向かう傾斜の水平成分方向とが逆向きであることにより、硬貨は、硬貨収納部の搬送面に対して平行若しくはそれに近い状態で落下して硬貨収納部の搬送面に対して平行に収納されるので、硬貨収納部に収納された硬貨の詰まりを防止することができる。
【００５６】
請求項６記載の発明によれば、請求項５記載の硬貨払出装置において、前記傾斜ガイドは、前記搬送面に対して平行であることにより、硬貨は、硬貨収納部の搬送面に対して平行若しくはそれに近い状態で落下して硬貨収納部の搬送面に対して平行に収納されることにより、硬貨収納部に収納された硬貨の詰まりを防止することができるとともに、例えば搬送面に平行な状態より傾斜ガイドの下端が搬送面に近い状態に傾斜ガイドを傾けて設けた場合に比べ硬貨収納部の硬貨収納量を大きくすることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の一形態の硬貨払出装置を概略的に示す外観斜視図である。
【図２】硬貨払出装置の内部構造を示す平面図である。
【図３】硬貨払出装置に内蔵される硬貨収納部と搬送部とを示す縦断側面図である。
【図４】その平面図である。
【図５】硬貨払出装置に内蔵される硬貨選別部と硬貨収納部と傾斜ガイドとを拡大して示す斜視図である。
【図６】硬貨収納部における硬貨の収納状態を示す縦断正面図である。
【図７】従来の硬貨払出装置を示す縦断側面図である。
【図８】硬貨収納部における硬貨の詰まった状態を示す縦断正面図である。
【符号の説明】
１硬貨払出装置
１１硬貨選別搬送経路
１２基準面
１３硬貨選別部
１４選別穴
１５ａ〜１５ｆ硬貨収納部
１７ａ側面
１８ａ搬送面
２１硬貨払出搬送経路
２３傾斜ガイド
Ｃ硬貨
Ｗ幅（横幅）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a coin dispensing device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a plurality of coin storage units divided by denomination are arranged in parallel, and coins such as 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen, 500 yen are stored in these coin storage parts, There is a coin payout device that pays out coins in a coin storage portion to a coin payout exit by a belt when there is change according to a command from a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal or ECR (Electronic Cash Register).
[0003]
In such a coin dispensing device, as shown in an example in FIG. 7, a coin storage unit 101 is provided that stores the coins C that have been sorted and dropped according to denomination by a coin sorting unit (not shown). ing. In order to pay out the coins C in the coin storage unit 101 to a coin payout exit (not shown), a conveyance belt 102 extending from the bottom surface of the coin storage unit 101 to the coin payout exit is provided. Then, the coins C placed on the transport belt 102 in a state parallel to the transport belt 102 are transported by the transport belt 102 and dispensed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, an upright coin C is sandwiched between a coin C placed on the conveyor belt 102 in a state parallel to the conveyor belt 102 and a side surface 101 a of the coin storage unit 101. As a result, there is a problem that these coins C are sandwiched between both side surfaces 101a of the coin storage unit 101 and the coins C are clogged.
[0005]
Also, the coin dispensing device is modularized with a banknote depositing / dispensing device, a money drawer, etc., and combined with one of them according to the user's store operation, and the upper surfaces thereof are in a flush state. In some cases, a POS terminal or an ECR is mounted and used. In such modularization, a coin dispensing device is used in which the width of the device is set to be substantially the same as the width of the POS terminal or ECR and the POS terminal or ECR is mounted on the upper surface in order to improve usability. In this case, when this coin dispensing device is installed side by side with other modules, their horizontal width becomes larger than the horizontal width of the POS terminal or ECR, and the usability becomes worse.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to prevent clogging of coins in a coin storage unit.
[0007]
Another object of the present invention is to reduce the lateral width of the coin dispensing device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is the coin dispensing apparatus in which the coins stored in the denomination storing unit for each denomination are transported on the transport surface along the coin dispensing transport path and are dispensed. The thickness of the coin is stored in the diameter of the coin stored in the coin storage unit, and the width of the storage surface of the storage unit in the direction orthogonal to the coin dispensing and transporting direction is wider than the diameter of the coin stored in the coin storage unit. It was formed narrower than the added width.
