JP2002008086A - Coin handling device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the control load on a main control device, when the main control device outputs instruction to a coin handling device to allow to execute a prescribed processing. SOLUTION: This coin handling device is connected to a plurality of devices including at least one coin handling unit, uses the main control device which has, a CPU, a ROM and a RAM, and is provided with an individual control device comprising CPU, ROM and RAM. By this formation, the CPU of the individual control device of the coin handling device memorizes information necessary for the RAM and executes simultaneously the prescribed processing based on a program memorized in the ROM.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin handling device. In particular, the present invention relates to a coin hopper individual control device for paying out coins in a coin storage tank one by one by a discharge mechanism such as a rotating disk driven by a motor. The present invention also relates to a coin selector that detects a function of the speed of a coin to determine a denomination. Note that “coin” used in this specification is a general term for medals and tokens of game machines in addition to coins, which are currencies. The coin handling device is a general term for devices that handle coins, such as the aforementioned coin hopper and coin selector.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example in which a coin selector and a coin hopper are used in a vending machine will be described with reference to FIG.

[0003] 80A is a coin hopper. A motor 82 is fixed to the frame 81. A rotating disk 84 is fixed to an output shaft 83 of the motor 82. The rotating disk 84 has a plurality of through holes 85. 86
Is a stirring body fixed to the output shaft of the motor 82.

[0004] Reference numeral 87 denotes a cylindrical coin storage tank.
Reference numeral 88 denotes an operating lever that is rotated by engaging with a coin being paid out to the ejection chute by the rotating disk 84. Reference numeral 89 denotes an operating lever 88 rotated by a coin.
This is a sensor that detects and outputs a count signal. The count signal from the sensor 89 is used for counting the number of coins paid out.

The motor 82 is connected to a main controller 92 by a line AM, and the sensor 89 is connected to a main controller 92 by a line AS. 80B, 80C, and 80D are the coin hoppers 81.
A coin hopper having the same configuration as A. Individual line B
It is connected to the control device 92 by S, BM, CS, CM, DS, DM.

In this example, the coin hopper 80A costs 10 yen,
50 yen for coin hopper 80B and 1 for coin hopper 80C
00 yen and coin hopper 80D are set for paying out change of 500 yen. Reference numeral 92 denotes a main controller of the entire apparatus, and an interface 93, a CPU 94, a ROM 95,
It is constituted by a RAM 96.

The main controller 92 controls the entire vending machine such as the display device 80E, the commodity payout device 80F, and the coin selector 80G in addition to the four hoppers. These devices are also used for the lines ES, EM, FS, FM, GS,
The GM is connected to the main controller 92 by GM.

The coin selector 80G has two sensors 99A and 99 fixed facing the coin passage 98 of the main body 97.
B. The sensors 99A and 99B are arranged at a predetermined distance in the vertical direction. This coin selector 80G operates as follows.

The coin 100 inserted from the insertion slot naturally falls in the coin passage 98, and reaches a predetermined holding section.
During this falling process, the sensors 99A and 99B each output a detection signal of the coin 100.

Next, the operation of the conventional device will be described. The main control device 92 that has received the detection signals from the sensors 99A and 99B performs predetermined processing while the CPU 94 stores information as needed in the RAM 96 based on the program in the ROM 95.

That is, the time difference between the detection signal of the sensor 99A and the detection signal of the sensor 99B is calculated as a function of the falling speed of the coin. Then, based on the time difference, a comparison is made with a preset reference value to determine a genuine coin and a counterfeit coin and to determine a denomination. Further, the total input amount is calculated based on the denomination.

Next, the payout device 80F for the selected product is operated based on the total input amount and the product information selected and input. Further, control is performed at any time so that a predetermined display is also performed on the display device 80E. In parallel, the hopper devices 80A, 80B, 80C and 80D are selected and operated for paying out change.

For example, two pieces of 100 yen, one piece of 50 yen,
The case of paying out four 10 yen cards will be described. This payout operation is performed by driving the motor 82 to rotate the rotating disk 8.
As the coin rotates, the rotating disk 8 rotates.
The coin passes through the fourth through hole 85. The coin that has passed through the through hole 85 is pushed out on the bottom wall 90 by a pushing piece (not shown) formed on the back surface of the rotating disk 84 and is paid out to the throwing chute.

In this process, the coin rotates the operating lever 88. Upon detecting the pivoted operation lever 88, the sensor 89 outputs a count signal. This operation is performed by the selected coin hopper devices 80A, 80B, and 80C, respectively.

