JP2012198629A - Coin processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coin processor for continuing processing without a pause even when the identification data of a coin are not acquired from an identification part by a control part.SOLUTION: An identification part 31 for identifying a coin, a first passage detection part 50a for detecting the coin, a first denomination categorized branch part 28a for branching the coin, and a non-denomination categorized branch part for branching the coin are installed in order following a conveyance part 17 for conveying the coin. When the coin which has passed the identification part 31 is detected by the first passage detection part 50a, and the identification data of the coin are not acquired from the identification part 31 by a control part, the control part causes the non-denomination categorized branch part to branch the coin.

Description

  The present invention relates to a coin processing device that identifies a coin while conveying it, and branches the coin into denominations based on the identification result.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a coin processing device used in, for example, a coin depositing / dispensing machine, a coin is fed from a temporary holding unit one by one while being transported by a transport unit. Is branched into denominations by denomination branching unit and stored in denomination storing units in the denomination storing unit. Further, reject coins identified as false coins, non-reusable coins, or coins whose denomination cannot be specified by the identification unit are branched by the reject branch unit and stored in the reject box (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

  The process of sorting such coins into denominations and storing them in the denomination storage unit is to identify the deposit coins and temporarily hold them in the temporary holding unit, and then pay the deposits and feed the received coins in the temporary holding unit to the transport unit. The coins that are determined to be unpaid when the deposit is stored in the denomination storage unit or at the time of withdrawal are temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit, and then the coins are transferred from the temporary storage unit to the transport unit for re-use. There is a time of re-identification and storage to be identified and stored in the denomination storage unit, or a replenishment process in which the replenishment coins are received by the temporary storage unit and fed out from the temporary storage unit to the transport unit and stored in the denomination storage unit.

  The transport unit includes a transport path that guides the transport of coins, a belt that moves to face the transport path, and a plurality of protrusions that project from the belt toward the transport path at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the belt. A protrusion is provided, and the belt is moved while the coin is pushed by the protrusion.

  The identification unit reads the diameter, magnetic characteristics, image, and the like for identifying the denomination of the coin, prepares it as predetermined identification data, and transmits the identification data to the control unit.

  Each denomination branching section can be switched between branching and passing of coins transported by the transport section according to a command from the control section. A passage detection unit that detects the passage of coins is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction of each denomination branch unit.

  And a control part acquires identification data from the identification part which identified the coin conveyed with a conveyance part, determines the allocation destination of a coin from identification data, and is based on the detection by each passage detection part of the coin's conveyance position. The coin is branched at the denomination branch of the denomination to be branched.

  In addition, when the coin that has passed through the identification unit is detected by the first passage detection unit, which is the first passage detection unit located on the most upstream side in the transport direction, before the identification unit transmits the identification data of the coin. If it is before the control unit has acquired the identification data of the coin, it is not possible to determine the distribution destination of the coin, so a transport error is generated and the coin processing device is stopped immediately by stopping the transport of the coin. ing. When the coin processing device is in a dormant state, it is necessary to restore it by performing an operation such as removing coins remaining in the transport unit.

  As a cause of the conveyance error, for example, in a normal conveyance state, the coin and the protrusion of the belt are always in contact and the coin is conveyed at a constant speed while being pushed by the protrusion. In the case where the preceding transport is temporarily preceded, the coin transported in advance may reach the first passage detection unit before the identification unit transmits the identification data of the coin. is there.

JP 2011-18271 A

  As mentioned above, when the coin that has passed through the identification unit is detected by the first passage detection unit, if the identification data of the coin is not acquired by the control unit, a conveyance error occurs and the conveyance of the coin is immediately stopped. In order to suspend the coin processing device, recovery work must be performed.

  This invention is made in view of such a point, Even if the control part has not acquired the identification data of a coin from an identification part, providing the coin processing apparatus which can continue a process, without making it pause. Objective.

  The coin processing apparatus according to claim 1, a transport unit that transports coins, an identifying unit that identifies coins transported by the transport unit, and outputs identification data, and a downstream side in the transport direction from the identifying unit of the transport unit. A first passage detection unit that detects a coin conveyed by the conveyance unit, and a first passage detection unit of the conveyance unit that is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction, and allows coins to be branched from the conveyance unit A first denomination type branching unit, a non-denomination type branching unit that is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction from the first denomination branching unit of the transport unit, and that allows coins to branch from the transport unit, When the coin that has passed through the identification unit is detected by the first passage detection unit, and if the identification data of the coin is not acquired from the identification unit, the control unit that branches the coin at the non-denomination type branching unit It is equipped with.

  The coin processing device according to claim 2 is the coin processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second gold provided between the first denomination branching unit and the non-denomination branching unit of the transport unit. A type branching unit, and a second passage detection unit provided between the first money type branching unit and the second type of money branching unit of the transport unit, the control unit, By the time when the coin that has passed through the identification unit is detected by the second passage detection unit, the identification data of the coin is acquired from the identification unit, and the denomination of the coin is the second denomination branching unit When the denomination is branched at, the coin is branched at the second denomination branching portion.

  The coin processing device according to claim 3 is the coin processing device according to claim 1 or 2, provided between the first passage detection unit and the first denomination branching unit of the transport unit, A third passage detection unit for detecting coins transported by the transport unit; and when the control unit detects the coins that have passed through the identification unit by the third passage detection unit, If no coin identification data has been acquired, it is determined that a conveyance error has occurred.

