JP2016177468A - Coin branch mechanism and coin processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coin branch mechanism with a simple structure capable of surely branching coins from a coin conveyance path both when the coins are conveyed in a first direction along the coin conveyance path and when the coins are conveyed in a second direction reverse to the first direction along the coin conveyance path, and a coin processor with such a coin branch mechanism.SOLUTION: Each of coin branch mechanisms 200a-200d has a gate part which is freely movable between a passage position and branch position and a drive part 230 for driving the gate part so that the gate part moves between the passage position and the branch position. The drive part 230 causes the gate part to move to the branch position so as to branch the coins from the coin conveyance path both when the coins are conveyed in the first direction along the coin conveyance path and when the coins are conveyed in the second direction reverse to the first direction along the coin conveyance path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a coin branch mechanism for branching a coin transported along a coin transport path from a coin transport path via a branch port provided in the coin transport path, and a coin provided with such a coin branch mechanism. The present invention relates to a processing apparatus.

  Generally, an ATM (automatic teller machine) or the like installed in a financial institution such as a bank is provided with a coin processing device that performs various processes such as a coin deposit process and a withdrawal process. Conventionally, various types of coin processing apparatuses have been used. In a general coin processing device, when performing coin deposit processing, coins inserted into the feeding unit are fed one by one from the feeding unit to the coin transport path, and are transported in a single row on the coin transport path. The coin is identified by the identification unit. Based on the result of identification by the identification unit, reject coins that are not normal coins are ejected from the reject unit to the outside of the machine, while normal coins are stored in a denomination storage unit provided for each denomination. ing. Moreover, when performing the coin withdrawal process, the coins fed out from the denomination storage unit are transported along the coin transport path and sent from the coin transport path to the outlet.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a coin depositing / dispensing machine having a branching mechanism for sorting coins transported along a coin transporting path by dropping them into a sorting hole (branch port) by an operation of a sorting lever. ing. Further, in Patent Document 2, a branch hole (branch port) is provided in an inclined coin conveyance path, and the branch gate opens and closes the branch hole, and when the branch hole is opened, the branch gate receives a coin. A coin processing device is disclosed that branches off from a coin transport path by forcibly dropping it into a branch hole. Moreover, in patent document 3, the branch port is provided in the coin conveyance path extended along a horizontal direction, and a branch gate opens and closes a branch hole, and when a branch port is opened, a branch gate carries a coin. A coin depositing / dispensing machine is disclosed that branches off from a coin transport path by forcibly dropping it to a branch port. Patent Document 4 discloses a coin processing apparatus in which a transfer unit capable of transferring coins in both directions is provided with a branching unit that branches a coin that is transferred in a predetermined direction in a coin transfer path. . In such a coin processing device, when coins are stored in a coin cassette and the coins are collected together with the coin cassette, the coins drawn out from the denomination stacker are stored in the temporary holding unit and then drawn out from the temporary holding unit. Thus, the coins conveyed along the coin conveyance path are branched from the coin conveyance path by the branching section and sent to the coin cassette.

Japanese Patent No. 3194536 JP 2004-341636 A Patent No. 4960690 JP 2014-174686 A

  In the branching mechanism provided in the coin depositing / dispensing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, coins transported in either the forward or reverse direction in the coin transport path can be dropped into the sorting hole and classified, but the coin transport path If the force to press the coins toward the transport surface is weak, it will take time to drop the coins into the sorting holes, and troubles such as jams may occur due to collision with the next transported coins. is there. On the other hand, in the coin processing device and the coin depositing and dispensing machine disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the branch gate forcibly drops the coin into the branch hole or the branch port when the branch hole or the branch port is opened. Since the coins are branched from the coin transport path, the coins can be reliably branched from the coin transport path, but there is a problem that the transport direction in which the coins can be branched is only one direction. There is.