The main control device 92 receives the count signal, counts the number of coins paid out, and stops the motors of the corresponding coin hopper devices 80A, 80B, 80C when the number reaches the predetermined number.

In the above-described conventional configuration, since the entire apparatus is controlled by one main controller 92, the detection signals from the sensors 99A and 99B of the coin selector 80G are received, and the sensors 89 of the four coin hoppers are controlled. The ROM 95 controls the capture of the count signal and the control of driving and stopping the motor 82.
Must be done sequentially based on the program.

For this reason, when the number of devices to be controlled increases or the control content becomes complicated, the time required for one cycle of the program of the ROM 95 increases. Therefore,
The time becomes longer, giving the user a sense of waiting time. In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to shorten the reading interval from each sensor and the control time interval.However, it may be mistaken to read the signal from the sensor or make a mistake in delivery, so it is adopted suddenly. It is difficult.

In particular, a coin handling apparatus such as a coin selector or a coin hopper which handles money and the like cannot accept such a reading mistake or a payout mistake. It is also conceivable to use a high-performance microprocessor, but this is also difficult to adopt because of cost constraints.

[0019]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to accurately determine the denomination of coins and pay out a predetermined number of coins even when the main controller is busy with other controls. It is to be.

[0020]

In order to achieve this object, the present invention has the following arrangement. The coin handling device is connected to a plurality of devices including at least one coin handling device, and controls a coin handling device using a main control device having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. And R
An individual control device comprising an AM is provided and communicates with a main control device.

With this configuration, the CPU of the individual control device of the coin handling device performs predetermined processing while storing necessary information in the RAM based on the program stored in the ROM. Therefore, the discrimination of the type of coin to be inserted and the payout of coins are performed by the individual control device, so that each can be accurately performed.

Thus, the main controller only needs to transmit an operation instruction signal or receive a result signal from the individual controller, so that control processing of devices other than the coin handling device can be performed. In addition, since the coin handling device alone processes the acceptance and payout of coins, each device operates in parallel in a short time to process the coins in a short time, so that there is no sense of waiting time.

The coin handling device is a coin hopper having a payout device which is driven by a motor to sort coins one by one and pays out the coins and a sensor for detecting the paid out coins. It is preferable that the drive of the motor is controlled based on a count signal and a payout number instruction signal from the main control device.

With this configuration, the individual control device of the coin hopper drives the motor and pays out the coins when receiving the signal indicating the number of coins to be paid out from the main control device. The sensor that detects the paid-out coin outputs a count signal, and accumulates the count signal. When the accumulated count signal reaches the same number as the number instruction signal, the driving of the motor is stopped and the payout is completed.

Also, a payout completion signal is output to the main controller. In other words, the individual control device of the coin hopper drives the motor independently when receiving the payout number instruction signal from the main control device, and counts the count signal from the sensor, stops the motor when the number matches the indicated number, and outputs the payout completion signal. Is output. Therefore, since the payout of coins is controlled by the individual control device, it is performed separately from the processing of the main control device, and the designated number can be paid out quickly and reliably.

Further, the coin handling device is a coin selector having a sensor for detecting a function of the speed of the coin, and the individual control device determines a denomination from the function of the coin speed and outputs a denomination signal. It is good to configure. With this configuration, the individual control device of the coin selector obtains a function of the speed of the coin by inputting a signal from the sensor. This function is compared with a reference value or the like to determine the authenticity of the coin and to determine the denomination.

The individual control device outputs a denomination signal to the main control device. Therefore, the individual control device of the coin selector autonomously judges the true and false coins, determines the denomination, and outputs it to the main control device. Therefore, the individual control device of the coin selector can accurately determine whether the coin is a true coin or a false coin or the denomination without being affected by other controls.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the main control device. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the coin hopper in the main control device. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the individual control device of the coin selector. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the individual control device of the coin hopper. FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a conventional example.

The same components as those of the conventional device are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different configurations will be described. The coin hopper 80A has an individual control device A1. The individual control device A1 includes a CPU A2,
ROMA3, RAMA4, interface A5, A6
Having. The individual control circuit A1 sends and receives signals to and from the main control circuit 92 via the line A.

The CPU A2 receives an interface A from the sensor 89 based on a program stored in the ROM A3.
6 and performs predetermined processing while storing information as needed in the RAMA4. In addition, CPUA2
The motor 82 is driven and stopped via the interface A6.

