JP4425604B2 - Coin storage and dispensing unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a coin storage / dispensing unit which is used in a coin depositing / dispensing apparatus such as a coin change machine, for example, and accepts and stores coins of a specific denomination and throws out the stored coins.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a coin storage / throwing apparatus for improving the storage efficiency of coins, for example, there are those described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a plurality of coin storage cylinders extending in the vertical direction are arranged side by side and an arm mechanism for throwing out coins from the lower part of each coin storage cylinder. Patent Document 2 describes a configuration in which a pair of coin storage cylinders (tubes) extending in the vertical direction are arranged side by side.

  However, none of the above documents describes any specific configuration on how to distribute coins to each coin storage cylinder and store these coins in each coin storage cylinder. . That is, even a coin storage and dispensing unit that improves the storage efficiency of coins can not only throw out stored coins but also accept and store coins. No specific proposal has been made about what can be applied to the deposit / withdrawal device.

In consideration of such points, Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-091285 related to the prior application of the applicant of the present application can be applied to a coin depositing and dispensing device such as a coin change machine and the storage efficiency of coins can be improved. A coin storage and throwing unit has been proposed. The coin storage and dispensing unit includes a plurality of cylindrical coin storage units arranged in a line in the horizontal direction, and a storage coin transport path and a thrown coin transport path formed above and below these coin storage units. ing. Then, the coins passing through the storage coin transport path in a single line state are sequentially dropped from the coin storage part located on the upstream side of the transport path into the storage part and stacked and stored. In addition, the coins stored in each coin storage unit advance by their own weight from the storage unit onto the throwing-out coin transport path, and are transported in a single row in the dispensing direction. .
JP-A-51-120795 JP-A-52-082391

  In the coin storing and dispensing unit according to the above-mentioned prior application, each coin is transported so as to be temporarily retracted to the upstream side by the throwing coin transport means for the purpose of releasing the clogging of coins in the throwing coin transport path. be able to. At that time, a plurality of coins are continuously stopped backward from the first coin stopped by the coin stopping means, and the last coin (behind the first in the backward direction) is below one of the coin storage units. Retreat is performed from a state where it stops so as to protrude.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 15A, if the amount of the last coin Ct protruding from the coin storage unit 60 (main body 64) is small, the coin C in the storage unit 60 Tilts diagonally. Then, if the coin retreat on the thrown coin transport path P2 is started from this state, there is a risk of causing a transport failure due to coin biting or the like.

  Also, in this coin storage and dispensing unit, each coin that has been retracted as described above is transported so that each coin is advanced again downstream by the throwing coin transport means after being stopped by the retract restricting means. The At that time, a plurality of coins are stopped forward from the last coin stopped by the retreat restricting means, and the leading coin stops so as to protrude below one of the coin storage units. The forward movement is performed again from the state of being.

  Also at this time, as shown in FIG. 15B, if the amount of the leading coin Ch protruding from the coin storage unit 60 (main body 64) is small, the coin C in the storage unit 60 Tilts diagonally. Then, when the coins are again advanced in the thrown coin conveyance path P2 from this state, there is a possibility that a conveyance failure due to the biting of the coins or the like may occur.

  In view of this, the present invention is that the coins stored in a plurality of cylindrical coin storage units arranged in a row in the horizontal direction advance by their own weight from each storage unit onto the lower coin transfer path, In the coin storage / disposal unit configured to be transported in a single row, it is possible to prevent a transport failure when the coins are temporarily retracted in the thrown coin transport path due to the tilt of the coins in the storage section. The purpose is to do so.

A first invention is a coin storage and dispensing unit that accepts and stores coins of a specific denomination and throws out the stored coins, and further stores coins to be stored in a substantially horizontal direction along the bottom surface. A storage coin transport path that guides in a single row state, a storage coin transport means for transporting coins along the storage coin transport path, and a plurality of coin storage sections arranged in a line along the storage coin transport path, A coin coin conveying path which is provided below the coin storing portion and guides the coins to be thrown in a line in a substantially horizontal direction, and a coin is conveyed along the coin coin conveying path. And a coin dispensing unit provided in front of the plurality of coin storage units with respect to the dispensing coin conveying path, in the coin dispensing direction, regardless of the operation of the dispensing coin conveying unit. A coin that selectively stops the advancement of coins in the direction Each coin storage portion includes an upper opening that opens on a bottom surface of the storage coin transport path, a lower opening that opens on the thrown coin transport path, and a space between these upper opening and lower opening. And a coin passing through the storage coin transport path sequentially falls from the upper opening of the storage section into the main body from the coin storage section located on the upstream side of the transport path. In addition, the coins stored in the main body of each coin storage unit can advance by one weight through the lower opening of the storage unit by one weight on the throwing-out coin transport path. Composed of
(A) When a plurality of coins are stopped on the thrown coin transport path by the coin stopping means, the coin throwing direction is set to the front,
(a1) The distance from the front reference position, which is the front edge position of the leading coin stopped by the coin stopping means, to the rear edge of the main body of the m th coin storage unit from the front is Sm,
(a2) The distance from the trailing edge of the coin located on the front side to the front reference position among the coins stopped so as to protrude below the m-th coin storage unit is Dm,
(a3) When the diameter of each coin, which is slightly smaller than the internal dimension in the coin dispensing direction of each coin storage unit body, is d,
Each coin storage unit is arranged so as to satisfy Sm− (d / 2) <Dm.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the coins to be stored are transported along the storage coin transport path, so that the coins are sequentially dropped from the upper opening into the main body from the upstream coin storage part, and the coins are stacked. The goods are stored. That is, when a certain coin storage part is full, the coin passing through the storage coin transport path passes over the uppermost coin in the storage part and falls into the coin storage part on the downstream side to accumulate. (It will be noted that, as will be described later, the uppermost coin may be pushed out and stored in the coin storage section on the downstream side). In addition, when coins are thrown out, coins are placed one by one on the throwing coin transport path through the lower opening of the storing section sequentially from the coin storing section located upstream of the throwing coin transport path (rear in the coin throwing direction). Advances by its own weight and is transported by the throwing coin transport means.