  Further, in Patent Document 4, when coins are stored in a coin cassette and the coins are collected together with the coin cassette, the direction of the branching portion is reversed and the coins are fed out from the denomination stacker and transported along the coin transport path. It is described that the time required for the recovery process is shortened by branching the coins to be collected from the coin transport path and storing them in a coin cassette. However, in the coin processing device disclosed in Patent Document 4, in order to be able to branch the coins conveyed in the forward or reverse direction in the coin conveyance path from the coin conveyance path, From a branching section for branching coins transported along the forward direction to a coin cassette (for example, a chute) and from a branching section for branching coins transported along the reverse direction in the coin transport path to the coin cassette It is necessary to provide each of the transport routes. However, due to the internal space of the coin processing apparatus, it may be difficult to provide a plurality of transport paths for sending coins from the branching section to the coin cassette, and it is costly to provide such a plurality of transport paths. There is a problem that increases.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such points, and has a compact configuration, and when coins are transported in the first direction along the coin transport path, and coins are placed along the coin transport path. It is an object of the present invention to provide a coin branching mechanism capable of reliably branching a coin from a coin transport path both when being transported in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

  Another object of the present invention is when the coin is transported in the first direction along the coin transport path and in the second direction where the coin is in a direction opposite to the first direction along the coin transport path. An object of the present invention is to provide a coin processing device capable of reliably branching a coin from a coin transport path in both cases.

  The coin branching mechanism of the present invention is a coin branching mechanism for branching a coin transported along a coin transport path from the coin transport path via a branch port provided in the coin transport path. A passing position that closes the branch port so that coins transported along the coin transport path do not enter the branch port, and coins transported along the coin transport path to the branch port. A gate portion that is movable between a branch position that opens the branch port so as to enter, and a drive portion that drives the gate portion so that the gate portion moves between the passage position and the branch position And when coins are transported along the coin transport path in the first direction and when coins are transported along the coin transport path in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. Control the drive in both And a control unit configured to move the gate unit to the branch position and to allow coins conveyed along the coin conveyance path to be branched from the coin conveyance path. It is provided with.

  According to such a coin branching mechanism, the coin is transported in the first direction along the coin transport path in a compact configuration, and the coin is opposite to the first direction along the coin transport path. The coin can be surely branched from the coin transport path both when transported in a certain second direction.

  In the coin branching mechanism of the present invention, when the gate portion is located at the branch position, the gate portion protrudes from the coin transport surface in the coin transport path toward the coin transport region. It may be.

  In the coin branching mechanism of the present invention, the gate portion includes a first gate portion for branching a coin that is transported in the first direction along the coin transport path, and the coin transport path along the coin transport path. You may have the 2nd gate part for branching the coin conveyed in a 2nd direction, and the interlocking | linkage part which interlock | cooperates the said 1st gate part and the said 2nd gate part.

  In this case, the driving unit drives one of the first gate portion and the second gate portion of the gate portion, and the driving portion drives one of the gate portions. Then, the other gate portion may be driven by the interlocking portion.

  Or the said gate part is conveyed in the said 2nd direction along the 1st guide surface for branching the coin conveyed in the said 1st direction along the said coin conveyance path, and the said coin conveyance path. You may have the 2nd guide surface for making a coin to branch.

  The coin branching mechanism of the present invention further includes a guide unit for guiding the coin branched from the coin transport path through the branch port, and is transported in the first direction along the coin transport path. The coins branched by the gate part and the coins conveyed in the second direction along the coin conveyance path and branched by the gate part may be guided by the same guide part. .

  Alternatively, the coin branching mechanism of the present invention further includes a plurality of guide portions for guiding coins branched from the coin transport path through the branch port, and the first branch unit along the coin transport path. A guide unit for guiding coins conveyed in the direction and branched by the gate unit, and a guide unit for guiding coins conveyed in the second direction along the coin conveyance path and branched by the gate unit. And may be different.

  The coin processing apparatus of the present invention includes a coin transport unit that transports coins in the first direction and the second direction along the coin transport path, and the coin branching mechanism. To do.

  According to such a coin processing device, when the coin is transported in the first direction along the coin transport path, and the second direction in which the coin is opposite to the first direction along the coin transport path. The coins can be surely branched from the coin transport path both when being transported.

  The coin processing device of the present invention further includes an identification unit that is provided in the coin conveyance path and identifies a coin conveyed by the coin conveyance path, and the coin conveyance path has a loop shape, and the coin conveyance The same coin branching mechanism is used for coins that have been transported in the first direction along the path and passed through the identification unit, and coins that have been transported in the second direction along the coin transport path and have passed through the identification unit. May be branched from the coin transport path.