  The coin processing device according to claim 4 is the coin processing device according to claim 3, wherein the coin processing device is provided between the identification unit of the transport unit and the third passage detection unit and is transported by the transport unit. A conveyance resistance means for applying conveyance resistance by contact is provided.

  The coin processing device according to claim 5 is the coin processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transport unit includes a transport path for guiding coins, a transport belt that moves to face the transport path, and A protrusion is provided that protrudes from the conveyor belt toward the conveyor path and pushes and conveys coins in the conveyor path by movement of the conveyor belt.

  According to the coin processing device of claim 1, when the control unit does not acquire the identification data of the coin from the identification unit when the coin that has passed the identification unit is detected by the first passage detection unit, By branching the coin at the non-denomination branching section, the processing can be continued without stopping the coin processing apparatus.

  According to the coin processing device of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the coin processing device of the first aspect, the control unit recognizes the coin that has passed through the identification unit by the second passage detection unit. To acquire the identification data of the coin from the coin and branch the coin at the second denomination branch when the denomination of the coin is a denomination that branches at the second denomination branch The coins whose identification data is in time can be normally branched.

  According to the coin processing device of the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the coin processing device of the first or second aspect, the coin that has passed the identification unit is converted into the first passage detection unit and the first denomination branching unit. If the control unit has not acquired the identification data of the coin from the identification unit when it is detected by the third passage detection unit provided in between, the range of conveyance abnormality that can be continuously processed is determined to determine a conveyance error. It is possible to cope with abnormal conveyance exceeding

  According to the coin processing device of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the coin processing device of the third aspect, the conveyance resistance is provided by contacting the coin conveyed by the conveyance unit by the conveyance resistance means. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of a conveyance abnormality in which coins are conveyed in advance of the conveyance position, and to suppress a conveyance error beyond the range of conveyance abnormality that can be continuously processed.

  According to the coin processing device of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect of the coin processing device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, when the coin is conveyed while pushing the coin with the protrusion of the conveyance belt in the conveyance unit, Even if the coins repelled by the protrusions are temporarily transported ahead of the protrusions, the processing can be continued without pausing the coin processing apparatus.

It is a partial front view of the coin processing apparatus which shows one embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of a coin processing apparatus same as the above. It is sectional drawing of a coin processing apparatus same as the above. It is a block diagram of a coin processor same as the above. In a coin processing apparatus same as the above, it is a table | surface which shows the coin position and fixed condition at the time of normal conveyance in time series. In a coin processing apparatus same as the above, it is a table | surface which shows the coin position and fixed condition at the time of the conventional conveyance abnormality as a comparative example in time series. In a coin processing apparatus same as the above, it is a table which shows a coin position at the time of the 1st conveyance abnormality correspondence, and a definite condition in time series. In a coin processing apparatus same as the above, it is a table | surface which shows the coin position and fixed condition at the time of 2nd conveyance abnormality response in time series. In a coin processing apparatus same as the above, it is a table | surface which shows the coin position and fixed condition at the time of a conveyance error in time series.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the coin processing device 11 is a coin depositing and dispensing machine that deposits and dispenses coins. The coin processing device 11 has a machine body 12, and an upper front side (left side in FIG. 1) of the machine body 12 is formed with a transaction port 13 that functions as a deposit port for depositing coins and a withdrawal port for dispensing coins. ing. The transaction port 13 is provided with a shutter (not shown) that can be opened and closed.

  A receiving part 14 for receiving and storing coins is formed below the transaction port 13. The receiving unit 14 receives coins such as deposit coins inserted into the transaction port 13 from outside the machine body 12, and accepts coins such as withdrawal coins and return coins paid out from the machine body 12 to the transaction port 13. A part of the bottom surface of the receiving unit 14 can be opened and closed, and the coin can be released downward by opening the receiving unit 14.

  A plate-like base 16 is disposed on the upper side of the body 12 so that the upper part is inclined to the rear side (the upper part is inclined to the left side with respect to the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the body 12). On the front side, a transport unit 17 is disposed for transporting coins one by one in a separated state. The transport unit 17 includes a transport path 18 that guides coins, and a transport belt 20 that is stretched by a plurality of pulleys 19 so as to face the transport path 18 and move along the transport path 18.

  The conveyance path 18 is formed at a predetermined height position with respect to the front surface of the base 16 by a passage constituting member 21 disposed on the front side of the base 16.

  The conveyor belt 20 is supported by a plurality of pulleys 19 in a state of being opposed to each other with an interval to allow coins to be received between the conveyor path 18, and a surface facing the conveyor path 18 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the belt. A plurality of protrusions 22 are provided at intervals. The coins are received one by one between the conveyance path 18 and the conveyance belt 20 and between the protrusions 22 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the belt. It is comprised so that it may convey toward.

  The transport unit 17 includes a first transport unit 17a provided in the front-rear direction of the machine body 12, a second transport unit 17b provided in the front-rear direction above the first transport unit 17a, and the first transport unit. A third transport unit 17c that connects the rear ends of the section 17a and the second transport unit 17b is provided. Hereinafter, the direction in which coins are conveyed from the second conveyance unit 17b toward the third conveyance unit 17c and the first conveyance unit 17a is referred to as a first conveyance direction F1, and conversely from the first conveyance unit 17a. The direction in which coins are conveyed toward the third conveyance unit 17c and the second conveyance unit 17b is referred to as a second conveyance direction F2.