  Further, in the throwing coin transport path, each coin can be transported so as to be temporarily retracted to the upstream side by the throwing coin transport means for the purpose of releasing clogging of coins and the like. At that time, a plurality of coins are continuously stopped from the first coin stopped by the coin stopping means, and the last coin (which becomes the first in the backward direction) is stored in the “(any) coin storage”. The retreat is performed from the state of “the coin located on the front side among the coins stopped so as to protrude below the portion”.

  At this time, the relationship of Sm− (d / 2) <Dm described above is satisfied for any coin storage unit. For this reason, it is guaranteed that the trailing edge of the last coin always protrudes to a position exceeding the center of the corresponding coin in the storage unit. As a result, the coins in the storage unit are always supported horizontally by the last coin, and the conveyance failure such as the biting of coins when retreating in the throwing coin transfer path due to the coins in the storage unit being inclined obliquely. Can be prevented.

According to a second invention, in the first invention, the throwing coin transport means is capable of transporting coins along the throwing coin transport path to the rear opposite to the coin throwing direction. A rearward restricting means that is provided behind the plurality of coin storage units with respect to the outgoing coin transport path, and that stops the backward movement of the coins regardless of the operation of the throwing coin transport means;
(B) When the plurality of coins are stopped on the thrown-out coin transport path by the retreat restricting means,
(b1) Sn is the distance from the rear reference position, which is the rear edge position of the last coin stopped by the backward restriction means, to the front edge of the main body of the nth coin storage unit from the rear,
(b2) Let Dn be the distance from the leading edge of the coin located on the rear side to the rear reference position among the coins stopped so as to protrude below the n-th coin storage part,
Each coin storage part is arrange | positioned so that Sn- (d / 2) <Dn may be satisfy | filled.

  After the coins that have been retreated as described above in the first invention are stopped by the retreat restricting means, the coins are conveyed again by the throwing-out coin conveying means so as to advance further downstream. At that time, a plurality of coins are stopped in a state where a plurality of coins continue to the front from the last coin stopped by the retreat restricting means, and the leading coin h protrudes below the (any) coin storage unit. The forward movement is performed again from the state of “the coin located on the rear side among the stopped coins”.

  At this time, the relationship of Sn− (d / 2) <Dn described above is satisfied for any coin storage unit. For this reason, it is guaranteed that the leading edge of the leading coin always protrudes beyond the center of the coin in the corresponding storage unit. As a result, the coins in the storage unit are always supported horizontally by the leading coin, and the coins at the time of advancement (again after retreating) in the throwing-in coin transport path due to the coins in the storage unit being inclined obliquely. It is possible to prevent conveyance failure such as jamming.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the coins stored in the plurality of cylindrical coin storage units arranged in a line in the horizontal direction are self-weighted by one sheet from each storage unit onto the lower coin transfer path. In the coin storage / disposal unit configured to move forward and be transported in a single-row state, when the coins are temporarily retracted in the thrown coin transport path due to the slant of the coins in the storage unit Can be prevented.

  Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. 13 is a figure for demonstrating embodiment as a coin depositing / withdrawing apparatus (coin change machine) to which the coin storage and dispensing unit by this invention is applied, FIG. 14 is the said coin depositing / withdrawing apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the state combined with the banknote depositing / withdrawing apparatus (banknote change machine).

  Hereinafter, the overall configuration of this embodiment, the configuration of the denomination storage unit, the operation and the effects, and the modifications will be sequentially described.

[overall structure]
A coin deposit / withdrawal apparatus 1A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is used in a money deposit / withdrawal system in a state combined with a banknote deposit / withdrawal apparatus 1B as shown in FIG. 14, for example. As the money deposit / withdrawal system, a POS register (a cash registering machine having a point-of-sale management function) (not shown) and the like are combined, and the coin deposit / withdrawal apparatus 1A and the banknote deposit / withdrawal apparatus 1B are a coin change machine and a banknote change machine, respectively. Used as The change machine is for depositing money from a customer and withdrawing change money as needed. That is, the coin deposit / withdrawal apparatus 1A as a coin change machine is configured to deposit a coin from a customer and dispense a change coin as necessary in cooperation with a POS register or the like.

  In this case, the money deposit / withdrawal system is configured to be operable by arbitrarily selecting (switching) one of the following “deposit priority mode” and “withdraw priority mode”.

  Deposit priority mode: A processing mode in which money is withdrawn after depositing money from a customer (identification in the deposit / withdrawal device and confirming the deposit amount based on the count).

  Disbursement priority mode: A processing mode in which a clerk approves a deposited money from a customer (by key input of a POS register, etc.) and dispenses the deposited money after dispensing fishing money based on this.

  Now, as shown in FIG.1, FIG2 and FIG.14, the coin depositing / withdrawing apparatus 1A is provided with the housing | casing 10 which makes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. The longitudinal direction of the housing 10 is the front-rear direction of the coin depositing and dispensing device 1A, and the side on which the operation panel 12 is provided on the top surface of the housing 10 is the front side of the device 1A. A coin receiving port 14 for receiving deposited coins is provided at a portion adjacent to the operation panel 12 on the upper surface of the housing 10. In addition, a tray-shaped coin outlet 16 is provided below the operation panel 12 so as to protrude forward for dispensing coins and the like to be taken out.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a feeding mechanism 2 for feeding coins received from the receiving port 14 in a single row state is provided. The feeding mechanism 2 has a flat belt 20 disposed at the bottom of the receiving port 14 and a reverse rotation roller 22. The flat belt 20 conveys the coins received in the receiving port 14 toward the rear of the apparatus, and the reverse rotation roller 22 rotates in a direction opposite to the coin conveying direction on the downstream side of the flat belt 20.