  Moreover, the coin processing apparatus of the present invention stores the coins sent from the coin transporting path by denomination and feeds the stored coins to the coin transporting path and transports them in the first direction. A type storage unit, a temporary storage unit that stores coins sent from the coin transport path and feeds the stored coins to the coin transport path and transports them in the second direction, and the coin transport path in the coin transport path Each of the denomination storage units, the identification unit, and the temporary storage unit are arranged in order from the upstream side in the first direction, and at least one denomination storage unit is provided between the coin branching mechanism and the identification unit. The coins fed out from the denomination storage unit provided upstream of the coin branching mechanism in the first direction in the coin transport path are stored in the temporary storage unit. The coin branching mechanism branches off the coin transporting path from the temporary storage part to the coin transporting path and then transported in the second direction. In the first direction, the coins fed from the denomination storage unit provided downstream of the coin branching mechanism in the first direction are not sent to the temporary storage unit in the first direction in the coin transport path. When transported, the coin branching mechanism may be made to branch from the coin transport path.

  According to the coin branching mechanism of the present invention, the coin is transported in the first direction along the coin transport path in a compact configuration, and the coin is opposite to the first direction along the coin transport path. The coin can be surely branched from the coin transport path both when transported in a certain second direction.

  Moreover, according to the coin processing apparatus of this invention, when a coin is conveyed in a 1st direction along a coin conveyance path, and a coin is a 2nd direction opposite to a 1st direction along a coin conveyance path. In both cases, the coin can be reliably branched from the coin transport path.

It is a side view which shows the internal structure of the coin processing apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the internal structure of the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a side view which shows the detail of structures, such as a conveyance part in a coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a side view which shows the structure of the gate part of the coin branching mechanism provided in the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 etc., (a) is a figure which shows a state when a branch port is closed, ( b) is a diagram showing a state when the branch port is opened. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the gate part of the coin branching mechanism provided in the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 etc., and a drive part, Comprising: (a) is a figure which shows a state when a branch port is closed. Yes, (b) is a diagram showing a state when the branch port is opened. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of the deposit process of the coin by the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of the payment processing of the coin by the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the collection process of the coin by the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. (A)-(c) is a side view which shows the structure of the gate part of the coin branching mechanism which concerns on a modification. (A) (b) is a side view which shows the structure of the gate part of the coin branching mechanism which concerns on another modification. It is a side view showing composition when a plurality of chutes are provided in another coin branching mechanism.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 9 are diagrams showing a coin processing device according to the present embodiment and a coin processing method using the coin processing device. 1 is a side view showing the internal configuration of the coin processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal configuration of the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the details of the configuration of the conveyance unit, the depositing and feeding unit, the storage and feeding unit, the temporary holding unit, etc. in the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and the like. 4 (a) and 4 (b) are side views showing the configuration of the gate portion of the coin branching mechanism provided in the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and the like, and FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are diagrams. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the gate part of the coin branching mechanism provided in the coin processing apparatus shown to 1 grade | etc., And a drive part. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrams showing the operations of coin depositing, dispensing, and collecting by the coin processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and the like, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coin processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has a machine body 12 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a deposit / withdrawal unit that performs coin deposit / withdrawal processing at the upper part of the machine body 12. 13 is disposed. In addition, a replenishment collection unit 14 that replenishes the deposit / withdrawal unit 13 with coins and receives coins from the deposit / withdrawal unit 13 is disposed in the lower part of the machine body 12. 1, the left surface of the airframe 12 is the front surface of the airframe 12, and the right surface of the airframe 12 is the rear surface of the airframe 12. That is, the right direction in FIG.

  A deposit / withdrawal port 21 that accepts coins to be deposited and dispenses coins to be dispensed from the inside is provided at the front upper portion of the machine body 12. In addition, a foreign object return port 22 is provided on the front surface of the machine body 12 to return foreign objects mixed with coins to be deposited.

