JP4126906B2 - Coin return device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a coin return device that returns coins.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in pachinko games using cards, when a user inserts a prepaid card into a card reader / writer of a ball lending machine provided between pachinko machines, the number according to the amount of ball lending recorded on the prepaid card No pachinko balls are rented out to users. The user plays pachinko games using the rented pachinko balls. Here, in consideration of the fact that the remaining amount of the card during the pachinko game is lost, it becomes impossible to lend the ball to the user side, a coin processing device is provided between the pachinko machines, and the user connects to the coin processing device. When coins are inserted, the amount of the inserted coins is charged to the prepaid card, so that it is possible to continue lending the ball to the user side.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When the user inserts a coin into the coin processing device, the coin processing device holds the inserted coin in the holding unit 6 shown in FIG. 4 until the amount of the inserted coin is charged to the prepaid card. When the charging process is completed, the reserved coin is stored. Here, when the amount of coins inserted into the card cannot be charged normally, the reserved coin 1A of the holding unit 6 is returned via the first track 5 and discharged from the return port via the return coin receiving port 10 and the return track. Is done. On the other hand, in the coin processing device, even when the inserted coin 1B is determined to be an illegal coin, the inserted coin is returned via the second track 7 and discharged from the return port via the return coin receiving port 10 and the return track. . When the return timing of the input coin 1B to be returned and the hold coin 1A overlap, the input coin 1B and the hold coin 1A are simultaneously dropped into the return coin receiving slot 10, so that a coin jam occurs at the return coin receiving slot 10. was there.
[0004]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to prevent clogging of coins at a return coin receiving slot that guides input coins to be returned and reserved coins of a holding section to a return slot.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve such a problem, the present invention provides a sensor for detecting inserted coins, a holding unit for holding a genuine coin, and a return coin receiving port for guiding a coin of a holding unit to be returned in response to a return command to a return port. In the coin return device having the above, a timer that is activated for a certain period of time according to the detection of the inserted coin by the sensor, and a control that controls the return of the coin in the holding unit according to whether or not the timer is activated when a return command is received And when the next inserted coin is detected by the sensor when the coin is held in the holding unit, the second orbit different from the first orbit is used regardless of whether the inserted coin is correct or not. The inserted coin is returned, and the control unit determines whether or not the timer is activated upon receipt of the return command, and the holding unit returns the coin of the holding unit when the determination unit determines that the timer is not activated. With coin return means It is intended.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a coin processing device to which the present invention is applied. When a coin is inserted, the coin processing device detects whether the inserted coin 1 is correct by the identification sensor 3 disposed on the coin trajectory 2 as shown in FIG. In this case, the sorting lever 4 that is switched so that coins are always guided to the second track 7 to be described later is driven, and the inserted coin 1 is guided to the first track 5 to be described later. The inserted coin 1 of the first track 5 is normally held in a holding section, which will be described later, by a return lever 8 and a take-in lever 9 protruding from the coin track 2, and value information corresponding to the amount of the inserted coin 1 is provided. A charge process for recording on a card (not shown) is performed. Then, after the end of the charging process, the take-in lever 9 is driven to retreat from the coin track 2, and the inserted coin 1 held in the holding unit is guided to the take-in track 12 and stored in a storage unit (not shown).
[0008]
In addition, when the value processing information cannot be normally recorded on the card, the coin processing device drives the return lever 8 to retreat from the coin trajectory 2, whereby the inserted coin 1 held in the holding portion is called a funnel portion. It is dropped into the return coin receiving port 10 and further discharged through a return track 11 from a return port (not shown).
Moreover, when it is determined by the identification sensor 3 that the inserted coin 1 is not a genuine coin, the coin processing device drops the inserted coin 1 to the return coin receiving port 10 via the sorting lever 4, and further returns the trajectory. 11 is discharged from the return port. Further, the coin processing device returns the inserted coin regardless of whether the inserted coin is correct or not when the next inserted coin is detected by the identification sensor 3 before the charge processing of the coin held in the holding unit is completed. It is something to be made.