  A coin passage 3 for guiding the coins fed by the feeding mechanism 2 substantially horizontally extends behind the feeding mechanism 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the coin passage 3 includes a first passage portion 3a extending from the feeding mechanism 2 to the rear portion of the device along the right side of the device, and a substantially lateral direction from the rear end of the first passage portion 3a to the left side of the device. And a second passage portion 3b extending in the direction. Reference edges 34 and 36 for abutting the outer peripheral edge of the coin are provided on the right side in the traveling direction of the first passage portion 3a and the second passage portion 3b, respectively. Further, on the upstream side of the reference edge 34 in the first passage portion 3a, an inclined edge 32 for bringing the outer peripheral edge of the coin fed by the feeding mechanism 2 into contact with the reference edge 34 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first transport mechanism 4 is provided as transport means for transporting coins along the coin passage 3. The first transport mechanism 4 includes an auxiliary round belt 4a corresponding to a region from the feeding mechanism 2 to the inclined edge 32 of the first passage portion 3a, and a rear end portion of the second passage portion 3b from the rear portion of the auxiliary round belt 4a. And a main round belt 4b corresponding to the above.

  The auxiliary round belt 4a is stretched between the front and rear pulleys 40 and 41. The main round belt 4b is stretched between the front pulley 42 coaxially arranged with the pulley 41 and the rear pulley 43 on the downstream side of the second passage portion 3b, and the first passage portion 3a and the second passage. It is guided by the intermediate pulley 44 so as to correspond to the bending with the portion 3b. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of guide rollers 45 for preventing the main round belt 4b from being lifted are disposed between the front pulley 42 and the intermediate pulley 44.

  As shown in FIG. 1, on the upstream side of the first passage portion 3a, an identification sensor (discriminating means) D for discriminating whether or not the coin passing therethrough is normal and identifying the denomination of the coin. Is arranged.

  A denomination sorting unit (sorting means) 5 for sorting coins by denomination is provided on the downstream side of the coin passage 3. The denomination sorting unit 5 includes a 5-yen sorting unit 5a provided on the downstream side of the first passage 3a, a 1-yen sorting hole 5b, a 50-yen sorting hole 5c provided along the second passage 3b, A 100-yen sorting hole 5d, a 10-yen sorting hole 5e, and a 500-yen sorting hole 5f are provided.

  Among these, the 5-yen sorting unit 5 a includes a sorting hole 50 formed in the bottom surface 30 of the coin passage 3, a shutter member 52 provided on the back side of the sorting hole 50, and the shutter member 52 with respect to the sorting hole 50. And a link mechanism 53 and a solenoid 54 for advancing and retracting in the passage width direction. Further, a sensor S2 for detecting the arrival of coins is disposed immediately before the sorting hole 50. Then, when the arrival of a coin identified as a (normal) 5-yen coin by the identification sensor D is detected by the sensor S2, the 5-yen sorting unit 5a sorts the coin by retracting the shutter member 52. It is made to fall from the hole 50.

  Further, the 1-yen sorting hole 5b, the 50-yen sorting hole 5c, the 100-yen sorting hole 5d, the 10-yen sorting hole 5e, and the 500-yen sorting hole 5f are used only for coins of the corresponding denomination according to the diameter of each coin. The dimensions and the arrangement are determined so that they are naturally dropped sequentially. A counting sensor (not shown) for counting the coins that have dropped is provided for each of the sorting holes 5b to 5f. The reason why the forced drop type 5-yen sorting unit 5a as described above is provided on the upstream side of each sorting hole 5b-5f is that the diameters of the 5-yen coin and the 100-yen coin are similar to each other. This is to avoid misselection by selecting only yen coins regardless of diameter.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, a denomination storage unit 6 that stores the coins selected by the denomination selection unit 5 in denominations is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the money type storage unit 6 includes a 5-yen storage unit 6a, a 1-yen storage unit 6b, a 50-yen storage unit 6c, a 100-yen storage unit 6d, a 10-yen storage unit 6e, and a 500-yen storage unit 6f. have. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the denomination storage unit 6 is provided with a second transfer mechanism (storage coin transfer means) 7 for storing coins, and as shown in FIGS. A coin feeding mechanism 8 for selectively feeding coins from the type storage unit 6 is provided. As shown in FIG. 4, the coin C fed out by the feeding mechanism 8 is discharged to the coin outlet 16.

  In addition, the specific structure of the above money classification accommodation part 6, the 2nd conveyance mechanism 7, and the coin feeding mechanism 8 is demonstrated in the column of the following [description classification accommodation part].

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the coins are selectively discharged from the coin passage 3 (first passage portion 3a) between the identification sensor D and the denomination sorting portion 5 (5-yen sorting portion 5a). A first discharge unit (first discharge unit) 9a and a second discharge unit (second discharge unit) 9b are provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the fourth transport mechanism (discharge means) 98a for discharging the coins discharged by the first discharge hand portion 9a to the outside of the apparatus, and the coins discharged by the second discharge portion 9b An in-machine storage box (discharged coin storage unit) 98b for storing in the apparatus is provided. The in-machine storage box 98b can be taken out from the housing 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first discharge portion 9a sorts the sorting hole 90a formed in the bottom surface 30 of the coin passage 3, the shutter member 92a provided on the back side of the sorting hole 90a, and the shutter member 92a. And a solenoid 94a for driving forward and backward in the passage width direction with respect to the hole 90a. The second discharge portion 9b located on the downstream side of the first discharge portion 9a also has the same sorting hole 90b, shutter member 92b, and solenoid 94b. A sensor S1 for detecting the arrival of coins is disposed immediately before the sorting hole 90b in the second discharge unit 9b.