[0009]
Therefore, if the width in the direction perpendicular to the coin dispensing direction is the horizontal width, only one coin in the horizontal state is stored in the horizontal width direction of the transfer surface portion of the coin storage portion, and in this state, the transfer surface portion Since coins are not sandwiched in the width direction, clogging of coins stored in the transport surface portion of the coin storage portion is prevented. In addition, the overall width of the apparatus can be reduced as compared with the conventional coin dispensing apparatus in which the overall width of the apparatus is set to be substantially the same as that of POS or ECR.
In addition, a coin is provided that is provided with a coin insertion slot for inserting the coin, and that the coin is sorted into denominations by a selection hole in the process of transporting the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot and dropped into the coin storage unit. A sorting unit is provided, and the coin falling from the sorting hole is the diameter of the coin. The size including the position occupied by the coin immediately after falling determined by Take it in a bigger aspect than Slide the coins you received Inclined guides are provided to drop diagonally downward. Accordingly, the coins falling from the sorting holes are brought close to a horizontal state and fall and are stored in the coin storage unit, and the coins are prevented from being pinched in the width direction of the coin storage unit.
Further, the inclined guide is provided only near the entrance of the coin storage part. Therefore, clogging of the coins stored in the coin storage unit is prevented, and the amount of coin storage in the coin storage unit is larger than when the inclined guide is provided to extend near the conveyance surface of the coin storage unit, for example.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the coin dispensing device according to the first aspect, the width of the coin storage portion is defined by both side surfaces of the coin storage portion which are vertical surfaces.
[0011]
Therefore, if the width in the direction orthogonal to the coin payout / conveying direction is the horizontal width, only one coin in the horizontal state is stored in the horizontal width direction of the coin storage portion, and in this state, the coin is stored in the coin storage portion. Since it is not pinched by both side surfaces, clogging of coins stored in the coin storage portion is prevented. In addition, the overall width of the apparatus can be reduced as compared with the conventional coin dispensing apparatus in which the overall width of the apparatus is set to be substantially the same as that of POS or ECR.
[0017]
Claim 3 The described invention is claimed. 1 or 2 In the coin dispensing device described above, the coin sorting unit has a reference surface that guides a side surface of the coin that is transported through a coin sorting and conveying path formed in the coin sorting unit, and from the reference surface side of the coin Also, the side opposite the reference surface is first dropped from the sorting hole, and the inclined guide is inclined downward as it goes from the end closer to the reference plane to the end farther from the reference plane. ing.
[0018]
Therefore, the side opposite to the reference plane than the reference plane side is farther away from the end of the inclined guide closer to the reference plane, and the horizontal component direction of the inclined coin from the upper part to the lower part of the coin that has fallen from the sorting hole and inclined. Since the horizontal component direction of the inclination toward the end of the direction is the same, it is possible to prevent the coin from bouncing when it hits the inclination guide, and the coin is surely slid on the inclination guide It is possible.
[0019]
Claim 4 The described invention is claimed. 3 In the described coin dispensing device, the reference surface is provided downstream of the sorting hole in the coin dispensing and conveying direction.
[0020]
Accordingly, the coin falls to the upstream side of the sorting hole in the coin dispensing / conveying direction and is conveyed downstream in the coin dispensing / conveying direction of the coin storage unit.
[0021]
Claim 5 The described invention is claimed. 1, 2, 3 or 4 In the coin dispensing device described above, the conveying surface forms the coin dispensing conveyance path and becomes higher as it goes downstream in the coin dispensing conveyance direction, and the horizontal component direction of the inclination is directed downward from the sorting hole of the inclined guide. And the horizontal component direction of the inclination which goes to the downstream from the coin delivery conveyance direction of the said conveyance surface is reverse direction.
[0022]
Accordingly, the coins fall in a state parallel to or close to the transport surface of the coin storage unit and are stored in parallel to the transport surface of the coin storage unit, so that clogging of the coins stored in the coin storage unit is prevented. The
[0023]
Claim 6 The described invention is claimed. 5 In the described coin dispensing device, the inclined guide is parallel to the transport surface.