  A receiving tray 23 for receiving coins is disposed below the deposit / withdrawal port 21, and the coins received by the receiving tray 23 can be discharged downward by reversing the receiving tray 23.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a base 24 is disposed in the deposit / withdrawal unit 13. The base 24 is inclined at a predetermined angle in the left direction when viewed from the front surface (front side of the paper surface of FIG. 2). Further, on the surface side facing the upper side of the base 24, a coin transport unit 25 for transporting coins as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the coin transport unit 25 includes a first transport part 26 provided so as to extend substantially horizontally in the front-rear direction of the machine body 12 (the left-right direction in FIG. 1), and above the first transport part 26. A second transport portion 27 provided so as to extend substantially horizontally in the front-rear direction of the machine body 12, and a third transport that connects the rear portions of the first transport portion 26 and the second transport portion 27 in the vertical direction. A portion 28 is provided. Here, the direction in which coins are transported from the second transport portion 27 toward the third transport portion 28 and the first transport portion 26 is set to the storage transport direction F1 (that is, the coins are stored in the storage and feeding portions 32 described later). Conversely, the direction in which coins are transported from the first transport portion 26 toward the third transport portion 28 and the second transport portion 27 is defined as the feeding transport direction F2 (that is, each storage described later). This is referred to as the direction in which coins fed out from the feeding unit 32 are conveyed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a deposit feeding section 31 is connected to the front side of the first transport portion 26 of the coin transport section 25, and the rear side and the second transport from the deposit feeding section 31 in the first transport portion 26. A plurality (specifically, six) of storing and feeding parts 32 of the denomination are connected to the portion 27. The money paying-out part 31 and each storing and feeding part 32 each store coins in a space (that is, a hopper) surrounded by rotating disks 31a and 32a having a plurality of protrusions 31b and 32b and a cover (not shown). Further, when the rotary disks 31a and 32a rotate in an inclined posture, the protrusions 31b and 32b pick up the coins and feed them one by one to the coin transport unit 25. Here, among the six storage / feeding portions 32, the four storage / feeding portions 32 provided so as to be connected to the first transport portion 26 are a 1-yen coin, a 50-yen coin, 500 yen coins and 5 yen coins are stored respectively. Of the six storage / feeding portions 32, the two storage / feeding portions 32 provided to be connected to the second transporting portion 27 receive 10-yen coins and 100-yen coins in order from the right side in FIGS. It comes to store. That is, the six storing and feeding sections 32 store one yen coin, 50 yen coin, 500 yen coin, 5 yen coin, 10 yen coin and 100 yen coin in order from the upstream side in the feeding and conveying direction F2. Yes.

  In addition, a temporary storage unit 38 is connected and disposed in front of each storing and feeding unit 32 in the second transport portion 27, and the front end of the second transport portion 27 is connected to the deposit / withdrawal port 21. Similar to the depositing and feeding unit 31 and each storing and feeding unit 32, the temporary holding unit 38 has coins in a space (that is, a hopper) surrounded by a rotating disk 38a having a plurality of protrusions 38b and a cover (not shown). In addition, the protrusion 38b picks up coins and feeds them one by one to the coin transport unit 25 by rotating the rotary disk 38a in an inclined posture. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, coins transported in the feeding transport direction F <b> 2 in the coin transport unit 25 are stored in the temporary storage unit 38, and are transported from the temporary storage unit 38 to the coin transport unit 25. The coins are transported in the storage transport direction F1.

  The deposit / payout part 31 is located below the deposit / withdrawal port 21 and the tray 23, and can receive coins discharged from the tray 23 via the chute 30. Moreover, the deposit | payout delivery part 31 accepts the coin conveyed in the accommodation conveyance direction F1 in the 1st conveyance part 26 of the coin conveyance part 25, and it pays out the coin with respect to the 1st conveyance part 26, and F2 conveyance direction F2 It is possible to pay out. Each storing and feeding unit 32 allows the coins conveyed in the storing and conveying direction F1 in the first conveying part 26 and the second conveying part 27 of the coin conveying unit 25 to be branched and received, and the first conveying part 26. In addition, coins can be fed out in the feeding and conveying direction F <b> 2 with respect to the second conveying portion 27. Further, the temporary holding unit 38 allows the coins conveyed in the feeding and conveying direction F <b> 2 to be branched and received in the second conveying part 27 of the coin conveying unit 25 and stores the coins in the second conveying part 27. It can be fed in the transport direction F1.

  In the second transport portion 27 in the coin transport unit 25, at least the denomination, authenticity, correctness, etc. of the transported coin is appropriately selected and identified between the temporary storage unit 38 and the storage and feeding unit 32. An identification unit 33 is provided.