  And the 1st discharge part 9a makes the said coin fall from the selection hole 90a by retracting | saving the shutter member 92a at the timing when the coin which passed the identification sensor D arrives. Further, the second discharge unit 9b is configured to drop the coin from the sorting hole 90b by retracting the shutter member 92b when the arrival of the coin is detected by the sensor S1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, chutes 96a and 96b are provided corresponding to the discharge portions 9a and 9b, respectively, extending from the sorting holes 90a and 90b diagonally downward toward the right side of the apparatus (the front side in FIG. 2). Yes. The fourth transport mechanism 98a has a flat belt for sending the coin C1 that has fallen from the first discharge portion 9a through the chute 96a to the coin take-out port 16. A slope 16a is provided for guiding the coin C1 conveyed to the side of the coin outlet 16 by the flat belt 98a to the outlet 16. Further, the coin C2 that has fallen from the second discharge portion 9b through the chute 96b is fed into the on-board storage box 98b.

  And this coin depositing / withdrawing apparatus 1A discharges the coins (reject coins) determined to be not normal by the identification sensor D by the first discharge unit 9a (as reject coins C1) in the deposit priority mode, and gives priority to withdrawal. In the mode, it is configured to be discharged (as reject coin C2) by the second discharge unit 9b. Further, when any denomination coin is full in the denomination storage unit 6, the denomination coin is discharged (as an overflow coin C2) by the second discharge unit 9b. Yes.

[Money department]
Next, with reference to FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. 10, the specific structure regarding the said money type accommodating part 6 is demonstrated.

  First, a configuration common to each of the 5-yen storage unit 6a, the 1-yen storage unit 6b, the 50-yen storage unit 6c, the 100-yen storage unit 6d, the 10-yen storage unit 6e, and the 500-yen storage unit 6f shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. On each storage part 6a-6f shown in FIG. 3, the storage coin conveyance path which guides the coin C which should be stored to a substantially horizontal direction (front-back direction of an apparatus) along the bottom face p10 (refer FIG. 5) in a one-line state. P1 is formed. Moreover, in order to convey the coin C along the storage coin conveyance path P1, the said 2nd conveyance mechanism (storage coin conveyance means) 7 using a flat belt is provided on the storage coin conveyance path P1.

  Each storage part 6a-6f has the some coin storage part 60 arrange | positioned in a line along the storage coin conveyance path P1. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, each coin storage unit 60 includes a circular upper opening 62 that opens to the bottom surface p <b> 10 of the storage coin conveyance path, and a cylindrical main body 64 that extends downward from the upper opening 62. And have. As shown in FIG. 7, the inner diameter (internal dimension) M of the coin storage unit main body 64 is set to a dimension slightly larger than the diameter d of the coin C to be stored. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, coins C passing through the storage coin transport path P <b> 1 sequentially enter the main body 64 from the upper opening 62 of the storage section 60 from the coin storage section 60 located on the upstream side of the transport path P <b> 1. It is configured so that it can be dropped and stacked.

  In addition, on the upstream side of the stored coin transport path P1, a slope p14 for introducing the coin C dropped from the corresponding sorting holes 50, 5b to 5f (FIG. 1) of the denomination sorting unit 5 into the transport path P1 ( FIG. 5) is provided. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, ribs p12 for forming coin guide edges are formed on both sides of the stored coin transport path P1.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the coins C to be thrown out are guided in a line in a substantially horizontal direction along the plurality of coin storage units 60 under the storage units 6 a to 6 f. A throwing coin conveyance path P2 is formed. Further, in order to transport the coin C along the throwing coin transport path P2, a third transport mechanism (throwing coin transport means) 80a using a flat belt is provided corresponding to the bottom of the throwing coin transport path P2. It has been. The third transport mechanism 80a extends slightly forward from the storage units 6a to 6f. And the 3rd conveyance mechanism 80a can convey the coin C to the back opposite to this coin throwing direction other than the front which is a coin throwing direction along the throwing coin conveyance path P2. . Further, an auxiliary transport mechanism 80b using a flat belt is provided on the downstream side of the third transport mechanism 80a. The auxiliary transport mechanism 80b is inclined so as to rise from the front end portion of the third transport mechanism 80a toward the front of the apparatus, and terminates in the upper rear portion of the coin outlet 16.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 to 9, each coin storage unit 60 has a lower opening 66 that opens to the bottom surface (ceiling surface of the thrown coin transport path P <b> 2) p <b> 20 of the storage units 6 a to 6 f. . The distance between the bottom surface p20 of the storage units 6a to 6f and the flat belt upper surface of the third transport mechanism 80a is set to be slightly larger than the thickness of the coin C. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the coin C stored in the main body 64 of each coin storage unit 60 can advance by its own weight on the throwing coin transport path P <b> 2 through the lower opening 66. It is comprised so that.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, ribs p <b> 22 for forming coin guide edges are formed on both sides of the throwing coin conveyance path P <b> 2. A pair of coin support portions 68 extending inward from the tip portions of the ribs p22 on both sides are provided corresponding to the lower openings 66 of the coin storage portions 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the denomination storage unit 6 is supported on the lower side by a frame F, and each third transport mechanism 80 a and the auxiliary transport mechanism 80 b are attached to the frame F side. As shown in FIG. 6, the denomination storage unit 6 can be opened on the bottom side by swinging upward with respect to the frame F with the rear part as an axis. At this time, the coin support part 68 shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 supports the coin in each coin storage part 60, and prevents the fall. In addition, when the denomination storage unit 6 is opened, the belt of the third transport mechanism 80a can be released through between the coin support units 68.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the coin dispensing direction is ahead of the storage units 6a to 6f in the coin dispensing direction with respect to the dispensing coin conveying path P2, regardless of the operation of the third conveying mechanism 80a. Pin-shaped coin stopping means 82 is provided for selectively stopping the forward movement of the coin C. Mainly, the third feeding mechanism 80a and the coin stopping means 82 constitute a coin feeding mechanism 8 that selectively feeds the coins C from the storage units 6a to 6f.

