JP2013097672A - Optical detector and coin processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve availability.SOLUTION: In a coin processing section 11 of a register change machine 1, a light emission section 31 of an optical detection section 30 emits detection rays of light L from a light emission element 43, and makes the detection rays of light L pass through a position 45A1 in a plate-shaped part 45 of a transmission protection part 44, pass through a through-hole 41A of a frame 41, and travel to the inside of a selection hole 26A, and when a foreign body FB is adhered to the neighborhood of the position 45A1, the light emission section 31 makes the transmission protection part 44 temporarily move backward, and makes a cleaning mohair 49A attached to the frame 41 remove the foreign object FB at the position 45A1 while making the detection rays of light L pass through a position 45A2. Thus, the register change machine 1 is able to maintain a state that the optical detection section 30 is able to appropriately detect a coin CN without stopping the operation.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical detection device and a coin processing device, and is suitable for application to a cash register change machine used in a checkout office of a retail store such as a supermarket or a convenience store.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, cash register change machines in which a cash register processing unit that performs deposit / withdrawal processing of banknotes and coins as a medium is becoming widespread in a register unit connected to a POS (Point Of Sales) system or the like.

  Among these change processing units, a coin processing unit that processes coins is, for example, a cashier who inserts coins and discharges coins for change, a transfer unit that conveys coins, and a discrimination unit that discriminates the types of coins And a storage unit for storing coins.

  In the coin processing unit, a light-emitting element that emits detection light or a light-receiving element that receives the detection light (hereinafter collectively referred to as an optical element) is appropriately disposed in a transport unit, a storage unit, or the like (for example, a patent). Reference 1). For this reason, the coin processing unit can recognize, for example, the number of coins transported, the state of transport of coins, and the storage amount based on the detection result of the optical element.

JP-A-7-334721 (FIG. 1)

  However, in the coin processing unit having such a configuration, dust is generated with the conveyance of the coin and the like, and this dust may adhere to the optical element. At this time, the optical element is blocked from detecting light by the adhering dust, and erroneously detects that coins exist even though coins do not exist.

  For this reason, in the coin processing unit, for example, the operation is stopped and maintenance work is performed, and the light emitting surface and the light receiving surface of the optical element are cleaned and dust is removed, so that the presence or absence of coins is correctly detected by the optical element again. Can be detected.

  However, during such maintenance work, the coin processing unit stops the operation of the change machine and reduces availability.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, it is considered that a cleaning bar 344 that can be moved from the outside is provided in the optical detection unit 330 provided in the coin processing unit, and a cleaning mohair 349 is attached to the cleaning bar 344. It is done.

  In this optical detection unit 330, it is possible to clean the light emitting surface, the light receiving surface, and the like of the optical element 343 by moving the cleaning bar 344 by an external operation without involving a large-scale operation such as disassembly and cleaning. Become.

  The cleaning bar 344 has a notch formed at a predetermined location, and can pass detection light emitted or received by the optical element 343 without being blocked during normal operation.

  However, the cleaning bar 344 blocks the light emitting surface, the light receiving surface, and the like of the optical element 343 from the cleaning mohair 349 during the cleaning operation. For this reason, the optical detection unit 330 cannot correctly detect the presence or absence of coins during the cleaning operation.

  That is, even in the coin processing unit having the optical detection unit 330, the operation has to be stopped during the cleaning work, and there is a problem that the availability is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and intends to propose an optical detection device and a coin processing device that can improve availability.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the optical detection device of the present invention, the internal space in which the medium exists is shielded from the surrounding external space and a predetermined passage hole is formed, and the position with respect to the partition is fixed in the external space. An optical element that emits predetermined detection light toward the internal space through the passage hole or receives the detection light through the passage hole when the detection light is not blocked by the medium in the internal space; Transmission protection between the hole and the optical element that transmits the detection light and blocks the passage of the object, and is extended from the detection light transmission position to the crossing direction that intersects the optical path of the detection light for at least a predetermined separation distance. A support portion that supports the transmission protection portion so as to be movable at least in the crossing direction with respect to the partition wall and the optical element, and is spaced apart from the transmission position in a direction opposite to the crossing direction. It provided away only spaced locations, and to provide a cleaning unit which contacts the partition wall and the opposed surfaces of the transparent protective portion.

  Thereby, dust entering through the passage hole of the partition wall can be attached not to the optical element but to the permeation protection part, and for the adhering dust etc., the permeation protection part is moved in the crossing direction to be sent to the cleaning part. Since the detection light can pass through other portions of the transmission protection portion during the removal, the detection of the medium does not have to be interrupted.

  Moreover, in the coin processing apparatus of the present invention, an input unit for inputting coins, a plurality of storages for storing coins by type, and a transfer for transferring coins input to the input unit to storages according to the type And a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of coins at a predetermined location of the transport unit, and the detection unit shields the internal space in which the coins are transported from the surrounding external space and has a predetermined partition hole formed therein And a position relative to the partition wall in the external space is fixed, and predetermined detection light is emitted toward the internal space through the passage hole, or through the passage hole when the detection light is not blocked by the coin in the internal space. The detection light is transmitted between the optical element that receives the detection light, and the passage hole and the optical element, and the passage of the object is blocked, so that there is less in the crossing direction that intersects the optical path of the detection light from the detection light transmission position. A transmission protection portion extended over a predetermined separation distance, a support portion for supporting the transmission protection portion so as to be movable in the crossing direction at least in the crossing direction with respect to the partition wall and the optical element, and opposite to the crossing direction from the transmission position. A cleaning unit that is provided at a position separated by a separation distance in the direction and that abuts against the surface of the permeation protection unit that faces the partition wall is provided.

  Thereby, in the detection unit, dust or the like entering through the passage hole of the partition wall can be attached to the permeation protection unit instead of the optical element, and for the adhering dust or the like, the permeation protection unit is moved in the cross direction and the cleaning unit Since the detection light can be transmitted through other portions of the transmission protection unit even during the removal, the detection of the medium does not have to be interrupted.

  According to the present invention, dust or the like entering through the passage hole of the partition wall can be attached to the permeation protection unit instead of the optical element, and for the adhering dust or the like, the permeation protection unit is moved in the crossing direction to the cleaning unit. Since the detection light can be transmitted through other portions of the transmission protection unit even during the removal, the detection of the medium does not have to be interrupted. Thus, the present invention can realize an optical detection device that can increase availability.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the detection unit, dust or the like entering through the passage hole of the partition wall can be attached to the transmission protection unit instead of the optical element. It can be removed by moving it to the cleaning unit, and the detection light can pass through other parts of the transmission protection unit during the removal, so that the detection of the medium is not interrupted. Thus, the present invention can realize a coin processing device that can increase availability.

It is a rough-line perspective view which shows the whole structure of a cash register change machine. It is a rough-line top view which shows the structure (1) of a coin process part. It is a rough-line side view which shows the structure (2) of a coin process part. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a conveyance part. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of an optical detection part. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the light emission part by 1st Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure (1) of the light emission part by 2nd Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure (2) of the light emission part by 2nd Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the light emission part by 3rd Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the conventional optical detection part.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1-1. Structure of cash register change machine]
As shown in FIG. 1, the cash register change machine 1 is roughly composed of an upper register unit 2 and a lower change processing unit 3. The cashier change machine 1 is operated by a cashier when a customer pays for a product he / she wants to purchase at a checkout (a so-called cash register) of a retail store such as a supermarket or a convenience store.