The coin hopper 80B includes an individual control device B1.
Having. The coin hopper 80C has an individual control device C1. The coin hopper 80D has an individual control device D1. The coin selector 80G has an individual control device G1. These individual control devices B1, C1, D1, G1 are:
It has the same configuration as the individual control device A1.

The communication is performed by being connected to the main controller 92 via lines B, C, D, and G, respectively. Display device 8
OE is connected to main controller 92 by line E. The commodity dispensing device 80F is connected to the main control device 92 via a line F.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 94 of the main controller 92
Performs the following processing based on the main program stored in the ROM 95 while storing necessary data in the RAM 96 as needed.

In step S1, communication with the coin selector 80G is performed, and an acceptance instruction signal is sent. Next, if there is a total amount signal, it is read in step S2 and
To memorize.

Next, the price of the commodity selected in step S3 is compared with the stored total price.
6 is stored.

Next, change is calculated in step S5.
The number paid out to each coin hopper is stored in the RAM 96. Next, in step S6, communication with the coin hopper 80A is performed.
The processing of the flowchart of FIG. 3 described later is performed.

Next, in step S7, communication with the coin hopper 80B is performed, and the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 3 is performed.

Next, in step S8, communication with the coin hopper 80C is performed, and the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 3 is performed. Next, in step S9, communication with the coin hopper 80D is performed, and the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 3 is performed.

Next, in step S10, a predetermined display is performed by communicating with the display device 80E. Next, in step S11, the stored payout signal is output in communication with the payout device 80F, and a predetermined product is paid out. Next, in step S1A, the presence or absence of an abnormal signal from the coin hoppers 80A, 80B, 80C, 80D is determined, and if not, the process returns to step S1.

If there is an abnormal signal, a predetermined abnormal stop process is performed in step S1B, and then a reset signal is output in step S1C to enter a standby state. By the reset signal, the individual control devices A1, B1, C1,
The number of payouts stored in the RAM A4 is reset.

Main controller 92 always performs the processing of steps S1 to S1A in a normal state. On the other hand, the coin selector 80G is connected to the ROMA3 of the individual control device G1.
Predetermined processing based on the program stored in the
The processing is performed concurrently and separately from the processing of the main controller 92.

That is, the processing is performed based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, when it is determined in step S21 that there is an acceptance instruction signal from the main control device 92, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, when the detection signal is output from the sensor 99A, the timing on the time axis is read and stored in the RAM 4.

In step S23, the timing on the time axis of the detection signal from the sensor 99B is read and stored in the RAM 4. In step S24, the time difference between the detection signals is calculated as a function of the coin speed.

In step S25, it is determined which denomination the time difference of the signal generation corresponds to, and the denomination signal is determined by RA.
Store in MA4 and output. In step S26, it is determined whether or not it is within the range of genuine coins of the determined denomination. If it is a genuine coin, the process proceeds to step S27. In the case of counterfeit money, the processing is interrupted and a standby state is set.

In step S27, the denomination signal is stored in RAMA4.
And output it. In step S28, the total input amount is calculated, stored in the RAM A4, and output. For example, when the total amount of inserted coins is 500 yen, 500 yen is stored and output as the total amount of inserted coins. In this case,
The main control device 92 receives and stores the total amount of 500 yen output from the individual control circuit G1 of the coin selector 80G in step S2 as described above.

Next, the above-mentioned predetermined processing is performed in steps S3 and S4, and the flow advances to step S5. In step S5, a change is calculated, and a payout amount instruction signal to the corresponding coin hopper is stored in the RAM 96 and output to each coin hopper. For example, if the product price is 310 yen, the change is 190 yen, so one 100 yen, one 50 yen,
An instruction signal for paying out 10 yen is output. That is,
The payout number instruction signal of “4” is stored in the RAM 96 and output to the coin hopper 80A.

The payout number instruction signal of "1" is stored in the RAM 96 and outputted to the coin hopper 80B. The payout number instruction signal of “1” is stored in the RAM 96 and output to the coin hopper 80C.

Next, in step S6, the coin hopper 80A
Communicate with The processing in step S6 when the payout number instruction signal is present will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S11, the coin hopper 80
A payout number instruction signal "4" for A is output. Next, in step S12, the system enters a state of waiting for the input of the payout completion number signal from the individual control circuit A1.