[0024]
Accordingly, the coins fall in a state parallel to or close to the transport surface of the coin storage unit and are stored in parallel to the transport surface of the coin storage unit, so that clogging of the coins stored in the coin storage unit is prevented. In addition, for example, the amount of coins stored in the coin storage portion is larger than when the tilt guide is tilted so that the lower end of the tilt guide is closer to the transport surface than the state parallel to the transport surface.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment is an application example to a coin dispensing device that is used by being connected to a POS terminal (not shown). Here, FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing the coin dispensing device 1, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the coin dispensing device 1.
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an upper opening coin insertion slot 3 is provided in front of the right side of the main body case 2 for coins C (see FIG. 3). The coin insertion slot 3 is provided with a plurality of sets of insertion sensors 4 for photoelectrically detecting the presence or absence of the coin C. An insertion roller 5 is provided at one end of the coin insertion slot 3, and an insertion portion 6 is formed by the insertion roller 5 and the coin insertion slot 3. The input roller 5 is disposed to face the gap between which the coins C for one sheet pass immediately above the conveyance belt 7 that conveys the coins C in a row. The rotation direction of the insertion roller 5 is determined so that coins C other than the lowermost coin C are returned to the coin insertion slot 3 when the coins C overlap on the conveyor belt 7. Here, the transport belt 7 forms a coin transport path 8 from the start end to the end of the transport belt 7.
[0027]
At the end portion of the conveyor belt 7, a conveyor belt 10 that converts the coin conveyance direction to a right angle and presses the coin C against the bottom plate 9 and conveys it to the coin sorting position is provided. The bottom plate 9 and the conveyor belt 10 form a coin sorting and conveying path 11. A reference surface 12 is provided on one side edge of the coin sorting and conveying path 11. Specifically, the reference surface 12 is provided at one side edge of the coin sorting / conveying path 11 which is downstream in the coin dispensing / conveying direction (described later) with respect to the sorting hole 14 of the coin sorting unit 13 described later. The reference surface 12 guides the side surface of the coin C conveyed through the coin sorting and conveying path 11 and conveys the coin C necessary for correctly dropping the corresponding coin C from the sorting hole 14 of the coin sorting unit 13 described later. It is a coin guide surface for obtaining the standard. And the conveyance belt 10 conveys the coin C in the state which made the reference surface 12 contact | abut the side surface of the coin C. FIG.
[0028]
Next, the bottom plate 9 is formed with a sorting hole 14 for each denomination whose hole width dimension is sequentially increased along the conveying belt 10, that is, along the coin sorting and conveying path 11. A coin sorting section 13 is formed that sorts the coins that are located and conveyed. Six sorting holes 14 are provided from the right in FIG. 2 so as to correspond to respective denominations of 1 yen, 50 yen, 5 yen, 100 yen, 10 yen, and 500 yen. In the present embodiment, the sorting holes 14 adjacent to each other in the coin sorting and conveying direction are continuously formed to form one hole in appearance. When the coin C is transported and reaches the sorting hole 14 having a predetermined outer diameter, the coin sorting unit 13 drops the coin storing unit 15 described later for each denomination. At that time, the coin sorting unit 13 supports the reference surface 12 side of the coin C by the bottom plate 9 to drop the side opposite to the reference surface 12 earlier than the reference surface 12 side of the coin C. Each sorting hole 14 is provided with a counting sensor 16 for each denomination, and the number of coins C is counted for each denomination.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal side view showing the coin storage unit 15 and the transport unit built in the coin dispensing apparatus 1, and FIG. 4 is a plan view thereof. The coin dispensing device 1 is provided with a coin storage portion 15 having an upper opening that is communicated with each of the sorting holes 14 and partitioned for each denomination by a plurality of vertical and parallel partition plates 17. The lateral width W of each of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f partitioned by the partition plate 17 of the coin storage portion 15, that is, the width between both side surfaces 17a formed by the partition plate 17 is the same as that of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f. The diameter of the coin C stored in the coin storage portions 15a to 15f is set wider than the diameter of the coin C to be stored and smaller than the width obtained by adding the thickness of the coin.
[0030]
A conveyor belt 18 that is connected to a motor (not shown) and is driven around a drive roller 19 and a driven roller 20 is provided at the bottom of each of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f. The transport belt 18 is an endless belt, and is inclined so as to form a transport surface 18a that increases in height toward the downstream side in the coin dispensing and transport direction, and the coin C on the transport surface 18a. Is transported in the coin payout transport direction. The coin payout / conveying direction is set in a direction orthogonal to the width W direction of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f. And the conveyance surface 18a of the conveyance belt 18 forms the bottom face of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f and the coin dispensing conveyance path 21. Here, since the width W of the bottom surface portion of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f, that is, the conveyance surface 18a portion is determined by the both side surfaces 17a as described above, the coin C stored in the coin storage portions 15a to 15f. The diameter of the coin C stored in the coin storage portions 15a to 15f is set to be narrower than the width obtained by adding the thickness of the coin. In addition, a conveyance unit is formed by the conveyance belt 18, the driving roller 19, and the driven roller 20.
[0031]
And in the exit part of coin storage parts 15a-15f, the separation roller 22 which isolate | separates the coin C for every sheet is arrange | positioned at the space | interval which can pass one coin C with respect to the conveyance belt 18, And it is arrange | positioned so that the exit part of all the money types may be crossed for every money type.
[0032]
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing the coin sorting unit 13, the coin storage unit 15, and the tilt guide 23 built in the coin dispensing apparatus 1. An inclined guide 23 that guides the coin C falling from the sorting hole 14 is provided in a portion where the coin sorting unit 13 communicates with the sorting hole 14 in the coin storing unit 15a to 15f, that is, in the vicinity of the entrance of the coin storing unit 15a to 15f. It has been. These inclined guides 23 are inclined downward toward the end farther from the end closer to the reference surface 12 of the sorting hole 14 of the coin sorting section 13 and parallel to the transport surface 18a of the transport belt 18. Is set to And this inclination guide 23 makes the coin C which is sorted and falls by the sorting hole 14 of the coin sorting unit 13 fall diagonally downward.
[0033]
Furthermore, a coin standby unit 24 for arranging a predetermined number of coins C in a line and waiting is provided for each denomination at the exit of the coin storage unit 15.
[0034]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, at the upper part of the vicinity of the leading end of each conveyor belt 18, the operation control is performed so that the coin C is temporarily stopped for each denomination and the necessary number of coins C are sent out. A shutter 25 is provided. These coin shutters 25 are configured such that one end holds the leading coin C on the conveyor belt 18 but is driven by a shutter solenoid 26 connected to the other end so that a specified number of coins C are paid out. Yes. Further, immediately after each coin shutter 25, a payout sensor 27, which is an optical sensor for counting the number of coins C paid out for each denomination, is provided.
[0035]
Further, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a housing-like coin payout outlet 28 having an open top surface is disposed at the coin payout position where the coin C is dropped by denomination by the transport belt 18. Further, a display 29 and various operation units 30 are provided on the back side of the coin payout outlet 28 of the main body case 2.
[0036]
In such a configuration, when a coin C is inserted into the coin insertion slot 3, the insertion sensor 4 detects the coin C, and the insertion roller 5 and the conveyor belts 7 and 10 are driven by this detection signal. The coins C inserted into the coin insertion slot 3 are separated and conveyed one by one between the insertion roller 5 and the conveyance belt 7. The coin C is redirected from the transport belt 7 to the transport belt 10 and transported, and the coin sorting unit 13 performs sorting for each denomination. That is, the coin C falls from the sorting hole 14 according to the denomination and is stored in the coin storage units 15a to 15f in denominations. Then, the number of coins C falling from the sorting hole 14 is counted by the counting sensor 16.
[0037]
Further, when there is no coin C in the coin standby unit 24, the operation is controlled so that the transport belt 18 is driven and a predetermined number of coins C are always present in the coin standby unit 24.