  In the following description, the side face that the cashier faces and the opposite face are defined as the front face and the rear face, respectively, and the left, right, and top and bottom are defined as viewed from the cashier.

  The register unit 2 is configured to control the entire cash register change machine 1 by a built-in control unit 5. Further, a bar code reader (not shown) is connected to the register unit 2, and the bar code attached to the merchandise is read by the bar code reader so as to recognize the merchandise.

  The display operation unit 6 includes a display unit made up of a liquid crystal display or the like, and an operation unit made up of a touch panel or the like placed on the liquid crystal display.

  The display operation unit 6 displays the name and price of the recognized product on the liquid crystal display. The display operation unit 6 displays input keys such as numbers on a part of the display screen. When a position corresponding to the input key on the touch panel is pressed, the input operation corresponding to the input key is accepted. To the control unit 5. In response to this, the control unit 5 performs various processes such as increase / decrease in the quantity of goods and correction of the amount of money.

  The register unit 2 includes a receipt processing unit 7. The receipt processing unit 7 prints the name, amount, etc. of the recognized product on the receipt and discharges it from the receipt discharge port 7A.

  On the other hand, the change processing unit 3 is roughly composed of a left coin processing unit 11, a right banknote processing unit 12, and a front display operation unit 13.

  The display operation unit 13 includes a combination of a predetermined display panel and predetermined operation buttons.

  The display panel of the display operation unit 13 displays the operation status in the coin processing unit 11 and the banknote processing unit 12. For example, the coin processing unit 11 has insufficient coins for change or optical detection. The part (to be described later) detects that an abnormality has been detected, or displays the location.

  The operation button of the display operation unit 13 is configured to accept an instruction relating to, for example, coin transportation through a pressing operation by a cashier or the like.

  The banknote processing unit 12 discriminates the banknotes inserted from the banknote entrance / exit 15 by the cashier and stores them in the internal banknote storage, and stores the banknotes instructed by the control unit 5. It is taken out from the internal banknote storage and is discharged from the banknote inlet / outlet 15 as change.

[1-2. Configuration of coin processing unit]
As shown in the plan view of FIG. 2 and the side view of FIG. 3, the coin processing unit 11 has a control unit 21 that controls the entirety in the coin processing unit housing 20. Incidentally, the arrow in the figure represents the traveling path of the coin CN.

  The control unit 21 is configured around a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), and reads and executes a predetermined program from a ROM, a flash memory, etc. (not shown) so as to control the coin processing unit 11 in an integrated manner. Has been made.

  On the front side of the coin processing unit housing 20, a coin insertion port 22 for inserting a coin CN as a medium, a coin rejection port 25 for discharging a coin CN that has been identified as abnormal (that is, rejected), and change A coin discharge port 29 for discharging the coin CN is provided.

  The coin insertion slot 22 is formed in a mortar-like shape, and a discharge mechanism (not shown) for discharging the coins CN one by one is incorporated at the bottom thereof. The coin insertion slot 22 incorporates an optical element (not shown) that detects the presence or absence of the coin CN at a predetermined location, and notifies the control unit 21 of the detection result.

  In an actual settlement process, when a cashier or the like deposits a coin CN as a product price from a customer, the coin CN is collectively put into the coin slot 22 by the cashier or the like. When detecting that the coin CN has been inserted by the optical element, the coin insertion slot 22 delivers the coin CN one by one to the coin discrimination unit 23 based on the control of the control unit 21.

  The coin discriminating unit 23 discriminates the denomination of the coin CN (for example, six types of 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen), authenticity, and the like. The coin CN is delivered to the coin reject port 25, and if it is normal, the coin CN is delivered to the transport unit 24. Moreover, the coin discrimination part 23 notifies the control part 21 of the discrimination result of the coin CN.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the transport unit 24 drives an endless rubber belt 24B by a stepping motor, pulley, or the like (both not shown), and on the transport surface 24A on which coins CN are smoothly formed by the rubber belt 24B. To carry it backwards.

  Further, sorting holes 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E, and 26F each having a slightly larger diameter than the diameter of each denomination of the coin CN are sequentially drilled on the transport surface 24A from the front to the rear. (FIG. 2).

  Incidentally, the sorting holes 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E and 26F are set to the corresponding hole diameters in the order of 1 yen, 50 yen, 5 yen, 100 yen, 10 yen and 500 yen, respectively, so that the hole diameters increase in order. Yes.

  The sorting holes 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E, and 26F are communicated with coin storages 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D, 27E, and 27F that store coins CN, respectively.

  With this configuration, the transport unit 24 advances the coin CN backward on the transport surface 24A, and drops the coin CN from the sorting holes 26A to 26F each having a hole diameter corresponding to the coin CN. The coins are stored in the coin storages 27A to 27F corresponding to the seeds.

  Each of the coin storages 27A to 27F is configured to store the coins CN in a stacked manner, and on the basis of the control of the control unit 21, the stored coins CN are transferred to the transport unit 28 by a discharge mechanism (not shown). It is made to discharge one by one.

  In practice, the control unit 21 determines the type and number of coins CN according to the amount of money to be delivered to the customer as change, and then discharges the determined types and number of coins CN from the coin storages 27A to 27F. Has been made.

  The transport unit 28 includes an endless belt, a stepping motor, a pulley, and the like (not shown). The transport unit 28 transports the coin CN discharged from the coin storages 27 </ b> A to 27 </ b> F forward and drops it into the coin discharge port 29.

  The coin discharge port 29 has a shape that protrudes forward from the lower front portion of the coin processing unit 11 and the upper center is scooped out like a bowl, and receives and holds the coin CN dropped from the transport unit 28. It can be easily taken out from the front upper side.

  The coin CN dropped into the coin discharge port 29 is taken out by a cashier who faces the front of the coin processing unit 11 and delivered to the customer as change.

  In this way, the coin processing unit 11 should sort the coins CN paid to the customer from the customer as the price of the product or the like and inserted into the coin insertion slot 22 according to the denomination and store them in the coin storage boxes 27A to 27F, and deliver them as change. The coin CN is taken out from the coin storage boxes 27 </ b> A to 27 </ b> F and discharged from the coin discharge port 29.

[1-3. Configuration of optical detector]
By the way, in the coin processing unit 11, an optical detection unit is appropriately provided at an appropriate place in a portion where the coin CN passes like the transport unit 24 and the sorting holes 26 </ b> A to 26 </ b> F. Passing or stopping (that is, clogging) is detected.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the sorting hole 26A causes the coin CN corresponding to the hole diameter to fall from the transport surface 24 as indicated by the arrow W1, and advances the coin CN in the arrow X direction.

  An optical detection unit 30 is provided in the traveling path of the coin CN in the sorting hole 26A. Incidentally, the optical detection unit 30 is similarly provided in the sorting holes 26B to 26F.

  The optical detection unit 30 includes a light emitting unit 31 that emits detection light L and a light receiving unit 32 that receives the detection light L.