  The coin stop means 82 is supported by a lever 84 and is driven up and down by a solenoid or the like (not shown). The stop means 82 is arranged so as to be shifted in the width direction of the passage P2 with respect to the center of the coin C. Thereby, even if it is in the state where the some coin C was located in a line without mutually spaced apart, the stop means 82 advances between coins C and can stop the following coin C. On the downstream side of the stopping means 82 with respect to the throwing coin conveyance path P2, throwing coin detecting means 86 such as a light shielding sensor for detecting the passage of the coin C is provided. A coin guide plate 88 is disposed above the auxiliary transport mechanism 80b.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a stepped retreat that stops the retreat of the coin C, regardless of the operation of the third transport mechanism 80a, behind the storage units 6a to 6f with respect to the thrown coin transport path P2. Limiting means 69 is provided.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the upper opening 62 of each coin storage unit 60 spreads upward over substantially the entire circumference (except for the portion that interferes with the rib p <b> 12 as shown in FIG. 5). Such a tapered surface 62a is provided. As shown in FIG. 10A, the height H of the tapered surface 62a of the upper opening 62 is set to be larger than the thickness T of the corresponding coin. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the lower opening 66 of each coin storage portion 60 (except for the portion that interferes with the rib p22) also has a tapered surface 66a that spreads downward substantially over the entire circumference. have.

  Here, in FIG. 3, which is a schematic diagram, a plurality of coin storage units 60 are drawn at equal intervals in each of the storage units 6 a to 6 f, but actually, as shown in FIG. The coin storage units 60 are arranged at unequal intervals. Specifically, each coin storage unit 60 is arranged so as to satisfy at least the following conditions (1) and (2) in relation to the coin diameter d (FIG. 7).

(1) First, as shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), when a plurality of coins C are stopped on the throwing-out coin transport path P2 by the coin stop means 82, With the throwing direction as the front,
(1-1) The distance from the front reference position F, which is the front edge position of the first coin Ch stopped by the coin stop means 82, to the rear edge of the main body 64 of the mth coin storage unit 60 is Sm,
(1-2) Among the coins stopped so as to protrude below the m-th coin storage unit 60 (main body 64), the coin positioned on the front side (front protruding coin) Cm from the rear edge to the front reference position F When the distance is Dm,
Each coin storage unit 60 is arranged to satisfy Sm− (d / 2) <Dm.

(2) Also, as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b), when the plurality of coins C are stopped on the thrown-in coin transport path P2 by the backward restriction means 69,
(2-1) From the rear reference position B, which is the rear edge position of the rearmost coin Ct stopped by the backward restriction means 69 (from the rearward direction) to the front edge of the main body 64 of the nth coin storage unit 60 from the rear. Let the distance of Sn be
(2-2) From the front edge of the coin (rear protruding coin) Cn located on the rear side among the coins stopped so as to protrude below the nth coin storage unit 60 (main body 64) to the rear reference position B Let Dn be the distance of
Each coin storage unit 60 is arranged to satisfy Sn− (d / 2) <Dn.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, each of the storage units 6a to 6f having a plurality of coin storage units 60 arranged in a row, and the second transport mechanism 7 and the coin feeding mechanism 8 corresponding to the storage units 6a to 6f. Thus, a “coin storage / dispensing unit” corresponding to a coin of a specific denomination is configured. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of coin storage and dispensing units arranged side by side in the horizontal direction by integrally forming the money type storage unit 6 in which the plurality of storage units 6 a to 6 f are arranged in the horizontal direction. A “coin storage and dispensing device” is provided. That is, it can be said that the device of the present embodiment is configured as a coin depositing and dispensing device (coin change machine) including a “coin storage / dispensing device” including a plurality of “coin storage / dispensing units”.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the coin deposit / withdrawal apparatus of this embodiment will be briefly described.

(1) Depositing operation In FIG. 1, deposited coins (deposited coins in the change machine) inserted into the receiving port 14 are further fed in a line by the feeding mechanism 2, and the first transport mechanism 4 moves the coin path. 3 is carried along. In the process, the discrimination coin D is discriminated and identified by the identification sensor D.

  As a result, the reject coin determined to be not normal in the deposit priority mode is discharged by the first discharge portion 9a and discharged to the outlet 16 by the fourth transport mechanism 98a (FIG. 2). On the other hand, reject coins determined to be abnormal in the withdrawal priority mode are discharged by the second discharge unit 9b and stored in the in-machine storage box 98b (FIG. 2). Further, coins identified as denominations corresponding to the storage units 6a to 6f that are full in the denomination storage unit 6 are also discharged by the second discharge unit 9b and stored in the in-machine storage box 98b (FIG. 2). Stored.

  The coins identified as 5-yen coins by the identification sensor D are sorted by the 5-yen sorting unit 5a and sent to the 5-yen storage unit 6a (FIG. 5). The other coins are sorted by the corresponding denomination sorting holes 5b to 5f and fed into the corresponding denomination storage units 6b to 6f (FIG. 5). In the sorting process, the deposited coins are counted by the sensor S2 and the counting sensors of the respective sorting holes 5b to 5f, and the deposit amount is calculated based on the counted coins.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the coins fed into the storage units 6a to 6f are transported along the storage coin transport path P1 by the second transport mechanism 7, and are located on the upstream side of the transport path P1. From 60, the storage unit 60 sequentially falls into the main body 64 from the upper opening 62 and is stacked and stored.