[0038]
Next, the tightening process is performed at the POS terminal, and when the coin C is issued from the POS terminal, the conveyor belt 18 is driven and the coin shutter 25 is driven by the shutter solenoid 26 for each denomination. The required number of coins C is sent out. The coin C sent out in this way is paid out to the coin payout exit 28.
[0039]
Next, the movement when the coin C falls from the sorting hole 14 according to the denomination and is stored in the coin storage units 15a to 15f in denominations will be described in detail. As for the coin C, the side opposite to the reference surface 12 relative to the reference surface 12 side, that is, the upstream side in the coin dispensing and transporting direction first falls from the sorting hole 14 and slides down the inclined guide 23. Thereby, the coin C falls toward the upstream of the coin payout / conveying direction of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f.
[0040]
At this time, on the reference surface 12 of the inclination guide 23 and the horizontal component direction of the inclination from the upper side to the lower side of the coin C which has fallen from the sorting hole 14 on the side opposite to the reference surface 12 first than the reference surface 12 side and inclined. Since the horizontal component direction of the inclination from the near end to the far end (in other words, the horizontal component direction of the inclination downward from the sorting hole 14 of the inclination guide 23) is the same, the coin C is inclined. It is possible to prevent the coin C from bouncing when it hits the guide 23, and the coin C can be reliably slid on the inclined guide 23.
[0041]
And the coin C is brought close to a horizontal state by the inclination guide 23 and falls.
[0042]
Further, since the horizontal component direction inclined downward from the sorting hole 14 of the inclined guide 23 is opposite to the horizontal component direction from the upstream side to the downstream side in the coin dispensing and conveying direction of the conveying surface 18a, the coin C is conveyed. It falls in a state parallel to or close to the surface 18a.
[0043]
Further, since the inclined guide 23 is parallel to the transport surface 18a, the coin C more reliably falls in a state parallel to or close to the transport surface 18a. Therefore, the coin C is securely stored in a state parallel to the bottom surfaces of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f, that is, the transport surface 18a. Thereby, it is prevented that the coin C is stored in an upright state with respect to the bottom surfaces of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f.
[0044]
Here, in the coin dispensing device 1 of the present embodiment, the lateral width W of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f is wider than the diameter of the coin C stored in the coin storage portions 15a to 15f. Since the diameter of the coin C to be stored is set to be narrower than the width obtained by adding the thickness of the coin, as shown in an example in FIG. 6, coins in the horizontal width W direction of the coin storage portions 15 a to 15 f Only one coin C in a state parallel to the bottom surfaces of the storage portions 15a to 15f is stored. In this state, there is a gap Y between the coin C and the side surface 17a of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f, and since this gap Y is narrower than the thickness of the coin, the upright coin C cannot enter the gap Y. Therefore, the coin C in a state parallel to the bottom surfaces of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f is not sandwiched. Thereby, clogging of the coin C accommodated in the coin storage parts 15a-15f can be prevented. And as above-mentioned, in this Embodiment, since the coin C after falling is reliably accommodated in the state parallel to the bottom face of the coin accommodating part 15a-15f, it accommodates in the coin accommodating part 15a-15f. It is possible to reliably prevent clogged coins C from being jammed.
[0045]
And the coin C is conveyed downstream in the coin delivery / conveyance direction of the coin storage parts 15a-15f, after falling in the coin delivery / conveyance direction upstream of the coin storage parts 15a-15f. Thereby, the coin C can be efficiently stored in the coin storage portions 15a to 15f.
[0046]
Moreover, since the inclination guide 23 is provided only in the vicinity of the entrances of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f and is parallel to the transport surface 18a of the transport belt 18, the tilt guide 23 is, for example, the bottom surface of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f. The amount of coins stored in the coin storage portions 15a to 15f can be increased as compared with the case where they are extended to the vicinity, and the lower end of the inclined guide 23 is closer to the transport surface 18a than the state parallel to the transport surface 18a, for example. Compared with the case where the inclined guide 23 is provided to be inclined, the amount of coins stored in the coin storage portions 15a to 15f can be increased.