[1-3-1. Configuration of light emitting unit]
In the light emitting portion 31, a plate-like mounting plate 42 is provided outside the frame 41 forming the side wall of the sorting hole 26A, that is, in a space outside the sorting hole 26A at a position spaced from the frame 41 by a predetermined distance. It has been. The mounting plate 42 is made of, for example, a metal plate, and has a predetermined-shaped mounting hole, and the light emitting element 43 is mounted through the mounting hole.

  The light emitting element 43 is controlled by the control unit 21. Based on the control of the control unit 21, the detection light L is along the arrow Y direction substantially orthogonal to the arrow X direction, that is, toward the space in the selection hole 26A. Is emitted. The detection light L is light of a predetermined wavelength, and proceeds to the light receiving unit 32 when no object is present on the optical path, and is blocked by the coin CN when there is a coin CN on the optical path.

  A transmission protection unit 44 is provided between the light emitting portion of the light emitting element 43 and the frame 41. As shown in FIG. 6, the permeation protection unit 44 includes a thin plate-like plate-like portion 45, a cylindrical column-like portion 46, and a disk-like disc-like portion 47 that are connected to each other in the front-rear direction. It has become a shape.

  In FIG. 6, the light emitting elements 43 corresponding to the sorting holes 26A and 26B are shown as light emitting elements 43A and 43B, respectively.

  The plate-like portion 45 is formed long so as to face all the light emitting elements 43 respectively provided in the sorting holes 26A to 26F in the front-rear direction, and the width in the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43A in the arrow X direction. Is also widened (FIG. 5). That is, the plate-like portion 45 is formed in a thin plate shape that is elongated in the front-rear direction substantially orthogonal to the arrow Y direction that is the traveling direction of the detection light L, and is disposed so as to cover the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 43A.

  The plate-like portion 45 is made of a transparent resin material and has a smooth surface. For this reason, the plate-like portion 45 can block the physical passage of the object and transmit the detection light L emitted by the light emitting element 43 with high transmittance.

  Further, a passage hole 41 </ b> A is formed in the vicinity of the irradiation position of the detection light L in the frame 41. The diameter of the passage hole 41A is somewhat larger than the diameter of the detection light L in consideration of the possibility of an error in the mounting position of the light emitting element 43. That is, the frame 41 is allowed to travel without blocking the detection light L through the passage hole 41A.

  Thus, in the light emitting unit 31, the detection light L is emitted from the light emitting element 43 arranged outside the frame 41, is transmitted through the plate-like portion 45 of the transmission protection unit 44, and passes through the passage hole 41A of the frame 41. Then, the detection light L is advanced into the sorting hole 26A.

  By the way, the permeation | transmission protection part 44 is supported so that the movement to the front-back direction is possible because the plate-shaped part 45 is pinched | interposed by the support pillar 41S which protruded from the flame | frame 41, and the support pillar 42S which protruded from the attachment plate 42. . Incidentally, the resin material which comprises the plate-shaped part 45 is comparatively hard, and it is made so that the shape can fully be maintained.

  The columnar part 46 of the permeation protection part 44 is inserted into a hole 20H drilled in the coin processing unit housing 20, and a part thereof protrudes forward from the front surface of the coin processing unit housing 20. (Fig. 1). In addition, a stopper 46 </ b> S that restricts the movement range of the permeation protection unit 44 is provided at a predetermined position on the rear side of the cylindrical portion 46.

  Further, a spring 48 as an urging portion is provided around the cylindrical portion 46 so as to be sandwiched between the disc-like portion 47 and the coin processing unit casing 20. The spring 48 is a coil spring whose outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the disk-shaped part 47, and is sandwiched between the disk-shaped part 47 and the coin processing unit housing 20 in a state of being contracted from the natural length. ing.

  With this configuration, when no external force is applied to the permeation protection unit 44, the light emitting unit 31 urges the permeation protection unit 44 forward by the restoring force of the spring 48, as shown in FIG. Then, the stopper 46S is brought into contact with the coin processing unit housing 20 (hereinafter referred to as a steady state).

  The light emitting unit 31 moves the permeation protection unit 44 rearward while compressing the spring 48 when an external force is applied to the disc-like portion 47 of the permeation protection unit 44 by the fingertip of the cashier. As shown in (B), the spring 48 is in the most compressed state (hereinafter referred to as the retracted state).

  Thereafter, when the external force is released, the light emitting unit 31 urges and moves the permeation protection unit 44 forward by the restoring force of the spring 48, and again moves the stopper 46S to the coin processing unit as shown in FIG. The state is brought into contact with the housing 20, that is, returns to the steady state.

  As described above, in the light emitting unit 31, the transmission protection unit 44 can be moved in the front-rear direction in accordance with the external force applied to the transmission protection unit 44 in the backward direction with the movement range between the steady state and the retracted state. Has been made.

  At this time, the plate-like portion 45 is not deformed, only by applying a force in the front-rear direction to the columnar portion 46 and the disc-like portion 47 connected to the front thereof. It is possible to move in the front-rear direction substantially orthogonal to the traveling direction.

  Further, since the plate-like portion 45 is formed long in the front-rear direction, a transparent portion can be positioned at a location irradiated with the detection light L in any of the movement ranges, and the detection light L is always transmitted. It can be transmitted with high transmittance.

  Specifically, the transmission protection unit 44 uses the position 45A1 in the steady state and the position 45A2 in the retracted state as the transmission part of the detection light L in the plate-like part 45, respectively.

  Further, a cleaning mohair 49A is attached to the frame 41 on the side of the transmission protection portion 44, immediately behind the passage hole 41A, that is, at a position off the optical path of the detection light L.

  The cleaning mohair 49A is composed of a large number of fine and soft hairs extending from the frame 41 toward the plate-like portion 45 of the permeation protection portion 44, and the hair tips are formed on the surface 45X of the plate-like portion 45 on the sorting hole 26A side. It is in contact.

  Further, the cleaning mohair 49A is provided over a range wider than the beam width of the detection light L in the arrow X direction, that is, the width direction of the plate-like portion 45.

  For this reason, the cleaning mohair 49A pays so as to stroke the surface 45X of the plate-like portion 45 when the permeation protection portion 44 moves back and forth. At this time, when the foreign matter adheres to the surface 45X, the cleaning mohair 49A removes or entangles the foreign matter from the surface 45X or moves it on the surface 45X.

  By the way, in the coin processing part 11, as shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3, the selection holes 26A-26F are arrange | positioned so that it may mutually adjoin with the front-back direction. In the sorting holes 26A to 26F, the light emitting portions 31 are arranged adjacent to each other.

  Based on such an arrangement, each of the light emitting portions 31 of the sorting holes 26A to 26F is configured to share the transmission protection portion 44 by forming the plate-like portion 45 long in the front-rear direction as described above (see FIG. 6 (A)-(C)).

  Therefore, when the permeation protection unit 44 moves in the front-rear direction according to the operation of the cashier for the disc-like portion 47, the plate-like shape is formed by the cleaning mohair 49A or the like in each light emitting portion 31 in the sorting holes 26A to 26F. The surface of the part 45 can be paid all at once.

  As described above, in the light emitting unit 31, the transmission protection unit 44 is normally set in a steady state, and when the external protection is applied and the transmission protection unit 44 is moved backward, the plate-like unit 45 always transmits the detection light L. However, a part of the surface 45X is caused to be removed by the cleaning mohair 49A outside the optical path of the detection light L.