(2) Withdrawal operation As shown in FIG. 4, when dispensing coins (change coins in a change machine) are to be dispensed from the storage units 6 a to 6 f, first, the coins are dispensed from the coin storage units 60. The coin that has advanced by its own weight on the coin conveyance path P2 is conveyed by the third conveyance mechanism 80a. At this time, the coin stopping means 82 is retracted upward in correspondence with only the coins to be actually withdrawn, so that those coins are selectively paid out. The fed coins are counted by the throwing coin detection means 86 and thrown out to the take-out port 16 by the auxiliary transport mechanism 80b.

  At this time, the coins in the storage unit 60 advance (drop) one by one from the lower opening 66 onto the transport path P2 one by one from the coin storage unit 60 located on the upstream side of the thrown-out coin transport path P2. That is, the coins in the respective coin storage units 60 on the downstream side are supported by the coins as long as there are coins conveyed from the upstream side through the conveyance path P2, and advance (drop) to the conveyance path P2. Without being held in the storage unit 60.

[Function and effect]
Next, the effect of this embodiment which consists of the above structures is demonstrated.

  According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the coin C to be stored is transported along the stored coin transport path P <b> 1, so that the coin C is sequentially higher than the upstream coin storage unit 60. It falls into the main body 64 from the opening 62 and is stacked and stored. That is, when a certain coin storage unit 60 is full, the coin C passing through the storage coin transport path P1 passes over the uppermost coin in the storage unit 60, and the coin storage unit 60 on the downstream side thereof. The coins are dropped and stored in the stack (as will be described later, as shown in FIG. 10A), the uppermost coin C5 is pushed out by the succeeding coin C6 and dropped into the coin storage unit 60 on the downstream side. May be.)

  By accepting and storing coins in this way, the “coin storage and dispensing unit” that can be applied to a coin depositing and dispensing device such as a coin change machine is configured. The coins can be stored more efficiently by stacking and storing the coins in the vertical direction in the plurality of coin storage units 60 arranged in a line in the substantially horizontal direction. Moreover, since the height and the number of arrangement of the coin storage unit 60 can be arbitrarily changed, the degree of freedom in setting the dimensions of the coin storage / throwing unit can be increased ("Length" The dimension in the direction (vertical direction) corresponding to the arrangement direction of the coin storage units 60).

  Also, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of coin storage and dispensing units arranged side by side in the horizontal direction by integrally forming a money type storage unit 6 in which a plurality of storage units 6a to 6f are arranged in the horizontal direction. A “coin storage and dispensing device” is provided. Thereby, it is possible to receive and store and throw out coins of a plurality of denominations. As a result, it is possible to increase the storage efficiency of coins of a plurality of denominations and increase the degree of freedom in setting the height, length and width of the coin storage and dispensing device (“width” is the coin storage and dispensing unit. (And dimensions in the direction corresponding to the lateral direction of the device).

  By incorporating such a coin storage and dispensing device, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of dimension setting for the entire coin depositing and dispensing device 1A. In particular, when used as a coin changer with a large height restriction because it is often incorporated under a cash register, the height of the coin can be reduced while securing the amount of coins stored, or even at the same height, There is an advantage that the amount of storage can be increased.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the coins are transported sequentially through the lower opening 66 of the storage unit 60 sequentially from the coin storage unit 60 located on the upstream side (rear in the coin-throwing direction) of the throwing-out coin transport path P2. Coins C advance one by one on the path P2 by their own weight and are transported by the third transport mechanism 80a. In this case, the coin C that has advanced onto the thrown-in coin transport path P2 is transported so as to advance downstream (in the coin dispensing direction) in a continuous state. Thereby, it becomes possible to throw out the coin C from each coin storage part 60 at high speed and reliably. Further, the coin stopping means 82 that selectively stops the progress of the coin C regardless of the operation of the third transport mechanism 80a is fed out while counting the required number of coins C accurately, and an appropriate coin dispensing process. It can be performed.

  Moreover, in the thrown coin conveyance path P2, for the purpose of releasing clogging of the coins C, each coin C can be conveyed by the third conveyance mechanism 80a so as to be temporarily retracted upstream. At that time, as shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), a plurality of coins C are stopped from the top coin Ch stopped by the coin stop means 82 in a rearward state (the top in the backward direction). The rearmost coin Ct is retracted from the state in which it is a front protruding coin Cm with respect to any one of the coin storage units 60.

  At this time, the relationship of Sm− (d / 2) <Dm described above is satisfied for any coin storage unit 60. For this reason, as shown to Fig.13 (a), it is ensured that the trailing edge of the last coin Ct (Cm) protrudes to the position exceeding the center of the coin C in the corresponding storage part 60 by all means. . Thereby, the coin C in the storage unit 60 is always supported horizontally by the last coin Ct (Cm), and the coin C in the storage unit 60 is inclined (as shown in FIG. 15A). It is possible to prevent a conveyance failure such as the biting of coins when retreating in the thrown coin conveyance path P2 due to the inclination.

  Next, after each coin C that has been retracted is stopped by the retreat restricting means 69, each coin C is transported again by the third transport mechanism 80a so as to advance downstream again. At that time, as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b), a plurality of coins C are stopped forward from the last coin Ct stopped by the backward limit means 69, and the leading coin is stopped. The forward movement is performed again from the state where Ch is a rear protruding coin Cn with respect to any one of the coin storage units 60.