  On the front side of the base 16, a feeding unit 25 connected to the front end position of the first transport unit 17a is disposed, and a rear side position and a second transport unit 17b of the first transport unit 17a from the feed unit 25 are disposed. A plurality of denomination storing and feeding units 26 are disposed as denomination storing units connected to each of the two, and a temporary holding unit 27 connected to a position in front of the denomination storing and feeding unit 26 of the second transport unit 17b is arranged. It is installed. The feeding unit 25, the denomination storing and feeding unit 26, and the temporary storage unit 27 include a rotating disk disposed in an inclined manner parallel to the base 16, and a hopper for storing coins between the surfaces of the rotating disk. The coins stored by the protrusions provided on the surface of the rotating disk are picked up one by one, and the coins picked up by this rotating disk are configured to be fed one by one to the transport unit 17 by the feeding disk. Yes.

  Of the coins transported in the transport unit 17, the corresponding denomination coins are branched from the transport unit 17 to the denomination storing and feeding unit 26 and the temporary storage unit 27 and stored in the transport path 18 of the transport unit 17. A denomination branching portion 28 is provided. These denomination branch portions 28 have a branch member 29 (see FIG. 1), and the branch member 29 is moved forward and backward with respect to the transport path 18 of the transport portion 17 by driving a solenoid. Are transferred to the feeding unit 25, the denomination storing and feeding unit 26, and the temporary storage unit 27, or passed to the downstream side of the transport unit 17 in the transport direction.

  Between the denomination storing and feeding unit 26 and the temporary holding unit 27 of the second transport unit 17b, at least the denomination, authenticity, correctness, etc. of the coins to be transported are identified, and whether acceptance or withdrawal is possible is determined. An identification unit 31 is provided. The identification unit 31 includes a diameter sensor that detects the diameter of the coin, a magnetic sensor that detects the material of the coin, an image sensor that detects the degree of dirt by taking an image of the coin, and the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the identification unit 31 includes a passage detection unit 32 that is configured by, for example, an optical sensor and detects the passage of a coin, and when the passage detection unit 32 detects a coin, the image sensor Is configured to take an image of a coin. Then, the identification unit 31 reads the diameter, magnetic characteristics, image, and the like for identifying the denomination of the coin, and transmits the identification data after making preparations as predetermined identification data. The transmission timing of the transmission data is, for example, 60 ms after a predetermined time since the coin is detected by the passage detection unit 32.

  The feeding unit 25 is positioned below the receiving unit 14, and the coins discharged from the receiving unit 14 are guided to the feeding unit 25 by a chute (not shown). The feeding unit 25 discharges the foreign matter put together with the deposited coin and allows the foreign matter to be returned to the return port 33 provided on the front surface of the machine body 12.

  In addition, an overflow stacker 36 that stores overflow coins that cannot be stored in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26 is disposed at the lower part of the machine body 12, and a coin cassette 37 that stores supplementary coins and recovered coins is disposed. ing. Between the overflow stacker 36 and the coin cassette 37, a transport mechanism 38 for transporting the coins fed from the overflow stacker 36 and the coin cassette 37 to the upper temporary storage unit 27 is disposed.

  The overflow stacker 36 is provided with a belt 39 for feeding coins to the transport mechanism 38, and a collection cassette 40 for collecting forgotten coins in the receiving unit 14. The coin cassette 37 is provided with a belt 41 for feeding coins to the transport mechanism 38, and a reject box 42 as a non-denomination storage unit for collecting reject coins.

  The first transport part 17a includes a branch part 43 for branching the overflow coins to the overflow stacker 36, a branch part 44 for branching the forgotten coins to the collection cassette 40, and a non-denomination branch part for branching the reject coins to the reject box 42. And a branching part 46 for branching the recovered coins to the coin cassette 37.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, coins are provided in the conveyance path 18 between the identification unit 31 and the denomination branching unit 28 and between the denomination branching units 28 located adjacent to each other in the front and rear direction of the conveyance. A passage detection unit 50 for detecting the passage of the passage (see C in FIG. 3) is disposed, and a passage detection unit 51 is disposed between the passage detection unit 50 and each denomination branching unit 28. Yes. That is, corresponding to each denomination type branching unit 28, the passage detection units 50 and 51 are arranged at positions away from each denomination type branching unit 28 by a predetermined distance on the upstream side in the first transport direction F1. ing.

  In FIG. 1, in the first transport direction F1, the denomination branching portion 28 located on the most upstream side and closest to the identification unit 31 is a first denomination branching portion 28a, and this first denomination branching portion. Next to 28a is referred to as a second denomination branching portion 28b. The passage detection unit 50 corresponding to the first denomination branching unit 28a is the first passage detection unit 50a, and the passage detection unit 50 corresponding to the second denomination branching unit 28b is the second passage detection unit 50b. Call. Furthermore, the passage detection unit 51 corresponding to the first denomination branching unit 28a is referred to as a third passage detection unit 51a.