Thereafter, upon receiving the payout completion number signal from the individual control circuit A1, it is determined that the processing has been normally performed and the apparatus enters a standby state. If there is no payout completion signal, step S
Proceeding to 13, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormal signal, which will be described later, from the individual control circuit A1.

If there is no abnormal signal, the process returns to step S12. If there is an abnormal signal, the process returns to step S1B of the main control circuit 92 described above. Next, the processing of the individual control device A1 of the coin hopper 80A when receiving the payout number instruction signal "4" will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S31, it is determined whether or not there is a payout number instruction signal from the main control circuit 92. If there is no instruction signal, the standby state is continued. When the payout number instruction signal of "4" is received, the process proceeds to step S32, where RA
The number of payout instructions (N) is stored as 4 in MA4.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S33, wherein the count value (C) of the individual control device A1 is reset to zero. Next, the process proceeds to step S34, in which the motor 82 is rotationally driven. As a result, the rotating disk 84 rotates, and the coin is paid out to the chute as described above, guided to a guide path (not shown), and supplied to the change port.

At the time of this payout, the sensor 89 outputs a count signal.
And add 1 to the count value. At this time, since only one coin has been paid out, 1 is stored in the RAM 4 as a count value.

Next, in step S37, the count value C is compared with the payout number instruction N. In this case, since C = 1 for N = 4, the process returns to step S35. The sensor 89 outputs a count signal each time coins are paid out by continuous rotation of the motor 82.

In the individual control device A1, steps S35, S36 and S37 are repeated as described above. Then, when four coins are paid out and the count value C becomes 4, the same as the payout number instruction N, the process proceeds to step S38, and the motor 82 is stopped. Thereby, the coin payout of the coin hopper 80A ends.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S39, in which a payout completion number signal "4" is outputted to the main control device 92, and a standby state is set. If there is no signal from the sensor 89 in step S35, the process proceeds to step S40. In step S40, when the signal is again input from the sensor 89 during the predetermined time, the process returns to step S35 as normal. If there is no signal from the sensor 89 during the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S41 as abnormal. In step S41, the rotation of the motor S41 is stopped.

Next, at step S42, the above-described abnormal signal is output to main controller 92, and the apparatus enters a standby state. The main controller 92 proceeds to the next step S7 in parallel with the individual controller 1A of the coin hopper 80A performing the above-described processing.

In step S7, the coin hopper 80
Communicates with B. Individual control device B for coin hopper 80B
1 performs the same processing based on the flowchart of FIG. 5 described above, pays out 50 yen, and enters a standby state. Similarly, main controller 92 proceeds to the next step S8 in parallel with coin hoppers 80A and 80B performing the above-described processing.

In step S8, the coin hopper 80
Communicates with C. Individual control device C for coin hopper 80C
1 performs the same processing based on the flowchart of FIG. 5 described above, pays out 100 yen, and enters a standby state.
As a result, 190 yen is paid out for change.

The display device 80E includes a main control device 92.
By performing communication with the server, predetermined processing such as the display of the current state, the display of the amount received, and the display of change are performed. Further, the commodity delivery device 80F performs a prescribed product delivery process by communicating with the main control device 92.

[0062]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a main control device.

FIG. 3 is a control flowchart of a coin hopper in the main control device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an individual control device of the coin selector.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an individual control device of the coin hopper.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Coin hopper 80A, 80B, 80C, 80D Motor 82 Sensor 89 Coin selector 80G Sensor 99A, 99B Individual control device A1, B1, C1, D1, G1, CPU A2 ROM A3 RAM A4 Main control device 92 CPU 94 ROM 95 RAM 96

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3E001 AB03 BA01 BA03 CA07 DA10 EA09 FA07 FA10 FA31 3E002 AA20 CA06 CA15

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A CPU and a ROM connected to a plurality of devices including at least one coin handling device.
And a main controller having a RAM and a coin handling device, wherein the coin handling device includes a CPU, an individual controller including a ROM and a RAM, and communicates with the main controller. apparatus. 2. The coin handling device is a coin hopper having a payout device driven by a motor to sort out coins one by one and paying out the coins and a sensor for detecting the paid out coins. 2. The coin handling device according to claim 1, wherein the drive of the motor is controlled based on a count signal of the number and a payout number instruction signal from a main control device. 3. The coin handling device is a coin selector provided with a sensor for detecting a function of the speed of the coin, and the individual control device determines a denomination from the coin speed and outputs a denomination signal of the coin. The coin handling device according to claim 1, wherein: