JP2002329238A - Device and method for coin stoppage elimination - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device and a method for coin piling elimination which rapidly detect and eliminate coin piling. SOLUTION: An entrance sensor 13 is provided at the entrance part of bellows 11 as a passage for coins thrown in an automatic vending machine and an exit sensor 13 is provided at the exit part. When the number of coins detected by the entrance sensor 13 does not agree with the number of coins detected by the exit sensor 14, a driving device 15 which swings the bellows 11 is driven to swing the bellows 11, thereby eliminating a coin piling in the bellows 11.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coin stay elimination device and a coin stay elimination method for eliminating the stagnation of coins in a passage inside a vending machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a vending machine, a bellows has been used as a passage for coins from a coin insertion slot to a coin sorting and holding device. The bellows are coil-shaped, made of metal, and can be freely expanded and contracted and bent. Therefore, there is an advantage that the arrangement is simple and the cost of the parts themselves is low.

[0003] By the way, bellows are stained with the use of a vending machine, and wear proceeds. In addition, coins inserted into a vending machine may be deformed during distribution. Due to that, coins inserted into the vending machine,
It may stay inside the bellows. Conventionally, in order to eliminate the accumulation of coins in the bellows, a staff member opens the door of the vending machine and vibrates the bellows by hand.

[0004]

However, in the conventional vending machine, since the accumulation of coins is eliminated by hand, if the coins accumulate in the bellows, it would only hinder the prompt provision of goods. And increased the chores for the staff.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a coin stay elimination device and a coin stay elimination method for quickly detecting coin stay inside bellows in a vending machine and eliminating the coin stay. And

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a coin stay elimination apparatus according to the present invention comprises a coin passage through which coins pass, the number of coins entering the coin passage, and a coin coming out of the coin passage. Comparing means for comparing the number of coins, the rocking means for rocking the coin path, and control means for rocking the coin path to the rocking means when the comparison result of the comparing means does not match. It is characterized by having.

[0007] With such a coin stagnation eliminating device, it is quickly detected that a coin inserted into a vending machine has stagnated in a coin passage, and the coin oscillates, thereby preventing the stagnating coin from passing through the coin passage. Can be encouraged.

Here, considering the time required for a coin to travel from the entrance of the coin passage to the exit of the coin passage, it is possible to assume a time during which it cannot be determined whether or not the coin has stayed in the coin passage. Therefore, the comparing means compares the number of coins that have entered the coin passage with the number of coins that have exited from the coin passage after a predetermined time has elapsed since coins entered the coin passage. Is preferred.

Further, in order to detect the accumulation of coins in the coin passage, a mechanism for detecting the passage of the coin at any two points is required. Therefore, the comparing means is provided at a certain position in the coin passage, and detects the passage of the coin, and
A first detection unit that outputs a detection pulse, a second detection unit that is provided at another portion of the coin path and detects the passage of a coin and outputs a second detection pulse, and a number of the first detection pulse. It is preferable that a first counter for counting and a second counter for counting the number of the second detection pulses be provided, and a count result of the first counter be compared with a count result of the second counter.

[0010] It is also conceivable that the coins may not easily be retained even if the coin passage is swung during the coin retention. Therefore, if the comparison result of the comparing means does not match within a predetermined time from the start of swinging of the coin path by the swinging means, the control means swings the coin path more strongly by the swinging means. Preferably.

[0011] Then, the coin retention eliminating method of the present invention counts the number of coins entering the coin passage through which the coin passes, counts the number of coins coming out of the coin passage, and determines the number of coins entering the coin passage. Compare the counting result with the counting result of the coins coming out of the coin passage, and when the counting result of the coins entering the coin passage does not match the counting result of the coins coming out of the coin passage, the coin passage Swinging.

According to this coin stagnation elimination method, it is quickly detected that a coin inserted into a vending machine has stagnated in a coin passage, and the coin oscillates, thereby preventing the stagnating coin from passing through the coin passage. Can be encouraged.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[1. First Embodiment] [1-1. Configuration of First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a coin receiving device 1A of the present embodiment. The coin receiving device 1A is used as a part of a vending machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the coin receiving device 1 </ b> A includes a coin slot 10,
Bellows 11, coin sorting and holding device 12, inlet sensor 1
3, the exit sensor 14, the vibration device 15, the control device 1
6A.

A user who wants to purchase a product by a vending machine inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 10. The coin insertion slot 10 is provided with a coin stopper mechanism that allows coins to drop one by one in the direction of the bellows 11 even if a plurality of coins are inserted simultaneously or continuously.
The coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 10 passes through the bellows 11 and is stored in the coin sorting and holding device 12.

An entrance sensor 13 is provided at a position where coins enter the bellows 11. The entrance sensor 13 is composed of, for example, a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the light receiving element always detects light from the light emitting element. On the other hand, an exit sensor 14 is provided at a position where coins come out of the bellows 11. The exit sensor 14, like the entrance sensor 13, includes, for example, a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element. In the exit sensor 14, the light from the light emitting element is always detected by the light receiving element.

The vibrating device 15 vibrates the bellows 11 when coins stay in the bellows 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the vibration device 15 includes the vibration transmission plate 1.
50, a diaphragm 151, a disk 152, and a motor 153
And

FIG. 2 shows a vibration transmission plate 150, a vibration plate 151,
1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a disk 152. FIG. The vibration transmission plate 150 has a shape in which a rectangular metal plate is bent into a tuning fork shape, and the bellows 11 can be sandwiched in a hollow portion thereof. The vibration plate 151 is fixed to the upper end of the vibration transmission plate 150.

The diaphragm 151 has a fulcrum shaft 151a. The fulcrum shaft 151a is fixed to a point on the inner wall of the vending machine in FIG. 1 and is rotatable. Therefore, the diaphragm 151 can rotate around the fulcrum shaft 151a. The diaphragm 151 has a rectangular opening 151b.

A rotatable center shaft 1 is provided at the center of the disk 152.
52a are provided. Although not shown, the central axis 1
A rotating shaft of a motor 153 is fixed to 52a, and the disk 152 can rotate according to the rotation of the motor 153. In addition, a projection shaft 152b is provided on the outer peripheral side of the disk 152. And, this projection shaft 15
2b is inserted into the opening 151b of the diaphragm 151.

Therefore, when the disk 152 is rotated by the driving of the motor 153, the diaphragm 151 can be swung right and left. Here, the vibration plate 151 is the vibration transmission plate 15.
Since the vibration transmission plate 150 sandwiches the bellows 11, the bellows 11 can be vibrated by rotating the motor 153.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the control device 16A and its peripheral devices, and FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing waveforms of various parts provided in the control device 16A. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 16A includes a first comparator 21, a first counter 22, a second comparator 23, a second counter 24, a comparison circuit 25, a drive signal generation circuit 26, a drive circuit 27 and a reset signal generation circuit 28.

First, the output signal of the entrance sensor 13 is constantly supplied to the first comparator 21. Then, the first comparator 21 converts the output signal of the entrance sensor 13 into
When the level of the output signal of the entrance sensor 13 is lower than the threshold level Lref as compared with a predetermined threshold level Lref, the count signal IN that is the output signal is set to the high level. Here, the threshold level Lref is determined by the entrance sensor 13
Is determined so that it is possible to distinguish between the case where light from the light emitting element provided in the light emitting element is incident on the light receiving element and the case where light from the light emitting element is blocked by a coin. Therefore, the period during which the count signal IN is at a high level is a period during which coins pass through the entrance sensor 13.

The count signal IN is supplied to the first counter 2
2 input terminals. The first counter 22 counts the rising edge of the count signal IN. Therefore, the count value of the first counter 22 indicates the number of coins that have entered the bellows 11. The first counter 22 outputs entrance count data Din indicating a count value.

The output signal of the exit sensor 14 is constantly supplied to the second comparator 23. Then, the second comparator 23 converts the output signal of the exit sensor 14 into
When the level of the output signal of the exit sensor 14 is lower than the threshold level Lref as compared with the predetermined threshold level Lref, the count signal OUT, which is the output signal, is set to the high level. Similarly to the case of the entrance sensor 13, the threshold level Lref of the exit sensor 14 is the case where light is incident on the light receiving element from the light emitting element provided in the exit sensor 14, and the light from the light emitting element is blocked by coins. It is determined so that the case can be determined. Therefore, the count signal O
During the period when the UT is at the high level, coins are output from the exit sensor 14.
It is a period to pass through.

The count signal OUT is supplied to the input terminal of the second counter 24. The second counter 24 counts the rising edge of the count signal OUT. Therefore, the count value of the second counter 24 is
It will indicate the number of coins coming out of 1. The second counter 24 outputs exit count data Dout indicating the count value.

Next, the entrance count data Din is supplied to one input terminal of the comparison circuit 25, and the exit count data Dout is supplied to the other input terminal. And
The comparison circuit 25 compares the entry count data Din with the exit count data Dout, and outputs a coincidence signal MT to the drive signal generation circuit 26 based on the comparison result. Match signal M
T is the entrance count data Din and the exit count data Dout
Is at a high level when they match, and at a low level when they do not match.

The count signal IN is supplied from the first comparator 21 to the drive signal generation circuit 26, and the coincidence signal MT is supplied from the comparison circuit 25. Then, the drive signal generation circuit 26 outputs the drive signal DRV.

As shown in FIG. 3, the drive signal generation circuit 26
Is a retriggerable mono-multi 261 and an inverter 2
62 to 264, an exclusive OR circuit 265, an AND circuit 266, and an SR flip-flop 267. The count signal IN which is the output of the first comparator 21
Is supplied to the retriggerable mono-multi 261 first. The output signal of the retriggerable monomulti 261 goes high in synchronization with the rising edge of the count signal IN, and goes low when the time t1 has elapsed. Then, when the count signal IN goes high again while the output is at the high level, the retriggerable monomulti 261 goes high for a further time t1, starting from the rising timing.

Here, the retriggerable mono-multi 261
T1 is a period during which coins inserted into the vending machine are expected to elapse from the time when they are detected by the entrance sensor 13 to the time when they are detected by the exit sensor 14. Have been.

The output signal of the retriggerable monomulti 261 is supplied to one input terminal of the exclusive OR circuit 265, while the output signal of the retriggerable monomulti 261 is supplied to the other input terminal of the exclusive OR circuit 265. And 263. Here, inverter 2
62 and 263 function as a delay circuit. If the delay time is t2, the output signal of the exclusive OR circuit 265 becomes 2 in synchronization with the rise and fall of the output signal of the retriggerable mono-multi 261. Times, time t
Two high levels.

Here, the AND circuit 266 calculates the logical product of the output signal of the exclusive OR circuit 265 and the signal obtained by inverting the output signal of the retriggerable mono-multi 261 by the inverter 264. As shown in FIG. 4, in synchronization with the fall of the output signal of the retriggerable mono-multi 261, the level becomes high for a time t 2. This signal is supplied to the set terminal of the SR flip-flop 267 as a drive request signal RQT.

The SR flip-flop 267 is a reset-priority flip-flop and outputs a drive signal DRV. Here, the drive request signal RQT from the AND circuit 266 is supplied to the set terminal of the SR flip-flop 267, while the coincidence signal MT from the comparison circuit 25 is supplied to the reset terminal. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the drive signal DRV rises in synchronization with the drive request signal RQT and falls in synchronization with the coincidence signal MT. Then, the drive signal DRV is supplied to the drive circuit 27.

When the drive signal DRV goes high, the drive circuit 27 drives the motor 153. As a result, the bellows 11 is vibrated by the vibration device 15.

On the other hand, the reset terminal of the SR flip-flop 267 has a coincidence signal M output from the comparison circuit 25.
T is input. When the entrance count data Din and the exit count data Dout match, the match signal MT is at a high level, so that the motor 153 is not driven.

The drive signal DRV output from the SR flip-flop 267 is
Is also supplied. The reset signal generation circuit 28 outputs a reset signal RST based on the drive signal DRV. This reset signal RST is transmitted between the first counter 22 and the second
It is supplied to the reset terminal of the counter 24. When the reset signal RST goes high, the data stored in the first counter 22 and the second counter 24 is initialized.

As shown in FIG. 3, the reset signal generation circuit 28 includes inverters 281 to 285, an exclusive OR circuit 286, and an AND circuit 287. One input terminal of the exclusive OR circuit 286 has a drive signal DR
V is supplied to the other input terminal, and the drive signal DRV
Are supplied via inverters 281 and 282. Here, inverters 281 and 282 function as delay circuits. Assuming that the delay time is t2, the output signal of the exclusive OR circuit 286 becomes high level for the time t2 in synchronization with the rise and fall of the drive signal DRV.

The AND circuit 287 is an exclusive OR circuit 2
86 and the drive signal DRV are connected to the inverter 28
Since the logical product of the signal and the signal inverted by 3 is obtained, the output signal is synchronized with the fall of the drive signal DRV,
It becomes high level for the time t2.

As shown in FIG. 4, reset signal RST is obtained by delaying the output signal of AND circuit 287 by time t2 by inverters 284 and 285. The reset signal RST is supplied to reset terminals of the first counter 22 and the second counter 24. As a result, the count values of the first counter 22 and the second counter 24 are initialized. The reason that the reset signal RST is delayed by the time t2 by the inverters 284 and 285 is to reset the counter value after the count value of the second counter 24 is stabilized.

[1-2. Operation of First Embodiment] Next, the operation of the coin receiving device 1A according to the present embodiment having the above configuration will be specifically described.

First, a user who desires to purchase a product by a vending machine provided with the coin receiving device 1A inserts coins into the coin receiving device 1A, and the operation starts. The coins inserted into the coin slot 10 by the user pass through the bellows 11 and are stored in the coin sorting and holding device 12, but first the number is counted before the coins enter the bellows 11. . The result of the counting can be regarded as the number of coins inserted by the user of the vending machine.

The coin inserted by the user reaches the bellows 11 and blocks light emitted by the light emitting element of the entrance sensor 13. Then, the amount of light received by the light receiving element of the entrance sensor 13 decreases, and the count signal I output from the first comparator 21
N goes high. Then, data indicating the number of times the count signal IN has gone high is stored in the first counter 22. Since the same operation is performed for all coins passing through the entrance sensor 13, the first counter 22 stores the number of coins inserted by the user, that is, the bellows 11
Data indicating the number of coins entered is stored. This data is the entry count data Din.

As described above, the number of coins coming out of the bellows 11 is counted. An exit sensor 14 is provided in a portion where coins come out of the bellows 11, and when the coin passes through the exit sensor 14, the count signal OUT output from the second comparator 23 becomes high level. The second counter 24 stores data indicating the number of times that the count signal OUT has changed to the high level. as a result,
The second counter 24 stores data indicating the number of coins coming out of the bellows 11. This data is the exit count data Dout.

Here, if the number of coins entering the bellows 11 and the number of coins coming out of the bellows 11 are compared,
It is possible to know whether or not coins are staying in the bellows 11. Thus, the comparison circuit 25 compares the entrance count data Din with the exit count data Dout. Here, as a result of the comparison, the number of coins in the bellows 11 and
It is assumed that the number of coins coming out of the bellows 11 does not match. Since this means that coins have accumulated in the bellows 11, the motor 153 is driven to
1 must be vibrated to eliminate the accumulation of coins.

However, even if coins are not staying in the bellows 11, the coin count detected by the entrance sensor 13 does not reach the position where the exit sensor 14 is provided, and the entrance count data Din and Exit count data Dout
Does not match. Then, after a sufficient time has elapsed since the coin was detected by the entrance sensor 13 to reach the position where the exit sensor 14 is provided, if the entrance count data Din and the exit count data Dout still do not match, the motor 153 may be driven. The standby time for this is t1, which is a period during which the output signal of the retriggerable mono-multi 261 holds a high level.

For example, assume that three coins are inserted into a vending machine. Then, each of the three coins enters the entrance sensor 1
3, the first comparator 21 outputs the pulse of the count signal IN three times. At this time,
Entrance count data Din stored in first counter 22
Indicates "3". Here, if no coins accumulate in the bellows 11, the coins are detected by the exit sensor 14, and the value of the exit count data Dout stored in the second counter 24 should also indicate "3".