  Each of the passage detection units 50 and 51 is an optical sensor, and is arranged from the front side of the conveyance path 18 to one of the two prism surfaces of the prism 52 arranged on the back side of the conveyance path 18. A light projecting unit 54 that projects the sensor light 53 toward the surface, and a light receiving unit 55 that receives the sensor light 53 that is reflected from the prism 52 and is emitted from the other prism surface. Two sensor beams 53 pass through the position.

  The prism 52 is arranged along the vertical direction so as to be inclined with respect to the transport path 18, and the sensor light 53 between the light projecting unit 54 and the light receiving unit 55 is perpendicular to the transport path 18. It is a lower side direction, for example, it is comprised so that it may go to a horizontal direction. As a result, the upper space between the transport path 18 and the light projecting section 54 and the light receiving section 55 is widened, so that it is easy to remove a coin with a transport error from the transport path 18 or to clean the transport path 18. Can be.

  The prism 52 has two upper and lower prism surfaces 52a and 52b facing the window hole 18a formed in the transport path 18, and the prism surface 52a located on the upper side of the prism surfaces 52a and 52b is the transport path 18. It is arranged at a position parallel to the surface and retracted by about 0.1 to 0.2 mm from the surface of the conveyance path 18. Thereby, even if the metal powder generated by the friction between the conveyance path 18 and the coin adheres to the prism surface 52a, the metal powder is blown off by the wind pressure at the time of coin conveyance, and the deposition of the metal powder on the prism surface 52a is reduced. be able to. The prism surface 52b located below the prism 52 is disposed at a position largely retracted from the surface of the conveyance path 18, and the space between the prism surface 52b and the back surface of the path component 21 opens downward. Has been. As a result, the metal powder easily falls downward from the opening portion, and it is possible to reduce the adhesion and deposition of the metal powder on the prism surface 52b. Therefore, the prism 52 has a self-cleaning function and can reduce the accumulation of metal powder on the prism surfaces 52a and 52b. This can prevent erroneous detection, reduce the frequency of cleaning, and improve maintainability.

  The light projecting unit 54 and the light receiving unit 55 may be disposed opposite to each other.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance path 18 is separated by a predetermined distance from the branch portions 43 to 46 to the upstream side in the first conveyance direction F1 corresponding to each of the branch portions 43 to 46. Passing detection units 50 and 51 are respectively disposed at the positions.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a conveyance resistance means 57 is provided between the identification unit 31 of the conveyance path 18 and the first passage detection unit 50a so as to contact the coin to be conveyed and give conveyance resistance. ing. As the conveyance resistance means 57, it is preferable to use a bristle brush that can impart conveyance resistance without affecting the posture of the coin, but other members such as a rubber material and a leaf spring may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the coin processing device 11 includes a control unit 61 that controls the coin processing device 11. The control unit 61 includes an identification unit 31, and passage detection units 50 and 51, and a sensor group 62 including a plurality of sensors arranged at each location for detecting coins in the coin processing device 11, and various data. A storage unit 63 for storage is connected. Then, by this control unit 61, the conveying unit 17, the feeding unit 25, the plurality of denomination storing and feeding units 26, the temporary holding unit 27, the overflow stacker 36 (belt 39), the coin cassette 37 (belt 41), and the conveying mechanism 38 While controlling the motor and solenoid etc. which drive each, the alerting | reporting part 64 which alert | reports the alerting | reporting matter to the display part which the coin processing apparatus 11 and the high-order terminal connected to the coin processing apparatus 11 is controlled.

  Then, the control unit 61 conveys the coins fed one by one from the temporary storage unit 27 to the conveyance unit 17 in the first conveyance direction F1, sorts the coins into denominations, and stores them in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26. In the processing, the identification data is obtained from the identification unit 31 that has identified the coin, the allocation destination of the coin is determined from the identification data, and the transport position of the coin is tracked based on the detection by each of the passage detection units 50 and 51. However, the coins are controlled to be branched at the denomination branching unit 28 or the branching units 43 and 45 of the corresponding denomination.

  Furthermore, in the process of sorting coins into denominations and storing them in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26, the control unit 61 recognizes the coins that have passed through the identification unit 31 with the first passage detection unit 50a. If the identification data of the coin is not acquired from the first abnormality handling function for branching the coin at the branching unit 45 that is a non-denomination branching unit, or the coin that has passed the identification unit 31 is second passed If the coin identification data is obtained from the identification unit 31 and the denomination of the coin is a denomination that branches at the second denomination branching unit 28b by the time when the detection unit 50b detects it, It has the 2nd abnormality response function which branches a coin in the 2nd money type branch part 28b. Moreover, when the coin which passed the identification part 31 is detected by the 3rd passage detection part 51a, when the identification data of the coin is not acquired from the identification part 31, it has the function to judge a conveyance error. .

  Next, the operation of the coin processing device 11 will be described.

  First, a normal processing operation of the coin processing device 11 will be described.

  During the deposit process, the shutter of the transaction port 13 is opened, the coins inserted from the transaction port 13 are received in the receiving unit 14, the shutter of the transaction port 13 is closed, and then the coins in the receiving unit 14 are transferred to the lower feeding unit 25. discharge.

  The coins in the feeding unit 25 are fed one by one to the transport unit 17, transported in the second transport direction F <b> 2 by the transport unit 17, and identified by the identification unit 31. Coins identified as legitimate are branched from the transport unit 17 to the temporary storage unit 27 and stored. Coins that are not identified as legitimate are sent from the transport unit 17 to the receiving unit 14 and can be taken out from the receiving unit 14 by opening the shutter of the transaction port 13.

  If payment is approved after the processing until all coins put into the trading unit 13 are held or returned, the coins in the temporary holding unit 27 are stored in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26 and cancelled. If it is done, the coins in the temporary holding unit 27 are returned to the transaction port 13.

  That is, when the deposit is approved, the coins in the temporary holding unit 27 are fed one by one to the transport unit 17, transported in the first transport direction F1 by the transport unit 17, and identified by the identification unit 31. Then, based on the identification result, the denomination storing and feeding unit 26 of the corresponding denomination is branched and stored. The denomination coins that are depleted in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26 are not stored in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26, but are branched from the transport unit 17 by the branching unit 43 and stored in the overflow stacker 36.

  If canceled, the coins in the temporary storage unit 27 are fed out to the transport unit 17, transported in the first transport direction F 1 by the transport unit 17, and stored in the feed unit 25. After all the coins in the temporary holding unit 27 are moved to the feeding unit 25, the coins in the feeding unit 25 are fed one by one to the transport unit 17 and transported by the transport unit 17 in the second transport direction F2. Then, the toner is fed from the transport unit 17 to the receiving unit 14. Coins can be taken out from the receiving unit 14 by opening the shutter of the transaction port 13. If a coin is taken out from the receiving part 14, after closing the shutter of the transaction port 13, it will be confirmed with a sensor whether the coin remains in the receiving part 14. FIG. When the remaining coins are detected, the shutter of the transaction port 13 is opened and the coins can be taken out from the receiving unit 14.

  Further, at the time of the withdrawal process, the coins in the money type storing and feeding unit 26 to be withdrawn are fed one by one to the transport unit 17, transported in the second transport direction F2 by the transport unit 17, and identified by the identification unit 31. . Coins identified as legitimate are sent from the transport section 17 to the receiving section 14, and coins not identified as legitimate are branched from the transport section 17 to the temporary storage section 27 and retained.

  When coins that are not identified as regular are sent to the temporary holding unit 27, after completing the feeding of the coins from the denomination storing and feeding unit 26, after the coins for withdrawal are sent to the receiving unit 14, Coins in the temporary holding unit 27 are fed one by one to the transport unit 17, transported in the first transport direction F1 by the transport unit 17, identified by the identification unit 31, and recognized as authentic by re-identification The coins that are stored in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26 and that are not identified as authentic even after re-identification are branched by the branching unit 45 of the transport unit 17 and stored in the reject box 42.

  When coins for withdrawal are sent to the receiving unit 14, the coins can be taken out from the receiving unit 14 by opening the shutter of the transaction port 13.

  If the sensor detects that coins remain on the receiving unit 14 even after a predetermined time has passed since the shutter of the transaction port 13 was opened, the coin is determined to be forgotten, Collect forgotten coins. That is, after closing the shutter of the transaction port 13, the forgotten coins in the receiving unit 14 are discharged to the lower feeding unit 25. The coins forgotten in the feeding unit 25 are fed out to the transport unit 17, transported in the transport unit 17 in the second transport direction F2, identified by the identification unit 31, and then temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 27. After confirming the denomination and number of forgotten coins, the coins are fed from the temporary storage unit 27 to the transport unit 17, branched at the branching unit 44 of the transport unit 17, and stored in the collection cassette 40.

  Further, during the replenishment process, the coins stored in the overflow stacker 36 or the coin cassette 37 are fed out to the transport mechanism 38 and transported to the temporary storage unit 27 by the transport mechanism 38. The coins in the temporary holding unit 27 are fed one by one to the transport unit 17, transported in the first transport direction F1 by the transport unit 17, identified by the identification unit 31, and the corresponding money type based on the identification result The storage and feeding unit 26 sorts and stores it. The denomination coins that are depleted in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26 are not stored in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26, but are branched from the transport unit 17 by the branching unit 43 and stored in the overflow stacker 36.

  Next, at the time of depositing as described above, coins stored in the temporary holding unit 27 at the time of coin storage after deposit approval, or at the time of re-identification of coins determined to be unpaid at the time of withdrawal, or at the time of replenishment, Each sheet is fed one by one to the transport unit 17, transported in the first transport direction F1 by the transport unit 17, identified by the identification unit 31, and sorted and stored in the corresponding denomination storing and feeding unit 26 based on the identification result. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5 to 9, explanation will be given on the conveyance monitoring control of coins and the operation when a conveyance abnormality occurs in the processing.

  In FIG. 1, along the first conveying direction F1, the first denomination storage and feeding unit 26 from the identification unit 31 is for 100 yen coins, and the next denomination storage and feeding unit 26 is for 10 yen coins. In addition, FIG. 1 shows each coin transfer position in the transfer unit 17, the coin position detected by the passage detection unit 32 (PSCL) of the identification unit 31 is C1, and the coin at the timing when the identification unit 31 outputs identification data The position is C2, the coin position detected by the first passage detection unit 50a (PS100T) is C3, the coin position detected by the third passage detection unit 51a (PS100G) is C4, and the first money type branching unit 28a is 100. The coin position branching to the denomination storage unit 26 for yen is C5, the coin position detected by the second passage detector 50b (PS10T) is C6, the second passage detector 50b (PS10T) and the second gold The coin position detected by the passage detection unit 51 (PS10G) between the type branch portion 28b is C7, and the coin position branched to the money type storing and feeding unit 26 for 10 yen is C8 by the second money type branch unit 28b. To do.