[0047]
The coin dispensing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment stores the coin storage portions 15a to 15f in which the width W of the coin storage portions 15a to 15f is wider than the diameter of the coin C stored in the coin storage portions 15a to 15f. Compared to a conventional coin dispensing device in which the width of the entire device is set to be substantially the same as the width of POS or ECR, by setting the width of the coin C to be smaller than the width of the coin C plus the thickness of the coin. The overall width of the apparatus can be reduced.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
According to the invention of claim 1, in the coin dispensing apparatus configured to convey and dispense the coins stored in the denomination in the coin storing unit for each denomination along the coin dispensing transport path on the transport surface. The width of the coin storage part in the direction orthogonal to the coin dispensing and conveying direction of the transfer surface part is wider than the diameter of the coin stored in the coin storage part and the thickness of the coin is stored in the coin storage part. If the width in the direction perpendicular to the coin dispensing and transporting direction is defined as the horizontal width, only one coin in the horizontal state is stored in the horizontal width direction of the transfer surface portion of the coin storage unit. And in this state, since coins are not pinched by the width direction of the coin storage part of a conveyance surface part, clogging of the coin stored in the conveyance surface part of a coin storage part can be prevented. Further, the overall width of the apparatus can be reduced as compared with the conventional coin dispensing apparatus in which the overall width of the apparatus is set to be substantially the same as the width of the POS or ECR.
Also, a coin selector for providing a coin inlet for inserting the coin, and for sorting the coins into denominations in the process of transporting the coins inserted into the coin inlet and dropping them into the coin storage part. By having it, it is possible to prevent clogging of coins that have been sorted and dropped by the coin sorting unit and stored in the coin storage unit.
In addition, the coin sorting unit drops the coin into the coin storage unit through a sorting hole, and the coin falling from the sorting hole has a diameter of the coin. The size including the position occupied by the coin immediately after falling determined by Take it in a bigger aspect than Slide the coins you received By providing an inclined guide that drops obliquely downward, coins that fall from the sorting hole come close to a horizontal state and fall and are stored in the coin storage part. Since it can prevent pinching in the width direction, the clogging of the coin accommodated in the coin storage part can be prevented.
Furthermore, by providing the inclined guide only in the vicinity of the entrance of the coin storage part, it is possible to prevent clogging of coins stored in the coin storage part, and for example, the inclination guide can be extended to the vicinity of the transfer surface of the coin storage part. Compared with the case where it is extended, the amount of coins stored in the coin storage unit can be increased.
[0049]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the coin dispensing device according to the first aspect, the width of the coin storage portion is defined by both side surfaces of the coin storage portion which is a vertical surface, whereby a coin dispensing transport is performed. When the width in the direction perpendicular to the direction is the horizontal width, only one coin in a horizontal state is stored in the horizontal width direction of the coin storage unit, and in this state, the coin is sandwiched between both side surfaces of the coin storage unit. Therefore, clogging of coins stored in the coin storage unit can be prevented. Further, the overall width of the apparatus can be reduced as compared with the conventional coin dispensing apparatus in which the overall width of the apparatus is set to be substantially the same as the width of the POS or ECR.
[0053]
Claim 3 According to the described invention, the claims 1 or 2 In the coin dispensing device described above, the coin sorting unit has a reference surface that guides a side surface of the coin that is transported through a coin sorting and conveying path formed in the coin sorting unit, and from the reference surface side of the coin Also, the side opposite the reference surface is first dropped from the sorting hole, and the inclined guide is inclined downward as it goes from the end closer to the reference plane to the end farther from the reference plane. The horizontal component direction of the inclination from the upper side to the lower side of the coin that has been dropped from the sorting hole on the side opposite to the reference surface first than the reference surface side and the end closer to the reference surface of the inclined guide Since the horizontal component direction of the inclination toward the end farther from the part is the same, it is possible to prevent the coin from bouncing when the coin hits the inclination guide, and the coin is surely placed on the inclination guide. Can be slid into.