However, if the third coin stays in the bellows 11, the value indicated in the exit count data Dout remains "2" and the entry count data Din
Does not match the value of the exit count data Dout. When the time t1 elapses while coins stay in the bellows 11, the output signal of the retriggerable mono-multi 261 falls from a high level to a low level. In synchronization with the fall, the AND circuit 266 of the drive signal generation circuit 26
Outputs a pulse of the drive request signal RQT and supplies it to the set terminal of the SR flip-flop 267. Then, SR
Drive signal DR which is an output signal of flip-flop 267
V goes high. As a result, the motor 153 is driven via the drive circuit 27, and the bellows 11 is swung.

As a result of the above operation, when coins that have stayed inside the bellows 11 come out, the exit sensor 14 detects this and the value indicated by the exit count data Dout becomes "3". Therefore, the value of the entrance count data Din matches the value of the exit count data Dout, and the coincidence signal MT, which is the output signal of the comparison circuit 25, goes high. Match signal MT
Is the SR flip-flop 26 of the drive signal generation circuit 26
7, the match signal MT
, The drive signal DRV falls to a low level. As a result, the motor 153 stops.

After the coin accumulation in the bellows 11 is eliminated, the entrance count data D stored in the first counter 22
in and the exit count data Dout stored in the second counter 24 are initialized. When the state of the drive signal DRV changes from the high level to the low level, the reset signal generation circuit 28 detects the time t2 from the fall.
After that, a pulse of the reset signal RST is output. Since the reset signal RST is supplied to the reset terminals of the first counter 22 and the second counter 24, when the reset signal RST goes high, the entry count data Di
n and exit count data Dout are initialized.

[1-3. Effect of First Embodiment] As described above, in the coin receiving device 1A of the present embodiment, the coins entering the bellows 11 and the coins coming out of the bellows 11 are counted by the entrance sensor 13 and the exit sensor 14. It is possible to quickly detect whether or not coins have stayed in the bellows 11, and when the coins are staying, the motor 153 is quickly driven, and the coins which have stayed in the bellows 11 are immediately stored in the coin sorting and holding device 12. Can be encouraged to do so.

In the coin receiving device 1A of the present embodiment, even if the number of coins entering the bellows 11 does not match the number of coins coming out of the bellows 11, the bellows 11 waits for a predetermined time. Is vibrated, so that the coin does not come out of the bellows 11 even when it is time to pass through the bellows 11, that is, the bellows 11
The bellows 11 can be vibrated after it is determined that coins are stagnating.

[2. Second Embodiment] [2-1. Configuration of Second Embodiment] The coin receiving device 1B of the second embodiment is different from the control device 16A in that
It is the same as the coin stagnation eliminating device 1A of the first embodiment except that the device includes B. In order to avoid complication, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the control device 16B and its peripheral devices.

The control device 16B includes a first comparator 29
1, the second comparator 292, the CPU 293, and R
OM 294, RAM 295, timer circuit 296,
And a drive unit 297. Each unit provided in the control device 16B can exchange data via the system bus SB, and is centrally controlled by the CPU 293.

The first comparator 291 outputs a count signal IN, and the second comparator 292 outputs a count signal OUT. The count signal IN and the count signal OUT are detected by the CPU 293 via the system bus SB.

The CPU 293 counts the number of pulse outputs of the count signal IN and the count signal OUT, and counts the count signal I.
The number of pulse outputs of N and the number of pulse outputs of the count signal OUT are compared. At this time, the CPU 293 operates according to the program PG stored in the ROM 294, which is a nonvolatile memory, and uses the RAM 295, which is a volatile memory, as a temporary work area. Also, the CPU 293
The time can be measured with reference to the timer circuit 296 that measures time.

The drive section 297 supplies a drive signal DRV to the motor 153 according to a command from the CPU 293. The motor 153 is driven by the drive signal DRV. The drive section 297 can supply drive signals DRV having different voltage levels to the motor 153. Here, the drive unit 297 supplies the drive signal DRV of the voltages v1 and v2 (v1 <v2) to the motor 153.

[2-2. Operation of Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, the operation of the coin receiving device 1B of the second embodiment will be specifically described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing described in the program PG.

First, when a user inserts a coin into the vending machine and the coin tries to enter the bellows 11, the output signal of the entrance sensor 13 installed on the bellows 11 changes. A change in the output signal of the entrance sensor 13 is detected by the first comparator 291 and the first comparator 291
Outputs a count signal IN. The CPU 293 detects the count signal IN via the system bus SB, and counts the number of times of pulse output (step S101).
The data indicating the number of pulse outputs is the entry count data D
in.

On the other hand, when a coin comes out of the bellows 11, the output signal of the outlet sensor 14 provided at the outlet of the bellows 11 changes. Second comparator 292
Detects a change in the output signal of the exit sensor 14 and outputs a count signal OUT. The CPU 293 outputs the count signal OUT
Is detected via the system bus SB, and the number of pulse outputs is counted (step S102). The data indicating the number of pulse outputs is the exit count data Dou.
t.

The operations of steps S101 to S102 are repeated each time a coin is inserted into a vending machine by a user. As a result, the CPU 293 calculates the entrance count data Din, that is, the number of coins entering the bellows 11, and
The exit count data Dout, that is, the number of coins coming out of the bellows 11, is identified together.

Here, the value of the entry count data Din and the value of the exit count data Dout are compared, and if they do not match, it can be determined that coins have accumulated inside the bellows 11. However, during the period from when the coin passing through the bellows 11 is detected by the entrance sensor 13 to when the coin reaches the position of the exit sensor 14, the entrance count data Din and the exit count data Dout do not match. Therefore, the CPU 29
When detecting the pulse of the count signal IN, the timer 3 starts counting time with reference to the timing, with reference to the timer circuit 296 (step S103).

Then, the CPU 293 suspends the judgment for a sufficient time t1 for the coin to move from the position where the entrance sensor 13 is disposed to the position where the exit sensor 14 is disposed, and when the time t1 has elapsed. (Y in step S104
es), the entrance count data Din and the exit count data Dou
Compare with t. If they do not match (No in step S105), it is determined that coins have stayed in the bellows 11, and the process proceeds to step S106.

Then, the CPU 293 controls the driving section 297
Is instructed to drive the motor 153 by the drive signal DRV whose voltage level is v1 (step S10).
6). Upon receiving a command from the CPU 293, the drive unit 297 supplies the motor 153 with a drive signal DRV having a voltage level of v1. As a result, the motor 153 rotates and the vibration device 1
5, the bellows 11 is swung.

However, it is conceivable that coins continue to stay in the bellows 11 despite the swinging of the bellows 11. Therefore, the CPU 293 determines that the entrance count data Din and the exit count data Dout do not match even after the time t3 (t3> t1) has elapsed since the last pulse of the count signal IN was output (Yes in step S107) ( In step S108, the driving voltage becomes v
The drive unit 297 is instructed to supply the second drive signal DRV to the motor 153 (step S109). Drive unit 2
97 receives a command from the CPU 293 and increases the voltage level of the drive signal DRV to v2. Then, the motor 153
Because the number of revolutions per unit time of
Also increases the number of swings per unit time.

As a result of the above operation, when the coins staying in the bellows 11 pass through the bellows 11, the coins are detected by the exit sensor 14. Then, the count signal OUT is output from the second comparator 292. Then, since the entrance count data Din and the exit count data Dout match (Yes in step S108),
The CPU 293 instructs the drive unit 297 to stop supplying the drive signal DRV (Step S110). The drive unit 297 receives a command from the CPU 293 and
The supply of the drive signal DRV to the motor 3 is stopped, and the motor 153 stops.

In step S107, the time t
Before 3 has elapsed, the CPU 293 determines No, and returns to step S105 again without issuing any command to the driving unit 297. As a result, the driving unit 297
Is the drive signal DR having the voltage level v1 applied to the motor 153.
V is continuously supplied, and the rotation of the motor 153 does not change.

If the entry count data Din and the exit count data Dout match in step S105, the CPU 293 determines Yes and advances the process to step S110. Here, the drive signal D is applied to the motor 153.
There are cases where RV is supplied and cases where it is not supplied, but when the drive signal DRV is not supplied,
The CPU 293 ends the processing without doing anything.

[2-3. Effect of Second Embodiment] As described above, in the coin receiving device 1B of the second embodiment, the ROM 2
The bellows 1 according to the program PG stored in the
Swing 1 to eliminate the coins. Therefore, by changing the description of the program PG, various control sequences can be introduced, and the swing of the bellows 11 is controlled in consideration of the material and shape of the bellows 11 provided in the vending machine. It can be controlled flexibly.