  First, FIG. 5 shows the coin positions and the final conditions when the conveyance is normal in time series.

  In a normal transport state, the coin and the protrusion 22 of the transport belt 20 are always in contact with each other, and the coin is transported at a constant speed while being pushed by the protrusion 22. In particular, since the transfer resistance means 57 provided between the identification unit 31 and the first passage detection unit 50a provides transfer resistance to the coins transferred by the transfer unit 17, the coins come into contact with the protrusions 22 and protrude. It is possible to easily reach the first passage detection unit 50a while being pushed by 22.

  When the passage detection unit 32 (PSCL) of the identification unit 31 is shielded with coins at the coin position C1, the identification unit 31 outputs the coin detection information, and the control unit 61 that has acquired the coin detection information IDs the coin. (0001) is assigned.

  At the coin position C2, the identification unit 31 outputs identification data, and the control unit 61 that has acquired the identification data confirms the coin position information, medium information (denomination information), and transport destination information. Store in association with the ID. Here, when the coin is a 100 yen coin, the medium information (denomination information) is 100 yen, and the transport destination information is a denomination storing and feeding unit 26 for 100 yen (shown as a 100 yen stacker in the figure). Confirm that there is.

  When the first passage detection unit 50a (PS100T) is shielded with coins at the coin position C3, the control unit 61 updates the position information of the coin, and the first denomination branching unit 28a for 100 yen is updated. The branch member 29 is advanced to the conveyance path 18 to switch to the branch state.

  When the third passage detection unit 51a (PS100G) is shielded with coins at the coin position C4, the control unit 61 updates the position information of the coins.

  When the coin passes through the position of the third passage detection unit 51a (PS100G) at the coin position C5 and the third passage detection unit 51a (PS100G) enters a translucent state, the control unit 61 determines that the coin is first It is determined that the money has been branched by the denomination branching unit 28a and stored in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26 for 100 yen, and the position information of the coin is updated. Further, the branch member 29 of the first denomination branching portion 28a is retracted from the transport path 18 and switched to a state where coins can pass.

  Further, coins other than 100 yen are also branched at the denomination branching unit 28 of the corresponding denomination and stored in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26.

  A coin passage sensor is provided in the connection passage between each denomination branching unit 28 and the denomination storing and feeding unit 26, and it is determined by the output of this coin passing sensor that the coin has been stored in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26. It may be.

  Next, FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 show operations when the conveyance is abnormal. The cause of the conveyance abnormality is when the coin is bounced by the protrusion 22 due to the elasticity of the conveyance belt 20, and the bounced coin cannot be suppressed by the conveyance resistance by the resistance applying means 57 and is temporarily shorter than the protrusion 22. This is a case where a preceding preceding conveyance occurs. In this case, before the identification unit 31 transmits the identification data of the coin, the coin conveyed in advance reaches the first passage detection unit 50a (PS100T).

  FIG. 6 shows, as a comparative example, a conventional coin position and determination condition at the time of abnormal conveyance in time series. In addition, the operation | movement at the time of the conventional conveyance abnormality is demonstrated using the structure of this Embodiment.

  When the passage detection unit 32 (PSCL) of the identification unit 31 is shielded with coins at the coin position C1, the identification unit 31 outputs the coin detection information, and the control unit 61 that has acquired the coin detection information IDs the coin. Is granted.

  Before the identification unit 31 outputs the identification data, there is a case where the coin is advanced and the coin is at the coin position C3 and reaches the detection position by the first passage detection unit 50a (PS100T). In this case, if the first passage detection unit 50a (PS100T) is shielded by the coins that are transported in advance at the coin position C3, the control unit 61 has not acquired the identification data of the coins, so that a transport error is detected. Judgment is made, and the coin handling apparatus 11 is stopped by immediately stopping the conveyance of the coins. Then, when the coin processing device 11 is in a dormant state, it is necessary to restore the coin processing apparatus 11 by performing an operation such as removing the coins remaining in the transport unit 17.

  FIG. 7 shows in time series the coin position and the final condition when dealing with the first conveyance abnormality in the present embodiment.

  When the passage detection unit 32 (PSCL) of the identification unit 31 is shielded with coins at the coin position C1, the identification unit 31 outputs the coin detection information, and the control unit 61 that has acquired the coin detection information IDs the coin. Is granted.

  Before the identification unit 31 outputs the identification data, there is a case where the coin is advanced and the coin is at the coin position C3 and reaches the detection position by the first passage detection unit 50a (PS100T). In this case, when the first passage detection unit 50a (PS100T) is shielded by the coin that is transported in advance at the coin position C3, the control unit 61 has not acquired the identification data of the coin. The position information is confirmed, the medium information of the coin is confirmed as a reject coin, and the transport destination information is confirmed as a reject box 42, so that a transport error is not caused as in the prior art.

  Until the coin reaches the coin position C4 from the coin position C3 and shields the third passage detection unit 51a (PS100G), the identification unit 31 outputs the identification data, and the control unit 61 outputs the identification data. Even if acquired, the control unit 61 ignores the identification data, and the medium information of the coin remains as the reject coin, and the transport destination information remains as the reject box 42.