  The coin transport unit 25 includes a transport surface 250 that is formed on the surface of the base 24 and contacts the coin surface, and guide portions (not shown) on both sides that guide the periphery of the coin on both sides of the transport surface 250. ing. As shown in FIG. 3, the coin transport unit 25 includes a belt 43 that is a toothed belt as a loop-shaped transport body that transports coins in a single row, and the belt 43 is a toothed pulley. The plurality of pulleys 44 are wound around. A plurality of pins 43 a (see FIG. 4) that protrude downward from the lower surface of the belt 43 and push and convey the coins on the conveyance surface 250 of the coin conveyance unit 25 one by one are formed on the belt 43. It is provided at predetermined intervals along the direction. Here, the tooth | gear of the part in which the pin 43a of the belt 43 is provided is larger than the other part. Further, the pulley 44 is provided with a portion having a large tooth valley so as to mesh with the pin 43 a of the belt 43. The number of teeth of each pulley 44 is the number of teeth corresponding to an integral multiple of the pin pitch of the belt 43. If the rotational position of the pulley 44 is detected, the position of the pin of the belt 43 can be detected. Can be done. Moreover, the space | interval of the some pin 43a is set as the dimension which can accept and convey a coin one by one between the pins 43a before and behind the conveyance direction. Between the pin 43a and the conveyance surface 250 of the coin conveyance part 25, the clearance gap of the dimension smaller than the thickness of the minimum thickness coin of the coins to be processed is opened.

  In this Embodiment, as shown in FIG.1 and FIG.3, the coin conveyance path in the coin conveyance part 25 has a loop shape substantially. Further, in the coin transport unit 25, the belt 43 is rotated forward and backward in both directions of the storage transport direction F1 and the feed transport direction F2 by driving a motor (not shown) connected to one pulley 44 of the plurality of pulleys 44. Coins can be transported in both forward and reverse directions.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the coin transport unit 25 is provided with a plurality of optical passage sensors 29a along the longitudinal direction of the belt 43, and the coins transported by the belt 43 pass through the respective passage sensors 29a. This is detected by the passage sensor 29a when passing. The passage sensor 29a is generally disposed corresponding to each of a sorting member 47 described later and four coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d described later. As shown in FIG. 3, an optical passage sensor 29 b is also provided at the end of the second transport portion 27 of the coin transport unit 25 on the deposit / withdrawal port 21 side, and the coin transported by the belt 43. When the coin passes through the passage sensor 29b when the coin is discharged from the second transport portion 27 of the coin transport section 25 to the tray 23 of the deposit / withdrawal port 21, this is detected by the passage sensor 29b. Yes.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the coin transport unit 25 is connected to the storage and feeding unit 32 and the temporary storage unit 38, and the storage and delivery unit 32, the temporary storage unit 38 and the coin transport unit. A sorting member 47 that selectively sorts coins according to whether coins are taken in and out of the belt 25 or coins transported by the belt 43 are passed downstream in the transport direction is disposed. The sorting member 47 is configured to guide the coins with respect to the coin entrance / exit of the storage / delivery unit 32 and the temporary storage unit 38, and close the coin entrance / exit of the storage / delivery unit 32 and the temporary storage unit 38 to convey the coins. A closing portion is provided for guiding the downstream portion 25 in the transport direction. Here, a curved surface is formed at the edge portion of the guide portion, and coins are guided along the curved surface. Such a distributing member 47 moves forward and backward with respect to the transport surface 250 of the coin transport unit 25 by driving a solenoid or the like. When the coins are distributed from the coin transport unit 25 to the storing and feeding unit 32 and the temporary storage unit 38, and when coins are transferred from the storage and feeding unit 32 and the temporary storage unit 38 to the coin transport unit 25, the guide unit of the sorting member 47 Protrudes from the transfer surface 250 of the coin transfer unit 25 to the coin transfer region side (that is, upward), and the closing unit opens the coin entrance of the storage and feeding unit 32 and the temporary storage unit 38. On the other hand, when the coins are not distributed from the coin transport unit 25 to the storage and feeding unit 32 and the temporary storage unit 38, and when the coins are not transferred from the storage and delivery unit 32 and the temporary storage unit 38 to the coin transport unit 25, The guide part retreats out of the conveying surface 250 of the coin conveying part 25 and the closing part closes the coin entrance / exit of the storing and feeding part 32 and the temporary holding part 38.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the replenishment / collection unit 14 is detachably disposed at an overflow stacker 90 that is fixedly disposed at a front lower position in the body 12 and a rear lower position from the rear surface in the body 12. A coin cassette 92 is provided. Further, a replenishment transport unit 93 is provided between the overflow stacker 90 and the coin cassette 92 to transport the coins fed from the overflow stacker 90 and the coin cassette 92 to the deposit / withdrawal unit 13 above.