[1-3-2. Configuration of light receiving unit]
The light receiving unit 32 (FIG. 5) includes a frame 51, a mounting plate 52, a light receiving element 53, and a transmission protection unit 54 corresponding to the frame 41, the mounting plate 42, the light emitting element 43, and the transmission protection unit 44, respectively. ing.

  The frame 51 forms a side wall that faces the frame 41 with the center of the sorting hole 26A interposed therebetween. Further, a passage hole 51 </ b> A similar to the passage hole 41 </ b> A is formed in the vicinity of the irradiation position of the detection light L in the frame 51. A cleaning mohair (not shown) corresponding to the cleaning mohair 49 is provided behind the passage hole 51A.

  Similar to the mounting plate 42, the mounting plate 52 is made of a metal plate and has a predetermined shaped mounting hole, and is disposed at a location facing the mounting plate 42 with the sorting hole 26A interposed therebetween.

  The light receiving element 53 is attached to the attachment hole of the attachment plate 52, and is provided at a position facing the light emitting element 43 with the selection hole 26A interposed therebetween. The light receiving element 53 is connected to the control unit 21 and notifies the control unit 21 of whether or not light is received at the light receiving part and the amount of light when the light is received.

  The permeation protection part 54 is configured in the same manner as the permeation protection part 44, and has a plate-like part 55 corresponding to the plate-like part 45. Similar to the plate-like portion 45, the plate-like portion 55 is made of a transparent resin material and has a smooth surface.

  Thus, the light receiving unit 32 allows the detection light L emitted from the light emitting unit 31 to travel in the direction of the arrow Y to pass through the passage hole 51A of the frame 51 and pass through the plate-like portion 55 of the transmission protection unit 54, and then the frame. The light is made incident on the light receiving element 53 arranged outside 51.

  The light receiving element 53 notifies the control unit 21 of the light reception result of the detection light L. In response to this, the control unit 21 detects whether or not the detection light L is temporarily blocked, that is, whether or not the coin CN has passed through the sorting hole 26A.

  Similarly to the transmission protection unit 44 of the light emitting unit 31, the transmission protection unit 54 of the light receiving unit 32 moves in the front-rear direction according to an external force.

  That is, when the light receiving unit 32 moves the transmission protection unit 54 in the front-rear direction in accordance with an external force, the plate-shaped unit 51 always transmits the detection light L while cleaning a part of the surface thereof (not shown). It is made to pay by.

[1-4. Operation and effect]
In the above configuration, the coin processing unit 11 of the cash register change machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes the light detection unit 31 and the light reception unit 32 of the optical detection unit 30 of the sorting holes 26A to 26F.

  In the light emitting unit 31, the transmission protection unit 44 is in a steady state (FIG. 6A) by the action of the spring 48 in a normal state, and the detection light L is emitted from the light emitting element 43. The detection light L passes through the transparent plate-like portion 45 of the transmission protection portion 44, passes through the passage hole 41A of the frame 41, and travels into the selection hole 26A.

  In the sorting hole 26A, dust is generated as the coin CN is conveyed, and adheres to the surrounding frames 41, 51, and the like. Further, the dust passes through the passage hole 41 </ b> A formed in the frame 41 and advances to the outside of the frame 41.

  The dust that has passed through the passage hole 41A adheres to the portion of the surface 45X closest to the passage hole 41A, that is, in the vicinity of the position 45A1, in the plate-like portion 45 of the permeation protection portion 44. Hereinafter, the dust adhering to the surface 45X of the plate-like portion 45 is referred to as a foreign substance FB.

  Further, the plate-like portion 45 of the transmission protection portion 44 is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the light emitting element 43 so as to cover all the light emitting portions of the light emitting element 43. For this reason, dust hardly adheres to the light emitting element 43.

  The amount of foreign matter FB attached to the plate-like portion 45 of the transmission protection portion 44 increases with the passage of time. Further, the foreign matter FB adhering to the plate-like portion 45 attenuates the detection light L, and the attenuation amount increases as the adhesion amount increases.

  In the optical detection unit 30, when the adhesion amount of the foreign substance FB to the plate-like portion 45 increases, the light reception amount by the light receiving element 53 decreases, and there is a possibility that the change in the light amount due to the passage of the coin CN cannot be sufficiently detected.

  Therefore, when the amount of light received by the light receiving element 53 falls below a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 21 displays a predetermined warning on the operation display unit 13 (FIG. 1) and notifies the cashier of the adhesion of the foreign substance FB. In response to this, the cashier pushes the disk-shaped portion 47 of the permeation protection portion 44 backward with a fingertip or the like.

  By the operation of the cashier, the permeation protection part 44 and the plate-like part 45 which is a part of the permeation protection part 44 are moved backward to be in a retracted state (FIG. 6B). At this time, the plate-like portion 45 moves the transmission point of the detection light L from the position 45A1 to the position 45A2, but the plate-like portion 45 is configured by a transparent member as a whole, and thus blocks the detection light L. And can always be transmitted.

  Further, the position 45A1 of the plate-like portion 45 is removed by the cleaning mohair 49A. Thereby, the foreign substance FB adhering to the position 45A1 of the plate-like portion 45 is removed from the position 45A1 by being wiped off by the cleaning mohair 49A, entangled or moved on the surface 45X.

  That is, in the light emitting unit 31, the foreign matter FB attached to the position 45A1 can be removed without blocking the optical path of the detection light L by the cleaning mohair 49A arranged outside the optical path of the detection light L.

  Thereafter, when the cashier takes the fingertip or the like away from the disk-shaped portion 47 of the permeation protection portion 44, the restoring force of the spring 48 acts, and the permeation protection portion 44 moves forward and returns to the steady state again (see FIG. 6 (C)). In this process, the plate-like portion 45 moves the transmission position of the detection light L from the position 45A2 to the position 45A1, but the detection light L can always be transmitted without being blocked.

  Since the foreign matter FB at the position 45A1 has been removed by the cleaning mohair 49A, the permeation protection unit 44 that has returned to the steady state can be advanced into the sorting hole 26A without attenuating the detection light L.

  As described above, in the light emitting unit 31, the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43 is protected by the plate-like portion 45 of the transmission protection portion 44 in a steady state, and the foreign matter FB is attached not to the light emitting element 43 but to the position 45 A 1 of the plate-like portion 45. . Then, the light emitting unit 31 temporarily moves the permeation protection unit 44 backward so as to be in a retracted state, so that the cleaning mohair 49A does not block the detection light L during cleaning, and the foreign matter is removed from the position 45A1 of the plate-like unit 45 by the cleaning mohair 49A. FB can be removed.

  Further, since the coin processing unit 11 is configured to share the permeation protection unit 44 in each of the light emission units 31 of the sorting holes 26A to 26F, it is possible to obtain six light emission units only by operating the permeation protection unit 44 by a cashier or the like. In 31, the foreign substances FB can be removed from the surface of the plate-like portion 45 all at once.

  Also in the light receiving part 32, like the light emitting part 31, the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 53 is protected by the plate-like part 55 of the transmission protecting part 54, and the foreign matter FB is attached to the plate-like part 55 instead of the light receiving element 53. Then, the light receiving unit 32 temporarily moves the permeation protection unit 54 rearward so as to be in a retracted state, so that the detection light L is not blocked even during cleaning from the plate-like unit 55 by the cleaning mohair (not shown). Foreign matter FB can be removed.

  As a result, in the cashier change machine 1, when there is a possibility that the received light amount of the detection light L decreases due to the foreign matter FB and the coin CN cannot be detected properly, the permeation protection units 44 and 54 are temporarily operated by the cashier. The foreign substance FB can be removed from the optical path of the detection light L simply by moving it backward and returning it to the original position again. That is, in the cash register change machine 1, it is possible to maintain as much as possible the state in which the coin CN can be properly detected by the optical detection unit 30 without stopping the operation, that is, the availability can be increased.

  According to the above configuration, the coin processing unit 11 of the cash register changer 1 emits the detection light L from the light emitting element 43 in the light emitting unit 31 of the optical detection unit 30, and the position in the plate-like unit 45 of the transmission protection unit 44. 45A1 is allowed to pass through, passes through the passage hole 41A of the frame 41, and advances into the selection hole 26A. When the foreign substance FB adheres to the vicinity of the position 45A1, the light emitting unit 31 is a cleaning attached to the frame 41 while allowing the detection light L to pass through the position 45A2 by temporarily moving the transmission protection unit 44 rearward. The foreign matter FB at the position 45A1 is removed by the mohair 49A. Thus, the cash register change machine 1 can maintain a state in which the coin CN can be appropriately detected by the optical detection unit 30 without stopping the operation.

[2. Second Embodiment]
The cash register change machine 101 (FIG. 1) according to the second embodiment is different from the cash register change machine 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a coin processing unit 111 that replaces the coin processing unit 11. The other points are configured similarly.

  Compared with the coin processing unit 11 according to the first embodiment, the coin processing unit 111 includes an optical detection unit 130 instead of the optical detection unit 30, the light emitting unit 31, and the light receiving unit 32, a light emitting unit 131, and a light receiving unit 132. Although the points are different, the other points are configured similarly.

[2-1. Configuration of optical detector]
As shown in FIG. 7 in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6A are denoted by the same reference numerals, the light-emitting unit 131 of the optical detection unit 130 is compared with the light-emitting unit 31 and the transmission protection unit 144 instead of the transmission protection unit 44. However, the other points are configured in the same manner.

  As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, the transmission protection part 144 has thin plate-like side wall parts 146 extending from both ends in the short side direction of the plate-like part 45 toward the frame 41 (that is, in the arrow Y direction). In addition, thin plate-like side wall portions 147 are extended toward the mounting plate 42 (that is, in the direction opposite to the arrow Y).

  The side wall part 146 forms a very narrow gap with the frame 41, prevents entry of dust and the like from the outside as much as possible, and prevents friction with the frame 41 during movement. Yes.

  Further, although the side wall part 146 is extended in the front-rear direction corresponding to the plate-like part 45 in the permeation protection part 144, the side wall part 146 is omitted at the place corresponding to the cleaning mohair 49A, thereby the discharge part. 148 is formed.

  The side wall portion 147 forms a very narrow gap with the mounting plate 42 to prevent entry of dust and the like from the outside as much as possible, and to prevent friction with the mounting plate 42 during movement. Has been made.

  As described above, the transmission protection unit 144 of the light emitting unit 131 has the side walls 146 and 147 added to the plate-like part 45 of the transmission protection part 44 in the first embodiment, so that the space near the plate-like part 45 is reduced. The structure is separated from the surrounding space.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, the permeation protection unit 144 includes a columnar part 46 and a disk-shaped part 47, and a spring 48 is provided between the disk-shaped part 47 and the coin processing unit housing 20. Further, it is sandwiched and supported by the support columns 41S and 42S so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

  Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the light emitting unit 131 is in a steady state when no external force is applied to the transmission protection unit 144 (FIG. 7). As in the first embodiment, the light emitting unit 131 moves backward while compressing the spring 48 when an external force is applied to the permeation protection unit 144 in a backward direction, and when the external force is released. The permeation protection part 144 is moved forward by the restoring force of the spring 48 and returns to the steady state again.

  The light receiving unit 132 is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the transmission protection unit. Similar to the transmission protection unit 144 of the light emitting unit 131, this transmission protection unit has a configuration in which a side wall (not shown) is added to the plate-like unit.

[2-2. Operation and effect]
In the above configuration, in the coin processing unit 111 of the cash register change machine 101 according to the second embodiment, the optical detection unit 130 includes the light emitting unit 131 and the light receiving unit 132.

  As in the first embodiment, the light emitting unit 131 of the optical detection unit 130 emits the detection light L from the light emitting element 43, transmits the position 45 A 1 in the plate-like portion 45 of the transmission protection unit 144, and passes through the frame 41. It passes through the hole 41A and advances into the sorting hole 26A.

  In addition to this, in the light emitting unit 131, the space in the vicinity of the plate-like portion 45 is separated from the periphery at both ends in the short side direction of the plate-like portion 45 of the transmission protection portion 144 and the space between the frame 41 and the mounting plate 42 is blocked. Side wall portions 146 and 147 were provided as described above (FIGS. 7 and 8).

  Since the light emitting part 131 has a very narrow gap between the side wall part 146 of the permeation protection part 144 and the frame 41, it is possible to effectively prevent the entry of dust and the like from the surroundings. The amount of foreign matter FB attached to the surface of the plate-like portion 45 can be reduced as compared to the embodiment.

  Further, the light emitting part 131 is formed from the space surrounded by the frame 41, the plate-like part 45, and the side wall part 146 by forming the discharge part 148 at a position corresponding to the cleaning mohair 49A in the side wall part 146 of the transmission protecting part 144. Dust etc. can be discharged.

  Thereby, in the light emission part 131, even if the foreign material FB wiped off from the surface of the plate-like part 45 by the cleaning mohair 49A exists in the nearby space as dust etc., it is discharged to the outside through the discharge part 148. Therefore, the possibility of adhering again as a foreign substance FB can be greatly reduced.

  Further, since the gap between the side wall portion 147 of the permeation protection portion 144 and the mounting plate 42 is extremely narrow, it is possible to effectively prevent the entry of dust and the like from the surroundings. It is possible to effectively prevent foreign matter from adhering to the surface on the mounting plate 42 side and the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43.

  Further, since both of the side wall portions 146 and 147 form a slight gap between the frame 41 and the mounting plate 42, almost no resistance is generated due to friction when the permeation protection portion 144 is moved in the front-rear direction. It is possible to move it smoothly.

  Since the light receiving unit 132 includes a transmission protection unit (not shown) having the same configuration as the transmission protection unit 144, it is possible to prevent intrusion of dust and the like from the surroundings, similarly to the transmission protection unit 144. The amount of foreign matter FB attached can be reduced or prevented.

  In other respects, the optical detection unit 130 according to the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the optical detection unit 30 according to the first embodiment.