  Therefore, the coin is transported to the position of the branching portion 45 by the transporting portion 17, branched at the branching portion 45, and stored in the reject box.

  Thus, when the control part 61 has not acquired the identification data of the coin from the identification part 31, when the coin which passed the identification part 31 is detected by the 1st passage detection part 50a, the coin is rejected. By branching at the branching unit 45 that is a non-denomination branching unit and storing it in the reject box 42, the processing can be continued without stopping the coin processing device 11.

  FIG. 8 shows in time series the coin position and the determination condition when dealing with the second conveyance abnormality in the present embodiment.

  When the passage detection unit 32 (PSCL) of the identification unit 31 is shielded with coins at the coin position C1, the identification unit 31 outputs the coin detection information, and the control unit 61 that has acquired the coin detection information IDs the coin. Is granted.

  Before the identification unit 31 outputs the identification data, there is a case where the coin is advanced and the coin is at the coin position C3 and reaches the detection position by the first passage detection unit 50a (PS100T). In this case, when the first passage detection unit 50a (PS100T) is shielded by the coin that is transported in advance at the coin position C3, the control unit 61 has not acquired the identification data of the coin. The position information is confirmed, the medium information of the coin is confirmed as a reject coin, and the transport destination information is confirmed as a reject box 42, so that a transport error is not caused as in the prior art.

  Until the coin reaches the coin position C4 from the coin position C3 and shields the third passage detection unit 51a (PS100G), the identification unit 31 outputs the identification data, and the control unit 61 outputs the identification data. When acquired, the control unit 61 keeps the medium information of the coin as the reject coin and the transport destination information as the reject box 42, but stores the acquired identification data in association with the ID of the coin.

  When the coin reaches the coin position C6 at the coin position C6 and the second passage detection unit 50b (PS10T) is shielded from light by the coin, the control unit 61 updates the position information of the coin, and the coin From the identification data stored in association with the ID, the medium information (denomination information) and the transport destination information of the coin are determined, and the determined information is stored in association with the ID.

  If the coin is a 10-yen coin, the medium information (denomination information) is 10 yen, and the transport destination information is a denomination storage and delivery unit 26 for 10 yen (shown as a 10-yen stacker in the figure). And confirm. At the same time, the branch member 29 of the second denomination branch portion 28b is advanced to the transport path 18 and switched to the branch state.

  When the passage detection unit 51 (PS10G) is shielded with coins at the coin position C7, the control unit 61 updates the position information of the coins.

  When the coin passes through the position of the passage detection unit 51 (PS10G) at the coin position C8 and the passage detection unit 51 (PS10G) enters a light-transmitting state, the control unit 61 determines that the coin is the second denomination branch unit. It is determined that the branch is made at 28b and stored in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26 for 10 yen, and the position information of the coin is updated. Further, the branch member 29 of the second denomination branch portion 28b is retracted from the transport path 18 and switched to a state in which coins can pass.

  Coins other than 10 yen and 100 yen are also branched by the denomination branching unit 28 of the corresponding denomination and stored in the denomination storing and feeding unit 26.

  If it is 100 yen, it cannot pass because it has passed through the first denomination branching portion 28a for 100 yen, so that the medium information of the coin remains as a reject coin and the transport destination information remains in the reject box 42. To do. Therefore, the coin is transported to the position of the branching portion 45 by the transporting portion 17, branched at the branching portion 45, and stored in the reject box.

  Thus, by the time when the second passage detection unit 50b detects the coin that has passed through the identification unit 31, the control unit 61 acquires the identification data of the coin from the identification unit 31, and the denomination of the coin Is a denomination that branches at the second denomination branching portion 28b, the coin is branched at the second denomination branching portion 28b, so that the coin whose identification data is in time can be normally branched. .

  Next, FIG. 9 shows the coin position and the determination condition at the time of conveyance error in the present embodiment in time series.

  The conveyance resistance means 57 provided between the identification unit 31 and the first passage detection unit 50a is repelled by the protrusion 22 by the elasticity of the conveyance belt 20 in order to impart conveyance resistance to the coins conveyed by the conveyance unit 17. Even if the coin is transported in advance, the coin transported in advance may reach the first passage detection unit 50a (PS100T) before the identification unit 31 transmits the identification data of the coin. The third passage detection unit 51a (PS100G) is never reached. Therefore, when the third passage detection unit 51a (PS100G) is reached, for example, the conveyance resistance means 57 is not functioning or other troubles such as a communication trouble between the identification part 31 and the control part 61 occur. It shall be a transport error.

  That is, at the coin position C1, when the passage detection unit 32 (PSCL) of the identification unit 31 is shielded by a coin, the identification unit 31 outputs the coin detection information, and the control unit 61 that has acquired the coin detection information receives the coin. An ID is assigned to.

  Before the identification unit 31 outputs the identification data, there is a case where the coin is advanced and the coin is at the coin position C3 and reaches the detection position by the first passage detection unit 50a (PS100T). In this case, when the first passage detection unit 50a (PS100T) is shielded by the coin that is transported in advance at the coin position C3, the control unit 61 has not acquired the identification data of the coin. The position information is confirmed, the medium information of the coin is confirmed as a reject coin, and the transport destination information is confirmed as a reject box 42. Here, no transport error occurs.

  Furthermore, before the identification unit 31 outputs the identification data, the coin may pass the coin position C3 and reach the coin position C4, and may reach the detection position by the third passage detection unit 51a (PS100G). .