[0009]
FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C are views showing a cross section of the main part of the coin processing device shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 2B shows an example in which the inserted coin 1B is determined to be a genuine coin by the identification sensor 3 and is guided to the first track 5 by the drive of the sorting lever 4 and is held in the holding unit 6 as the holding coin 1A. Is schematically shown. FIG. 2 (c) schematically shows an example in which the inserted coin 1B is determined to be an illegal coin by the identification sensor 3, and is guided from the second track 7 to the return coin receiving port 10 via the sorting lever 4. Yes.
[0010]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the coin processing device. As shown in FIG. 1, the coin processing apparatus is provided with the oscillation coils 3A and 3B arranged on both sides of the coin trajectory 2 and connected in series as the identification sensor 3, and oscillates the oscillation coils 3A and 3B. An oscillation circuit 21, a rectification circuit 22 that inputs and rectifies the sum of voltages of the oscillation coils 3 </ b> A and 3 </ b> B oscillated by the oscillation circuit 21, and an analog rectification voltage rectified by the rectification circuit 22. An A / D conversion circuit 23 that converts to a digital value, and a CPU 20 that inputs a digital voltage value from the A / D conversion circuit 23 and compares it with a set value in an internal memory (not shown) to determine whether the inserted coin 1 is correct or not. And are provided.
[0011]
Here, the CPU 20 includes a sorting lever driving circuit 24 that drives the sorting lever 4, a return lever driving circuit 25 that drives the return lever 8, and a taking lever driving circuit 26 that drives the taking lever. Is connected. Further, the CPU 20 is connected to a host device (not shown) and controls the return or storage of the retained coins held in the storage unit 6 in accordance with a return command or storage command from the host device.
[0012]
The operation of the main part of the coin processing apparatus will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.
The oscillation circuit 21 is activated when power is supplied to the apparatus, and oscillates the oscillation coils 3A and 3B connected to the capacitors incorporated therein (LC oscillation). Here, since the oscillation coils 3A and 3B are connected in series, the oscillation voltage of the oscillation coil 3A is added to the oscillation voltage of the oscillation coil 3B and input to the rectifier circuit 22 via the oscillation circuit 21.
[0013]
The rectifier circuit 22 performs full-wave rectification or half-wave rectification of the sum of the oscillation voltages of the oscillation coils 3 </ b> A and 3 </ b> B to a constant voltage level, and then outputs the voltage to the A / D conversion circuit 23. The A / D conversion circuit 23 converts the analog rectified voltage level into a 10-bit or 8-bit digital value and outputs it to the CPU 20.
[0014]
Here, the CPU 20 determines each oscillation voltage based on the maximum impedance change amount of each of the oscillation coils 3A and 3B when the center of the inserted coin 1 passes through each of the oscillation coils 3A and 3B disposed opposite to both sides of the coin trajectory 2. Input the digital voltage value of the sum of. Then, the input digital voltage value is compared with a set value preset in the built-in memory, and if the input digital voltage value is within the set value range of the memory, the inserted coin 1 is determined to be a genuine coin. If the digital voltage value of the sum of the oscillation voltages of the input oscillation coils 3A and 3B is outside the set value range of the built-in memory, the CPU 20 determines the inserted coin 1 as an illegal coin and returns it. Note that the CPU 20 inserts coins when the digital voltage value of the sum of the oscillation voltages of the input oscillation coils 3A and 3B changes from the value when no coins are inserted, regardless of whether the inserted coin 1 is correct or not. Recognize that Therefore, the insertion of coins can be detected by the oscillation coils 3A and 3B (that is, the identification sensor 3).
[0015]
In the built-in memory of the CPU 20, different data is set corresponding to each coin having the same material and different thickness d. Here, when coins having the same material and different thickness d are inserted and passed between the oscillation coils 3A and 3B of the coin track 2, the sum of the voltage values of the oscillation coils 3A and 3B is as described above. Since each CPU thickness can be detected as a different value, the CPU 20 similarly compares the corresponding setting data in the built-in memory to accurately identify each inserted coin of the same material and different thickness, and determine its correctness. can do.
[0016]
Next, the outline | summary of operation | movement of the coin processing apparatus comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2.