<Modifications> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Various modifications described in are possible.

(1) In the first and second embodiments, the entrance sensor 13 for detecting coins entering the bellows 11 and the exit sensor 14 for detecting coins coming out of the bellows 11 are used. Although coins were counted using the sensors, the sensors need not always be provided at the entrance and exit of the bellows 11. For example, bellows 11
It is known in advance that there is a portion where coins easily accumulate, and it may be desired to detect only the presence or absence of coin accumulation at that portion. In this case, sensors may be provided at two desired points on the bellows 11 to control the swinging of the bellows 11.

(2) In the above-described second embodiment, C
The PU 293 has been described in the form of measuring the time based on the timing at which the pulse of the count signal IN is output, and changing the voltage level of the drive signal DRV from v1 to v2 when the time t3 has elapsed. However, CPU 293
Is the drive signal D based on the drive time of the motor 153.
The voltage level of the RV may be changed. In this case, CP
U293 is the driving signal D in step S106.
Time measurement may be performed based on the output of the RV. In short, in a case where the accumulation of coins in the bellows 11 is not eliminated by the driving of the motor 153, any mode may be used as long as control can be performed to increase the voltage level of the drive signal DRV. .

(3) In the above-described second embodiment, C
After instructing the drive unit 297 to supply the drive signal DRV to the motor 153, the PU 293 still enters the entrance count data Din and the exit count data Do even after the predetermined time has elapsed.
When the values of ut do not match, the rotation speed of the motor 153 is increased by increasing the voltage of the drive signal DRV,
The description has been made in the form of increasing the number of times the bellows 11 swings per unit time. Here, instead of increasing the number of swings of the bellows 11 per unit time, an aspect in which the amplitude of swinging the bellows 11 may be changed based on a change in some mechanical configuration may be adopted. In short, the bellows 11 may be swung, and if it is determined that the stay of coins is not resolved within the predetermined time, any mode may be adopted as long as the bellows 11 can be swung more strongly.

[0074]

As described above, the coin stagnation eliminating apparatus according to the present invention compares the number of coins entering the coin passage with the number of coins exiting the coin passage.
Based on the comparison result, the coin path is automatically swung,
The storage of the staying coins in the coin sorting and holding device can be promoted. Therefore, even when coins stay in the coin passage, there is no need for the attendant to go out and the vending machine user does not stop.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a configuration of a coin receiving device 1A.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an external configuration of a vibration transmission plate 150, a vibration plate 151, and a disk 152.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a control device 16A and peripheral devices thereof.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing waveforms of respective units provided in a control device 16A.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a control device 16B and peripheral devices thereof.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process described in a program PG.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 bellows, 13 inlet sensor, 14 outlet sensor, 15 vibration device, 16A, 16B control device, 25
... Comparison circuit.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A coin passage through which coins pass, comparison means for comparing the number of coins entering the coin passage with the number of coins coming out of the coin passage, and a swinging swinging movement of the coin passage And a control means for causing the swing means to swing the coin passage when the comparison result of the comparison means does not match. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the comparing means determines the number of coins entering the coin passage and the number of coins exiting from the coin passage after a predetermined time has elapsed since the coin entered the coin passage. The coin stagnation eliminating device according to claim 1, wherein? 3. The comparing means is provided at a certain position in the coin passage, detects first coin passing the coin, and outputs a first detection pulse, and is provided at another part of the coin passage. A second detection unit that detects the passage of a coin and outputs a second detection pulse, a first counter that counts the number of the first detection pulses, and a second counter that counts the number of the second detection pulses. The coin retention eliminating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: comparing a count result of the first counter with a count result of the second counter. 4. The control unit, if the comparison result of the comparison unit does not match within a predetermined time from the start of swinging of the coin passage by the swing unit, the coin passage to the swing unit. The coin stagnation eliminating device according to claim 1, wherein the coin is more strongly swung. 5. A method of counting coins entering a coin passage through which coins pass, counting the number of coins exiting the coin passage, counting the number of coins entering the coin passage, and exiting the coin passage. Comparing the coin counting result with the coin counting result, and swinging the coin passage when the counting result of the coins entering the coin passage does not match the counting result of the coins emerging from the coin passage. Coin stagnation elimination method.