  When the third passage detection unit 51a (PS100G) is shielded with coins at the coin position C4, the control unit 61 determines that a transport error has occurred because it has not acquired the identification data of the coins. Therefore, the coin handling apparatus 11 is stopped by immediately stopping the conveyance of the coins.

  Thus, when the coin that has passed through the identification unit 31 is detected by the third passage detection unit 51a provided between the first passage detection unit 50a and the first denomination branching portion 28a, the control unit 61 is detected. If the identification data of the coin is not acquired from the identification unit 31, it is judged as a transport error that may be a defect other than the selective transport of coins. Can also be supported. The conveyance resistance means 57 may be arranged between the first passage detection unit 50a and the third passage detection unit 51a.

  When a conveyance error occurs in the conveyance unit 17 and the coin processing apparatus 11 is stopped, it can be restored by opening the door of the machine body 12 and removing the coins remaining in the conveyance unit 17.

  In this case, each region of the passage detection units 50 and 51 that detects the coins remaining on the transport unit 17 is illuminated by the lighting device, and the coins are removed and the regions that are no longer detected by the passage detection units 50 and 51. By turning off the illumination, it is easy to specify the location of the coin to be removed and prevent forgetting to remove the coin. At this time, when an LED is used as the light source of the lighting device, if the light having strong directivity of the LED enters the passage detection units 50 and 51, the passage detection units 50 and 51 tend to be unable to perform accurate detection. Therefore, in the lighting device, the LEDs are periodically blinked, and coins are detected by the passage detection units 50 and 51 during the turn-off period of the LEDs. Thereby, coin detection can be accurately performed by the passage detection units 50 and 51 while illuminating with LEDs.

  Such a coin residual detection method can also be applied to residual detection of the coin receiving unit 14. A detection unit that detects coins remaining in the receiving unit 14 is provided in the receiving unit 14 so that the coins paid out to the receiving unit 14 are not forgotten. At the same time, an LED as a light source for illuminating the inside of the receiving unit 14 is provided. By controlling these detection units and the LED as the light source in the same manner as described above, it is possible to achieve both the residual detection of the receiving unit 14 and the internal illumination.

  In addition, since the conveyance resistance means 57 contacts the coins conveyed by the conveyance unit 17 and imparts conveyance resistance, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of conveyance abnormality such that coins are conveyed in advance of the original conveyance position, and continuation processing It is possible to suppress a transport error exceeding the range of possible transport abnormalities.

  In addition, when the coins are conveyed while being pushed by the protrusions 22 of the conveying belt 20 in the conveying unit 17, the coins repelled by the protrusions 22 may temporarily be preceded by the protrusions 22 due to the elasticity of the conveying belt 20. Even if it exists, the processing can be continued without suspending the coin processing device 11.

  Note that the conveyance structure of the conveyance unit 17 is not limited to the conveyance belt 20 with the protrusions 22, and for example, a conveyance structure that conveys a coin while pressing the coin against the passage surface with the conveyance belt may be used.

11 Coin handling equipment
17 Transport section
18 Transport path
20 Conveyor belt
22 Protrusions
28a First denomination branch
28b Second denomination branch
31 Identification part
45 Bifurcation as non-money branch
50a First passage detector
50b Second passage detector
51a Third passage detector
57 Transport resistance means
61 Control part C Coin

Claims (5)

A transport section for transporting coins;
An identification unit for identifying coins conveyed by the conveyance unit and outputting identification data;
A first passage detection unit that is provided on the downstream side in the conveyance direction from the identification unit of the conveyance unit, and detects a coin conveyed by the conveyance unit;
A first denomination branching unit that is provided on the downstream side in the transporting direction from the first passage detection unit of the transporting unit, and that allows coins to branch from the transporting unit;
A non-denomination type branching unit that is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction from the first denomination branching unit of the transporting unit, and that allows coins to be branched from the transporting unit;
When the coin that has passed through the identification unit is detected by the first passage detection unit and the identification data of the coin is not acquired from the identification unit, the control is performed to branch the coin at the non-denomination type branching unit. And a coin processing apparatus. A second denomination branching unit provided between the first denomination branching unit and the non-denomination branching unit of the transport unit;
A second passage detection unit provided between the first denomination branching unit and the second denomination branching unit of the transport unit;
The control unit acquires the identification data of the coin from the identification unit by the time the coin that has passed through the identification unit is detected by the second passage detection unit, and the denomination of the coin is the first 2. The coin processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the denomination branches at the second denomination branching unit, the coin is branched at the second denomination branching unit. A third passage detection unit that is provided between the first passage detection unit of the transport unit and the first denomination branching unit and detects coins transported by the transport unit;
The control unit, when detecting the coin that has passed through the identification unit by the third passage detection unit, if the identification data of the coin is not acquired from the identification unit, it is determined as a transport error. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. It is provided between the identification part of the conveyance part and the 3rd passage detection part, and comprises the conveyance resistance means which gives conveyance resistance in contact with the coin conveyed by the conveyance part. The coin processing device according to claim 3. The transport unit includes a transport path that guides coins, a transport belt that moves to face the transport path, and projects from the transport belt toward the transport path to push the coins in the transport path by moving the transport belt. The coin processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a protrusion to be conveyed.

Images