When determining that the inserted coin 1 is a genuine coin, the CPU 20 controls the sorting lever drive circuit 24 to drive the sorting lever 4 so that the inserted coin 1 is the first coin shown in FIG. The track 5 is guided to and stored in the storage unit 6 and the amount of the inserted coin 1 is notified to the host device. Then, the host device performs a charging process for writing the amount of money in a card (not shown) inserted in advance, and when the amount of money is normally written in the card, the CPU 20 issues a storage instruction for the coin 1 held in the holding unit 6. Return to Then, the CPU 20 controls the take-in lever drive circuit 26 to drive the take-in lever 9 to guide the coin 1 held in the holding unit 6 to the take-in track 12 and store it in the storage unit.
[0017]
In addition, when the host apparatus performs a charge process for writing the amount of coins inserted into the card, if the amount is not normally written, it returns a return instruction for the coin 1 held in the holding unit 6 to the CPU 20. Then, the CPU 20 controls the return lever drive circuit 25 to drive the return lever 8 and causes the coin 1 held in the holding unit 6 to fall to the return coin receiving port 10. Thereby, the coin 1 is guided to the return trajectory 11 and discharged from the return port.
[0018]
On the other hand, when the inserted coin 1 is determined to be an illegal coin by the CPU 20, the inserted coin 1 is guided to the second track 7 shown in FIG. 11 and discharged from the return port. Further, if the next inserted coin is detected by the identification sensor 3 before the charge processing of the coin held in the holding unit 6 is finished on the higher-level device side, the inserted coin 1 is determined to be a genuine coin or an illegal coin. Regardless, it is similarly guided to the second track 7, falls on the return coin receiving port 10, and is discharged from the return port via the return track 11.
[0019]
Here, when the inserted coin 1 is detected by the identification sensor 3, the CPU 20 activates and operates the built-in timer 20 </ b> A for a certain period of time, and when determining that it is a genuine coin, it drives the sorting lever 4 as described above to While holding the input coin 1 in the holding unit 6 and causing the host device to perform the charging process, in the case of an illegal coin, the input coin 1 is returned. Then, when receiving a return command based on the abnormal end of the charge process in which the amount of coins to be inserted cannot be normally recorded on the card from the host device, it is determined whether or not the timer 20A is in operation. If there is, the return command is stored in the built-in memory, and when the fixed time of the timer 20A elapses and the operation is stopped, the stored coin of the storage unit 6 is returned based on the stored return command.
[0020]
In this way, when a new coin is inserted, the timer 20A is activated and operated, and when the charge process based on the previous inserted coin is completed and a return command based on the abnormal end of the charge process is received from the host device. When the timer 20A is operating, the timer 20A is determined to be operating, and it is determined that there is a high possibility that the new inserted coin is being returned. Since the return timing of the newly inserted coins this time does not coincide with the return timing of the reserved coins of the holding unit 6, coin clogging at the return coin receiving port 10 can be prevented.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the main operation of the coin processing apparatus. Based on this flowchart, the operation of the coin processing device will be described in more detail.
When a coin is inserted, the inserted coin 1 is detected by the identification sensor 3 provided on the coin track 2 and transmitted to the CPU 20. In this case, the CPU 20 determines that “coin insertion detection?” In step S11 of FIG. 3A is Yes, and proceeds to the process of step S12. In step S12, the CPU 20 sets a predetermined time in the timer 20A and starts.
[0022]
Here, when the CPU 20 determines that the inserted coin 1 detected by the identification sensor 3 is an illegal coin, as described above, the inserted coin 1 is guided to the second trajectory 7 in FIG. Furthermore, it falls to the return coin receiving port 10 and is discharged from the return port via the return track 11.
[0023]
On the other hand, when the inserted coin 1 detected by the identification sensor 3 is determined to be a genuine coin, the CPU 20 controls the sorting lever drive circuit 24 to drive the sorting lever 4 so that the inserted coin 1 is changed to FIG. Is guided to the first track 5 and held in the holding unit 6. At the same time, the CPU 20 notifies the higher-level device of the amount of the coin 1, and causes the higher-level device to perform a charging process for writing the notification amount to the card.