  At this time, the relationship of Sn− (d / 2) <Dn described above is satisfied for any coin storage unit 60. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 13B, it is guaranteed that the leading edge of the leading coin Ch (Cn) always protrudes beyond the center of the coin C in the corresponding storage section 60. Thereby, the coin C in the storage unit 60 is always supported horizontally by the leading coin Ch (Cn), and the coin C in the storage unit 60 is inclined obliquely (as shown in FIG. 15B). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent conveyance failure such as biting of coins at the time of advancement (again after retreat) on the thrown coin transfer path P2.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7 etc., by forming the taper surface 66a in the lower opening 66 of each coin storage part 60, the coin thrown out from the lower opening 66, and the coin along the throwing coin conveyance path P2 Can be carried out more smoothly.

  Further, by forming the tapered surface 62a in the upper opening 62 of each coin storage unit 60, it is possible to ensure a smoother passage of coins in the upper opening 62 in the storage coin transport path P1. Also, the coin can be received (dropped) from the upper opening 62 more smoothly. Furthermore, the second conveying mechanism 7 tries to convey coins in the direction opposite to that when the coins are stored by the second transport mechanism 7 by the tapered surface 62a on the upstream side of the storing coin transport path P1 (when a coin jam or the like occurs in the storing coin transport path P1). In this case, conveyance in the opposite direction can be performed more smoothly.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 10A, the height H of the tapered surface 62a of the upper opening 62 is set to be larger than the thickness T of the corresponding coin. As a result, even when the uppermost coin C5 in the coin storage unit 60 protrudes above the upper opening 62 (passage bottom surface p10), the coin C5 is climbed by the subsequent coin C6 (climbs the tapered surface 62a). And is dropped and stored in the coin storage unit 60 on the downstream side. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the lower portion of the uppermost coin C5 hits the vertical surface (the inner surface of the main body 64) below the tapered surface 62a, the coin C5 is always opened at the upper opening. It will be located below 62 (passage bottom p10). As a result, the succeeding coin C6 can pass over the uppermost coin C5.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the height H of the tapered surface 62a of the upper opening 62 is smaller than the thickness T of the corresponding coin, the subsequent coin C6 is clogged. Get there. That is, the uppermost coin C5 protrudes above the upper opening 62 (passage bottom surface p10) and at the same time hits a vertical surface (inner surface of the main body 64) below the tapered surface 62a, whereby the subsequent coin C6 advances. It can be hindered.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, in the deposit priority mode, the reject coin C1, which is determined to be not normal by the identification sensor D, is discharged by the first discharge unit 9a and removed from the apparatus by the fourth transport mechanism 98a (removal). To the outlet 16). On the other hand, in the withdrawal priority mode, the reject coin C2 is discharged by the second discharge unit 9b and stored in the in-machine storage box 98b. Accordingly, the handling of reject coins can be changed in the deposit priority mode and the withdrawal priority mode so as to suit the actual operation.

  That is, in the deposit priority mode, the deposit money is withdrawn after depositing the deposit money from the customer (identification of the deposit amount based on identification and counting in the deposit / withdrawal device). For this reason, since it is necessary to try depositing again or to exchange for another coin that can be deposited, it is desirable to release the reject coin to the outside of the apparatus. On the other hand, in the withdrawal priority mode, the clerk approves the deposit money from the customer (by key input or the like of the POS register), and after depositing the fishing money based on this, the deposit money is deposited. For this reason, it is desirable that the reject coins are stored in the apparatus separately from other deposited coins without being discharged outside the apparatus.

  Also, the deposit coin C2 identified as the denomination corresponding to the storage units 6a to 6f that are full in the denomination storage unit 6 is discharged by the second discharge unit 9b and stored in the in-machine storage box 98b. The As a result, regardless of whether the deposit priority mode or the withdrawal priority mode, the coin C2 of the denomination can be stored as an overflow coin in the in-machine storage box 98b and the deposit process can be continued.

[Modification]
In the said embodiment, the case where the storage parts 6a-6f (coin storage / throwing unit) of a mutually different money type (5 yen, 1 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen, 10 yen, and 500 yen) was provided one each was demonstrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as long as there is a margin in the width direction of the apparatus, two or more storage units (coin storage / throwing units) of the same denomination may be provided in parallel.

  Next, although the case where the coin storage unit 60 has a cylindrical shape has been described, other shapes such as a cylindrical shape having a polygonal cross section may be used as long as there is no hindrance to receiving and storing coins. Moreover, you may form the taper surfaces 62a and 66a of the upper opening 62 and the lower opening 66 of each coin storage part 60 only in the downstream of each conveyance path P1 and P2 as needed.

  Next, the case where a transport belt such as a round belt or a flat belt is used as each of the transport mechanisms 2, 4, 7, 80a, 80b, and 98a has been described. However, instead of the belt, other types of transport mechanisms such as rollers are used. May be used.

  Further, as a discharging means for discharging the coins discharged by the first discharging hand portion 9a to the outside of the apparatus, instead of the fourth transport mechanism 98a (FIG. 2) using a belt or the like, a naturally falling type using a slope is used. Any other means such as release can be used.