  According to the above configuration, the coin processing unit 111 of the cash register change machine 101 according to the second embodiment is provided with the side wall portions 146 and 147 on the plate-like portion 45 of the permeation protection portion 144, thereby providing the plate-like portion 45. It is possible to effectively prevent dust and the like from entering the surface of the light emitting element 43 and the vicinity of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43, and to suppress adhesion as foreign matter FB. The light emitting unit 131 is attached to the frame 41 while allowing the detection light L to pass through the position 45A2 by temporarily moving the transmission protection unit 144 backward when the foreign matter FB adheres to the vicinity of the position 45A1. The foreign matter FB at the position 45A1 is removed by the cleaning mohair 49A. Thus, the cash register change machine 101 can maintain a state in which the coin CN can be appropriately detected by the optical detection unit 30 without stopping the operation.

[3. Third Embodiment]
The cash register change machine 201 (FIG. 1) according to the third embodiment is different from the cash register change machine 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a coin processing unit 211 that replaces the coin processing unit 11. The other points are configured similarly.

  Compared with the coin processing unit 11 according to the first embodiment, the coin processing unit 211 includes an optical detection unit 230 instead of the optical detection unit 30, the light emitting unit 31, and the light receiving unit 32, a light emitting unit 231, and a light receiving unit 232. Although the points are different, the other points are configured similarly.

[3-1. Configuration of optical detector]
As shown in FIG. 9 in which the same reference numerals are assigned to the corresponding parts as in FIG. 7, the light emitting unit 231 of the optical detection unit 230 has a transmission protection unit 244 instead of the transmission protection unit 144 as compared with the light emission unit 131. However, the other points are configured in the same manner.

  The permeation protection part 244 is different from the permeation protection part 144 in that it has a columnar part 246 that replaces the columnar part 46 and has a plug 248 and a cleaning mohair 249A, but the other parts are the same. It is configured.

  The columnar portion 246 has a shape such that the columnar portion 46 is extended in the forward direction, and a disc-shaped portion 47 is attached to the front end portion thereof. An annular stopper 248 is attached to the cylindrical portion 246 at a position closer to the front corresponding to the front end of the cylindrical portion 46.

  The plug 248 is formed so that its inner diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 246, and its outer diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the disk-like portion 47, that is, larger than the outer diameter of the spring 48. Yes. Further, the plug 248 sandwiches the spring 48 in a contracted state from the natural state between the stopper 248 and the coin processing unit housing 20 around the cylindrical portion 246.

  Further, the plug 248 is made of a flexible resin material, and a predetermined portion in the circumferential direction is cut, so that the plug 248 can be easily detached from the cylindrical portion 246 and can be easily attached.

  The cleaning mohair 249A is attached to the surface on the mounting plate 42 side at a position 45A3 ahead of the position 45A2 of the plate-like portion 45. The cleaning mohair 249 </ b> A is configured by a large number of fine soft hairs extending from the plate-like portion 45 toward the mounting plate 42. The length of the cleaning mohair 249A is shorter than the cleaning mohair 49A, and is about the same as or slightly longer than the interval between the plate-like portion 45 and the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43A.

  In FIG. 9, for convenience of explanation, the cleaning mohairs 49A and 249A hidden by the side wall portions 146 and 147 are indicated by solid lines.

  With this configuration, the light emitting unit 231 is in a steady state as in the first embodiment when no external force is applied to the transmission protection unit 244 (FIG. 9A).

  The light emitting section 231 moves the permeation protection section 244 rearward while compressing the spring 48 when an external force is applied to the disc-shaped section 47 of the permeation protection section 244 by the fingertip of the cashier. And the coin processing unit housing 20 are in a retracted state in which the spring 48 is most compressed (FIG. 9B).

  At this time, in the light emitting unit 231, the surface at the position 45 </ b> A <b> 1 of the plate-like part 45 is wiped by the cleaning mohair 49 as in the first embodiment (FIG. 6B). Foreign matter FB is removed.

  In addition, the light emitting unit 231 causes the permeation protection unit 244 to be activated when an external force is applied to the disc-shaped unit 47 by the cashier's fingertip or the like in a state where the plug 248 is removed from the columnar part 246 of the permeation protection unit 244. The rearward movement state (FIG. 9B) is moved rearward, and the spring 48 is compressed most between the disk-shaped portion 47 and the coin processing unit housing 20 (FIG. 9C). ).

  At this time, the light emitting unit 231 causes the position 45A3 in the plate-like portion 45 of the transmission protection unit 244 to face the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43A, and the cleaning mohair 249A wipes the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43A.

  Thereafter, when the external force is released and the plug 248 is attached to the cylindrical portion 246, the light emitting portion 231 returns to a steady state (FIG. 9A).

  In this way, the light emitting unit 231 moves the permeation protection unit 144 in the front-rear direction in accordance with the applied external force, but when the plug 248 is attached to the cylindrical portion 246, it moves between the steady state and the retracted state. When the stopper 248 is removed, the stopper 248 is moved between the steady state and the second retracted state.

  The light receiving unit 232 is different from the second embodiment in the configuration of the transmission protection unit. This permeation protection unit is configured in the same manner as the permeation protection unit 244 of the light emitting unit 231. The columnar part is extended and a stopper is provided, and a cleaning mohair similar to the cleaning mohair 249A (see FIG. Not shown).

[3-2. Operation and effect]
In the above configuration, in the coin processing unit 211 of the cash register change machine 201 according to the third embodiment, the optical detection unit 230 includes the light emitting unit 231 and the light receiving unit 232.

  As in the second embodiment, the light emitting unit 231 of the optical detection unit 230 emits the detection light L from the light emitting element 43, transmits the position 45A1 in the plate-like portion 45 of the transmission protection unit 244, and passes through the frame 41. It passes through the hole 41A and advances into the sorting hole 26A.

  Further, in the light emitting part 231, the transmission protection part 244 is provided with a columnar part 246 extending in the front-rear direction and a detachable plug 248, and a cleaning mohair 249A at a position 45A3 on the surface of the plate-like part 45 facing the mounting plate 42. (FIG. 9A).

  When a predetermined warning is displayed on the operation display unit 13 (FIG. 1) and the adherence of the foreign matter FB is notified, the cashier takes the disc shape of the permeation protection unit 244 with the fingertip or the like as in the first embodiment. The part 47 is pushed backward.

  In response to this, in the light emitting part 231, the permeation protection part 244 and the plate-like part 45 which is a part thereof move backward, and the spring 48 is compressed most between the stopper 248 and the coin processing part housing 20. It will be in a reverse state (FIG. 9 (B)).

  At this time, similarly to the first and second embodiments, the transmission protection unit 244 wipes the surface on the frame 41 side at the position 45A1 of the plate-like portion 45 by the cleaning mohair 49A without blocking the detection light L, and the foreign matter FB. Can be removed.

  Here, if the warning displayed on the operation display unit 13 (FIG. 1) is not turned off even by a series of operations, there is a possibility that the foreign matter FB is attached to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43A, not the plate portion 45. high.

  In such a case, the light emitting unit 231 removes the plug 248 from the permeation protection unit 244 by a cashier or the like, and then pushes the disk-shaped portion 47 of the permeation protection unit 244 backward, so that the second retracted state (FIG. 9 (C)).

  At this time, since the light emitting unit 231 can wipe the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43A by the cleaning mohair 249A provided on the surface on the mounting plate 42 side at the position 45A3 of the plate-like portion 45, the foreign matter FB attached to the light emitting surface can be removed. The foreign matter FB can be removed by paying off or entwining.