[0054]
Claim 4 According to the described invention, the claims 3 In the coin dispensing device described above, the reference plane is provided on the downstream side in the coin dispensing and conveying direction from the sorting hole, so that the coin falls to the upstream side in the coin dispensing and conveying direction of the sorting hole, and the coin in the coin storage unit Since it is transported downstream in the payout transport direction, coins can be efficiently stored in the coin storage part.
[0055]
Claim 5 According to the described invention, the claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 In the coin dispensing device described above, the conveying surface forms the coin dispensing conveyance path and becomes higher as it goes downstream in the coin dispensing conveyance direction, and the horizontal component direction of the inclination is directed downward from the sorting hole of the inclined guide. And the horizontal component direction of the inclination from the upstream side to the downstream side in the coin dispensing and transporting direction of the transport surface is opposite, so that the coin falls in a state parallel to or close to the transport surface of the coin storage unit. Thus, the coins stored in the coin storage unit can be prevented from being clogged because they are stored in parallel with the transport surface of the coin storage unit.
[0056]
Claim 6 According to the described invention, the claims 5 In the coin dispensing apparatus described above, the inclined guide is parallel to the transport surface, so that the coin falls in a state parallel to or close to the transport surface of the coin storage unit and is transported by the coin storage unit. By storing parallel to the surface, it is possible to prevent clogging of coins stored in the coin storage part, and for example, the lower end of the inclined guide is inclined closer to the conveying surface than the state parallel to the conveying surface. Compared with the case where the guide is inclined, the amount of coins stored in the coin storage unit can be increased.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing a coin dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an internal structure of the coin dispensing device.
FIG. 3 is a vertical side view showing a coin storage part and a transport part built in the coin dispensing apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a plan view thereof.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a coin sorting unit, a coin storage unit, and an inclined guide incorporated in the coin dispensing device.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal front view showing a coin storage state in the coin storage unit.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal side view showing a conventional coin dispensing device.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional front view showing a state where coins are jammed in a coin storage unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Coin dispensing device
11 Coin sorting transport route
12 Reference plane
13 Coin sorting section
14 Sorting hole
15a-15f Coin storage
17a side
18a Conveying surface
21 Coin delivery route
23 Inclination guide
C coin
W width (width)

Claims

In the coin dispensing device configured to convey and dispense the coins stored in the coin storing unit for each denomination by denomination along the coin dispensing transport path on the transport surface,
The width of the coin storage part in the direction orthogonal to the coin dispensing and transporting direction of the transfer surface part is wider than the diameter of the coin stored in the coin storage part and the thickness of the coin is stored in the coin storage part. Forming narrower than the added width,
Providing a coin slot for inserting the coin,
In the process of transporting the coins inserted into the coin slot, a coin sorting unit is provided that sorts the coins into denominations by a sorting hole and drops them into the coin storage unit,
An inclined guide that receives the coins falling from the sorting hole on a surface larger than the size including the position occupied by the coins immediately after the fall determined by the diameter of the coins and slides the coins to fall obliquely downward. Provided,
The inclined guide is provided only near the entrance of the coin storage unit,
A coin dispensing device characterized by that.

The coin dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the coin storage unit is defined by both side surfaces of the coin storage unit which are vertical surfaces.

The coin sorting unit has a reference surface that guides a side surface of the coin that is transported through a coin sorting and conveying path formed in the coin sorting unit, and is opposite to the reference surface than the reference surface side of the coin. First drop the side from the sorting hole,
3. The coin dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the inclined guide is inclined obliquely downward toward an end farther from an end closer to the reference surface of the sorting hole. 4.

4. The coin dispensing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reference surface is provided downstream of the sorting hole in the coin dispensing and conveying direction.

The conveying surface forms the coin dispensing conveyance path and becomes higher as it goes downstream in the coin dispensing conveyance direction,
The horizontal component direction inclined downward from the sorting hole of the inclined guide and the horizontal component direction inclined from the upstream side to the downstream side in the coin dispensing and conveying direction of the conveying surface are opposite to each other. Item 5. A coin dispensing device according to item 1, 2, 3 or 4.

6. The coin dispensing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the inclined guide is parallel to the transport surface.