[0024]
As a result of the charge processing of the host device, if the notification amount is not normally written on the card, a return command is sent from the host device to the CPU 20 as described above. Then, the CPU 20 determines that “There is a coin return instruction?” In Step S21 of FIG. 2B is Yes, and proceeds to Step S22 to determine “Timer is running?”.
[0025]
Here, when a new inserted coin is detected by the identification sensor 3 during the charging process of the host device (that is, while the reserved coin is present in the holding unit 6), the CPU 20 is configured as shown in FIG. In step S12 of (a), the timer 20A is started. Then, a process of returning the newly inserted coin to the return port via the sorting lever 4 and the second track 7 is performed. At this time, if there is a coin return command from the host device, the determination of “Timer is running?” In Step S22 of FIG. 2B is Yes, and in this case, the CPU 20 returns the reserved coin in the holding unit 6. Absent. Thereby, since the return timing of the newly inserted coin of this time and the return timing of the previous inserted coin (holding coin of the holding unit 6) do not overlap, two coins simultaneously fall on the return coin receiving port 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent clogging of coins at the return coin receiving port 10.
[0026]
On the other hand, when a new coin is not inserted during the charging process of the host device, and therefore the timer 20A is not started, the determination of “timer starting?” In step S22 of FIG. In step S23, the CPU 20 controls the return lever drive circuit 25 to drive the return lever 8 and starts a coin return operation for returning the retained coins in the retaining unit 6. As a result, the coins held in the holding unit 6 fall into the return coin receiving port 10 and are discharged from the return port via the return track 11.
[0027]
In the present embodiment, the coin detection and coin sorting are performed by the identification sensor 3, but the coin detection and coin sorting may be performed by separate sensors.
[0028]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the sensor for detecting the inserted coin, the holding unit for holding the genuine coin, and the return coin receiving port for guiding the coin of the holding unit to be returned in response to the return command to the return port. In the coin return device, a timer that is activated for a certain period of time according to the detection of the inserted coin by the sensor is provided, and when the return command is received, the return of coins in the holding unit is controlled depending on whether or not the timer is activated Therefore, during the start of the timer based on the detection of the newly inserted coins this time, it is possible to prevent the return of the held coins that were inserted last time and held in the holding unit, so two coins are simultaneously received at the return coin receiving port. The coins are not returned, and therefore it is possible to prevent coins from being jammed at the return coin receptacle.
[0029]
In this case, when the return command is received, it is determined whether or not the timer is activated, and when the timer is determined to be inactive, the coins of the holding unit are returned. Can be accurately returned to the return slot without causing any coin clogging.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a coin processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a main configuration of the coin processing apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the main operation of the coin processing apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a conventional coin processing device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Coin, 2 ... Coin track, 3 ... Identification sensor, 3A, 3B ... Oscillation coil, 4 ... Distribution lever, 5 ... First track, 6 ... Reservation part, 7 ... Second track, 8 ... Return lever , 9 ... take-in lever, 10 ... return coin receptacle, 11 ... return orbit, 12 ... take-in orbit, 20 ... CPU, 20A ... timer, 21 ... oscillation circuit, 22 ... rectifier circuit, 23 ... A / D conversion circuit, 24... Sorting lever drive circuit, 25... Return lever drive circuit, 26.

Claims (1)

A coin return having a sensor for detecting an inserted coin, a holding unit provided on the first track for holding a genuine coin, and a return coin receiving port for guiding the coin of the holding unit returned in response to a return command to a return port In the device
A timer that is activated for a certain period of time in response to detection of inserted coins by the sensor;
A control unit that controls the return of coins of the holding unit according to whether or not the timer is activated when the return command is received ,
When the next inserted coin is detected by the sensor when the coin is held in the holding unit, the inserted coin is taken from a second trajectory different from the first trajectory regardless of whether the inserted coin is correct or not. Return,
The controller is
Determining means for determining whether or not the timer is activated upon receipt of the return instruction;
A holding coin returning means for returning the coin of the holding portion when the determining means determines that the timer is not activated; and
Coin return device, characterized in that it comprises a.

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