  That is, in the light emitting unit 231 according to the third embodiment, dust or the like entering through the passage hole 41A of the frame 41 is first adhered to the surface of the plate-like part 45 as a foreign substance FB, so that the permeation protection part 244 is moved in the front-rear direction. The foreign substance FB can be removed without blocking the detection light L by the movement.

  Further, in the light emitting portion 231, when the foreign matter FB still adheres to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43A, the stopper 248 is removed and the permeation protection portion 244 is pushed in the rearward direction (FIG. 9C). The foreign matter FB can be removed by the cleaning mohair 249A.

  At this time, although the light emitting unit 231 temporarily blocks the detection light L, it is not necessary to perform disassembly and cleaning of the coin processing unit 211, and the operation suspension period of the cash register changer 201 is suppressed to an extremely short time. Can do.

  Further, in the light emitting portion 231, as in the second embodiment, the side wall portions 146 and 147 are provided on the plate-like portion 45, thereby improving the sealing property of the space in the vicinity of the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43A and entering dust or the like. Can be effectively suppressed.

  As a result, the light emitting unit 231 can suppress the adhesion of the foreign matter FB to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43A. Therefore, the frequency of stopping the operation of the cash register change machine 201 is significantly reduced by using the second retracted state. Can be made.

  In addition, the light receiving unit 232 includes a transmission protection unit (not shown) having the same configuration as the transmission protection unit 244, so that, similarly to the transmission protection unit 244, the light receiving unit 232 can be removed from the plate-like unit 45 using the retracted state. In addition to the removal of the foreign matter FB, the removal of the foreign matter FB from the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43A using the second retracted state can be completed easily and in a short time.

  In other respects, the optical detection unit 230 according to the third embodiment can achieve the same functions and effects as the optical detection unit 30 according to the first embodiment and the optical detection unit 130 according to the second embodiment. .

  According to the above configuration, the coin processing unit 211 of the cash register change machine 201 according to the third embodiment retracts the permeation protection unit 244 when the foreign matter FB adheres to the vicinity of the position 45A1 in the light emitting unit 231. By moving to the position, the foreign matter FB at the position 45A1 is removed by the cleaning mohair 49A attached to the frame 41 while the detection light L is transmitted through the plate-like portion 45. In addition, when the foreign matter FB adheres to the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43A, the light emitting unit 231 moves the transmission protection unit 244 to the second retracted position, thereby blocking the detection light L and blocking the detection light L with the cleaning mohair 249A. Foreign matter FB is removed from Thus, the cash register change machine 101 can maintain the state in which the coin CN can be appropriately detected by the optical detection unit 30 by continuing the operation as much as possible and suppressing the stop period to an extremely short time.

[4. Other Embodiments]
In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the plate-like portion 45 of the permeation protection portion 44 is made of a transparent resin material has been described.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the plate-like portion 45 may be made of, for example, a glass material or a resin material colored in a predetermined color. In short, the plate-like portion 45 transmits the wavelength of the detection light L to the light receiving element. It is only necessary that the light can be transmitted at a transmittance that can be received by the light source 53 and the dust and the like can be physically blocked. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, a case has been described in which the extending direction of the plate-like portion 45 is the front-rear direction substantially orthogonal to the arrow Y direction that is the traveling direction of the detection light L.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the extending direction and moving direction of the plate-like portion 45 may intersect the arrow Y direction at an arbitrary angle. However, in this case, since the detection light L may be refracted on the surface of the plate-like portion 45, the crossing angle of the extension direction and the moving direction of the plate-like portion 45 with respect to the arrow Y direction may be as close to 90 degrees as possible. preferable. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, when the external force applied to the permeation protection unit 44 is released, the permeation protection unit 44 is urged forward by the restoring force of the spring 48 formed of a coil spring. The case of returning to the steady state was described.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an elastic material such as a leaf spring or rubber is appropriately used in place of the spring 48, and the permeation protection portion 44 is urged forward by using the elastic force of this elastic material. Alternatively, the spring 48 may be omitted, and the permeation protection unit 44 may be returned to the steady state by a manual operation such as a cashier. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the external force or restoring force applied to the disk-shaped part 47 is directly applied to the plate-shaped part 45 via the columnar part 46 that is a part of the permeation protection part 44. The case where the plate-like portion 45 is moved in the front-rear direction by transmitting is described.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the plate-like portion 45 may be moved by transmitting an external force via a predetermined gear, a link mechanism, or the like. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Further, in the second embodiment described above, when the side walls 146 and 147 are provided in the vicinity of both ends in the short side direction of the plate-like portion 45 of the permeation protection portion 144, entry of dust or the like is prevented. Said.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the side wall portions 146 and 147 are omitted from the permeation protection portion 144, and side wall portions corresponding to the side wall portions 146 and 147 are provided on the frame 41 side and the mounting plate 42 side, respectively. May be. In this case, what is essential is that it does not hinder the movement of the permeation protection portion 144 in the front-rear direction and can suppress the entry of dust and the like from the surroundings.

  Further, for example, the side wall part 146 may be omitted from the transmission protection part 144 and only the side wall part 147 may be provided. Furthermore, the discharge part 148 provided on the side wall part 146 may be provided at an arbitrary position and may have an arbitrary shape, or may be omitted. The same applies to the third embodiment.

  Further, in the above-described third embodiment, the case where the permeation protection portion 244 can be moved to the second retracted state by removing the plug 248 from the columnar portion 246 has been described.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the permeation protection portion 244 may be moved to the second retracted state by sliding the stopper 248 forward and bringing it close to the disc-shaped portion 247. Further, in the permeation protection portion 244, a detachable member having various shapes may be provided instead of the stopper 248.

  Further, in the third embodiment described above, the second retracted state in which the cleaning mohair 249A is provided at the position 45A3 of the plate-like portion 45 in the permeation protection portion 244, and the permeation protection portion 244 is further moved backward from the retracted state. Thus, the case where the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43A is made to be wiped by the cleaning mohair 249A has been described.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a cleaning mohair 249A is provided at a position opposite to the position 45A2 when viewed from the position 45A1 of the plate-like portion 45 in the permeation protection portion 244 (that is, behind the position 45A1). The contact with the stopper 46S may be temporarily avoided by, for example, configuring the vicinity of the hole 20H of the housing 20 to be movable. In this case, the light emitting surface of the light emitting element 43 </ b> A can be swept away by the cleaning mohair 249 </ b> A by moving the permeation protection unit 244 forward from the steady state.

  Furthermore, in 1st Embodiment mentioned above, coin storage 27A-27F is arrange | positioned so that it may mutually adjoin each other in the front-back direction in the coin process part 11, and the conveyance part 24 is made to drive in the front-back direction in connection with this, 26 A of selection holes. ˜26F is also arranged adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction, and the columnar part 46 and the disk-like part 47 of the permeation protection part 44 are projected from the front side surface of the coin processing unit housing 20. .