The top view which shows one Embodiment by one horizontal cross section of one Embodiment of the coin depositing / withdrawing apparatus by this invention. The figure which shows a part of coin depositing / withdrawing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 as a side view, and shows another part as the II-II line cross section of FIG. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows typically the circumference | surroundings of the money-type storage part of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 corresponding to the storage operation | movement of a coin. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows typically the front part periphery of the money-type accommodation part of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 corresponding to the coin feeding operation | movement. The perspective view which takes out and shows the periphery of the money type accommodating part of the apparatus shown in FIG. The perspective view which shows the open state of the money classification accommodating part shown in FIG. The figure which expands and shows one of the coin storage parts in the money classification storage part shown in FIG. The figure which shows the lower part of the coin storage part shown in FIG. 7 with the throwing coin conveyance belt in the VIII-VIII sectional view taken on the line of FIG. The bottom view of the coin storage part shown in FIG. It is a figure which expands and shows the upper part of the coin storage part shown in FIG. 7, Comprising: The figure for demonstrating typically the relationship between the height of the taper surface in upper opening, and the thickness of a coin. It is a figure which shows typically the dimensional relationship of the coin stopped on the throwing-out coin conveyance path by the coin stop means, and the coin storage part arrange | positioned at unequal intervals, (a) is a top view, (b) is FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the dimensional relationship between the coin stopped on the throwing-out coin conveyance path by the backward restriction means, and the coin storage part arrange | positioned at unequal intervals, (a) is a top view, (b) is FIG. Corresponding to the lower part of the coin storage unit shown in FIG. 7, (a) a state in which the coin in the storage unit is horizontally supported on the last coin, and (b) a coin in the storage unit on the top coin. The figure which shows the state supported horizontally. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the state which combined the coin depositing / withdrawing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the banknote depositing / withdrawing apparatus. Corresponding to the lower part of the coin storage part shown in FIG. 7, (a) the state in which the coins in the storage part are inclined obliquely on the last coin, and (b) the coins in the storage part are oblique on the top coin The figure which shows the state inclined to.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A Coin depositing / withdrawing apparatus 10 Case 14 Coin receiving port 16 Coin taking-out port 2 Feeding mechanism 3 Coin channel | path 4 1st conveyance mechanism (conveyance means)
D Identification sensor (discrimination means)
5 (5a-5f) Denomination sorting part (sorting means)
6 (6a to 6f) Money type storage part 60 Coin storage part 62 Upper opening 62a Tapered surface 64 Main body 66 Lower opening 66a Tapered surface 68 Coin support part 69 Retraction limiting means P1 Storage coin transport path p10 Bottom surface 7 Second transport mechanism (storage) Coin transport means)
P2 Throwing coin transport path p20 Ceiling surface 8 Coin feeding mechanism 80a Third transport mechanism (throwing coin transport means)
80b Auxiliary transport mechanism 82 Coin stop means 86 Throw coin detection means 9a First discharge section (first discharge means)
98a Fourth transport mechanism (release means)
9b 2nd discharge part (2nd discharge means)
98b Onboard storage box (discharged coin storage)
1B Banknote deposit / withdrawal device C Coin C1 Reject coin (Deposit priority mode)
C2 Reject coin (withdrawal priority mode) or overflow coin C5 Uppermost coin C6 in the coin storage part Subsequent coin F Front reference position Sm Distance from the front reference position to the main body rear edge of the coin storage part Dm Forward from the front reference position Distance Ch to the rear edge of the coin on the side Ch First coin Ct Last tail coin Cm Front protruding coin B Rear reference position Sn Distance from the rear reference position to the front edge of the main body of the coin storage part Dn Front rear coin from the rear reference position Distance Cn to the edge Rear protruding coin M Inner diameter of coin storage unit (internal dimensions)
d Diameter of coin

Claims (2)

A coin storage and dispensing unit that accepts and stores coins of a specific denomination and throws out the stored coins,
A storage coin conveyance path that guides coins to be stored in a line in a substantially horizontal direction along the bottom surface;
A storage coin transport means for transporting coins along the storage coin transport path;
A plurality of coin storage units arranged in a line along the storage coin conveyance path;
A coin feeding path that is provided below these coin storage units and guides the coins to be thrown out in a substantially horizontal direction in a single row, and
A throwing coin transport means for transporting coins along the throwing coin transport path;
Provided in front of the plurality of coin storage portions with respect to the dispensing coin transport path in the coin dispensing direction, and selectively advances the coin in the coin dispensing direction regardless of the operation of the dispensing coin transport means. Coin stopping means for stopping
With
Each coin storage unit includes an upper opening that opens to the bottom surface of the storage coin conveyance path, a lower opening that opens on the throwing coin conveyance path, and a cylindrical main body that extends between the upper opening and the lower opening. Have
The coins passing through the storage coin transport path are sequentially stored from the upper opening of the storage part into the main body and stacked and stored in the main body from the coin storage part located on the upstream side of the transport path. The coin stored in the main body of the storage unit is configured to be able to advance by its own weight through the lower opening of the storage unit on the throwing coin conveyance path by one piece,
(A) When a plurality of coins are stopped on the thrown coin transport path by the coin stopping means, the coin throwing direction is set to the front,
(a1) The distance from the front reference position, which is the front edge position of the leading coin stopped by the coin stopping means, to the rear edge of the main body of the m th coin storage unit from the front is Sm,
(a2) The distance from the rear edge of the coin located on the front side to the front reference position among the coins stopped so as to protrude below the m-th coin storage portion is Dm,
(a3) When the diameter of each coin, which is slightly smaller than the internal dimension in the coin dispensing direction of each coin storage unit body, is d,
Each coin storage part is arrange | positioned so that Sm- (d / 2) <Dm may be satisfy | filled, The coin storage throwing unit characterized by the above-mentioned. The throwing coin transport means can transport coins along the throwing coin transport path to the rear opposite to the coin throwing direction,
Further provided with a retraction limiting means provided behind the plurality of coin storage portions with respect to the throwing-out coin transport path, and stopping the retreat of coins regardless of the operation of the throwing-out coin transporting means;
(B) When the plurality of coins are stopped on the thrown-out coin transport path by the retreat restricting means,
(b1) Sn is the distance from the rear reference position, which is the rear edge position of the last coin stopped by the backward restriction means, to the front edge of the main body of the nth coin storage unit from the rear,
(b2) Let Dn be the distance from the leading edge of the coin located on the rear side to the rear reference position among the coins stopped so as to protrude below the n-th coin storage part,
2. The coin storage / throwing unit according to claim 1, wherein each of the coin storage units is arranged to satisfy Sn- (d / 2) <Dn.

Images