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the coin storage units 27A to 27F are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in the left-right direction in the coin processing unit 11, and accordingly, the transport unit 24 is caused to travel in the left-right direction, thereby selecting holes 26A to 26F. Alternatively, the cylindrical part 46 and the disk-like part 47 of the permeation protection part 44 may be protruded from the left side surface of the coin processing unit housing 20 so as to be adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the transmission protection unit 44 of the light emitting unit 31 and the transmission protection unit 54 of the light receiving unit 32 are moved in the front-rear direction independently of each other has been described.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transmission protection unit 44 of the light emitting unit 31 and the transmission protection unit 54 of the light receiving unit 32 are connected to each other, and the transmission protection units 44 and 54 are integrated back and forth by the operation of a cashier. You may make it move. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, a description is given of a case where the transmission protection part 44 is shared by forming the plate-like part 45 long in the front-rear direction in each light emitting part 31 of the sorting holes 26A to 26F. It was.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transmission protection unit 44 of each light emitting unit 31 may be made independent, or the transmission protection unit 44 in each light emission unit 31 is shared in arbitrary units such as two or three locations. You may make it do. The same applies to the transmission protection unit 54 of the light receiving unit 32 and the second and third embodiments.

  Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the optical detection unit 30 is provided in the selection holes 26A to 26F has been described.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the optical detection unit 30 may be provided in various places such as an arbitrary place in the transport section 24 or 28, the coin insertion slot 22, or the coin storage boxes 27A to 27F. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Furthermore, in 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the case where the present invention was applied to the optical detection part 30 which detects the coin CN as a medium in the coin processing part 11 of the cash register change machine 1 was described.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the banknote processing unit 12 or the cash dispenser of the cash register changer 1, an optical detection unit that detects a banknote as a medium, or an optical that detects an admission ticket or a ticket as a medium in an automatic ticket vending machine. The present invention may be applied to an optical detection unit that optically detects various media, such as a detection unit or an optical detection unit that detects the mechanical component as a medium in a machine part manufacturing apparatus or the like.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the frame 41 as a partition wall, the light emitting element 43 as an optical element, the transmission protection part 44 as a transmission protection part, and support columns 41S and 42S as support parts, The case where the light emission part 31 as an optical detection apparatus is comprised with the cleaning mohair 49 as a cleaning part was described.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an optical detection device may be configured by partition walls, optical elements, transmission protection units, support units, and cleaning units having various other configurations.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, the coin insertion slot 22 as the input unit, the coin storage 27A as the storage, the transfer unit 24 and the sorting hole 26A as the transfer unit, and the optical as the detection unit Detection unit 30, frame 41 as a partition, light emitting element 43 as an optical element, transmission protection unit 44 as a transmission protection unit, support columns 41S and 42S as a support unit, and cleaning mohair 49 as a cleaning unit The case where the coin processing part 11 as a coin processing apparatus is comprised was described.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a charging unit, a storage, a transport unit, a detection unit, a partition, an optical element, a transmission protection unit, a support unit, and a cleaning unit, which have various other configurations. You may make it comprise a coin processing apparatus.

  The present invention can also be used in various optical detection devices that detect media such as coins, banknotes, or mechanical parts using detection light L that is blocked by the media.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 101, 201 ... Cash register change machine, 11, 111, 211 ... Coin processing part, 20 ... Coin processing part housing | casing, 21 ... Control part, 22 ... Coin slot, 23 ... Coin discrimination part , 24, 28... Transport section, 26A to 26F... Sorting hole, 27A to 27F .. coin storage, 29 .. coin discharge port, 30, 130, 230 .. optical detection section, 31, 131, 231. ... Light emitting part, 32, 132, 232 ... Light receiving part, 41, 51 ... Frame, 41A ... Passing hole, 41S, 42S ... Support column, 42,52 ... Mounting plate, 43 ... Light emitting element, 44 , 144, 244... Permeation protection part, 45... Plate-like part, 45 A 1, 45 A 2, 45 A 3 ... position, 46, 246 ... cylindrical part, 46 S ... stopper, 47. ... Spring, 49A, 249A ... Cleaning mohair, 146, 1 7 ...... sidewall portion, 148 ...... discharge unit, 248 ...... plug, CN ...... coin, FB ...... foreign matter.

Claims (9)

A partition wall that shields the internal space in which the medium exists from the surrounding external space and has a predetermined passage hole;
When the position relative to the partition wall is fixed in the external space, and predetermined detection light is emitted toward the internal space via the passage hole, or when the detection light is not blocked by the medium in the internal space An optical element that receives the detection light through the passage hole;
The detection light is transmitted between the passage hole and the optical element and the passage of the object is blocked. From the transmission position of the detection light, at least a predetermined separation distance in the crossing direction intersecting the optical path of the detection light. Extended permeation protection,
A support part for supporting the transmission protection part so as to be movable at least over the separation distance in the intersecting direction with respect to the partition wall and the optical element;
An optical detection comprising: a cleaning portion provided at a location separated from the transmission position in a direction opposite to the intersecting direction by the separation distance, and contacting a surface of the transmission protection portion facing the partition wall. apparatus. The optical detection device according to claim 1, further comprising: an isolation part that separates a space around the transmission part through which the detection light is transmitted in the transmission protection part from another space. The isolation part
The side wall extending from the transmission part toward the partition or the optical element is formed on at least one of the transmission part of the transmission protection part on the partition side and the optical element side. The optical detection device according to 1. The optical detection device according to claim 1, further comprising: a restricting portion that restricts a movement range of the transmission protection portion in the intersecting direction or the opposite direction to the separation distance. The optical detection device according to claim 4, further comprising an urging unit that urges the transmission protection unit in a direction opposite to the crossing direction. The transmission protection part is
On the surface facing the optical element, a predetermined second separation from a position away from the transmission position in the crossing direction by the separation distance to the crossing direction or from the transmission position to a direction opposite to the crossing direction. 2. A second cleaning unit that contacts the light emitting surface or the light receiving surface when moved so as to face the light emitting surface or the light receiving surface of the optical element is provided at a position separated by a distance. The optical detection device described. The movement range in the crossing direction or the opposite direction in the transmission protection unit is switched to a first movement range corresponding to the separation distance or a second movement range obtained by adding the second separation distance to the separation distance. The optical detection apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a movement range switching unit. The transmission protection part is
The optical detection device according to claim 1, wherein the optical detection device is connected to the transmission protection unit in another optical detection device. An input section for inputting coins;
A plurality of storages for storing the coins by type;
A transport unit that transports the coins input to the input unit to the storage according to the type;
A coin processing device comprising: a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the coin at a predetermined location of the transport unit;
The detection unit is
A partition wall that shields the internal space in which the coins are conveyed from the surrounding external space and is formed with a predetermined passage hole;
When the position with respect to the partition is fixed in the external space and emits predetermined detection light toward the internal space through the passage hole, or when the detection light is not blocked by the coin in the internal space An optical element that receives the detection light through the passage hole;
The detection light is transmitted between the passage hole and the optical element and the passage of the object is blocked. From the transmission position of the detection light, at least a predetermined separation distance in the crossing direction intersecting the optical path of the detection light. Extended permeation protection,
A support part for supporting the transmission protection part so as to be movable at least over the separation distance in the intersecting direction with respect to the partition wall and the optical element;
A coin processing, comprising: a cleaning portion provided at a location separated from the transmission position in a direction opposite to the intersecting direction by the separation distance, and abutting on a surface of the transmission protection portion facing the partition wall. apparatus.

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