  Inside the overflow stacker 90, there are disposed a storage space 95 for storing coins in a non-aligned state, and a belt 97 that constitutes the bottom of the storage space 95 and feeds the coins from the rear outlet 96 to the replenishment transport unit 93. Has been.

  Further, the overflow stacker 90 is provided with a forgetting box 127 for storing coins to be forgotten and a spare box 128 that can be used for storing predetermined coins that are arbitrarily set. The forgotten box 127 and the spare box 128 are configured as a separate type that can be individually detached from the overflow stacker 90.

  The coin cassette 92 is provided with a storage space 98 for storing coins in an unaligned state, and a belt 100 that constitutes a bottom portion of the storage space 98 and feeds coins from a feeding port 99 on the rear surface to a replenishment transport unit 93. .

  In addition, the coin cassette 92 is identified at the time of coin deposit processing or withdrawal processing, the operation reject box 104 as a reject box for storing reject coins that are not identified as normal coins by the identifying unit 33, and at the time of coin replenishment processing. Replenishment reject boxes 105 are provided as reject boxes for storing reject coins that are not identified as normal coins by the unit 33. The operation reject box 104 and the supplementary reject box 105 are configured as a separate type that can be individually detached from the coin cassette 92.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the replenishment transport unit 93 is provided with a horizontal transport part 108 that receives coins fed out from the overflow stacker 90 and the coin cassette 92, and a vertical transport part 109 that transports coins upward from the horizontal transport part 108. The transport conveyor 110 is provided. The vertical conveyance portion 109 is a side portion of the deposit / withdrawal unit 13, and is disposed on a side surface facing the coin conveyance unit 25, the depositing / feeding unit 31, the storage / feeding unit 32, the temporary storage unit 38, and the like. Further, the transport conveyor 110 has a plurality of protrusions 110a for picking up coins. In the vertical transport portion 109, coins are picked up by the protrusions 110a in a space formed between a wall surface (not shown) and the transport conveyor 110. Thus, the coin is transported upward. Further, the vertical conveyance portion 109 is arranged in the machine body 12 as shown by a solid line in FIG. 2 and moves to the outside of the machine body 12 as shown by a dotted line in FIG. Can be swung between a position where it can be released. Further, the coins transported upward by the vertical transport portion 109 of the transport conveyor 110 are sent to the temporary storage unit 38.

  Further, in the first transport part 26 in the coin transport unit 25, the coins transported along the first transport part 26 are branched from the first transport part 26, and an overflow stacker 90, a coin cassette 92, etc. A plurality (specifically, four) of coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d are provided. Here, each of the coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d has a first transporting portion 26 and a first transporting portion 26 that are transported in the storage transporting direction F1 and a coin that is transported in the first transporting portion 26 in the feeding transporting direction F2, respectively. It can be branched from the transport portion 26.

  Here, the coin branching mechanism 200a provided on the leftmost side in FIGS. 1 and 3 is arranged between the deposit feeding part 31 and the foremost storage and feeding part 32 in the feeding and conveying direction F2, and this coin branching. The mechanism 200a causes the coins transported along the first transport portion 26 to be branched from the first transport portion 26 and dropped onto the first chute 140, and the storage space 95 of the overflow stacker 90 is caused by the first chute 140. To send to.

  Also, the coin branching mechanism 200b provided second from the left side in FIGS. 1 and 3 is disposed between the foremost storage / feeding part 32 and the second storage / feeding part 32 from the frontmost part in the feeding and conveying direction F2. The coin branching mechanism 200b is configured to branch the coins transported along the first transport portion 26 from the first transport portion 26 and drop them onto the second chute 142. As shown in FIG. 2, the second chute 142 is provided with a switching mechanism 142 a, and the switching mechanism 142 a causes the coins branched from the first transport portion 26 to fall on the second chute 142. The forgotten box 127 and the spare box 128 are guided and stored.

  Further, the coin branching mechanism 200c provided second from the right side in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 is disposed between the second storing and feeding part 32 and the third storing and feeding part 32 from the front in the feeding and conveying direction F2. The coin branching mechanism 200c branches the coins transported along the first transport part 26 from the first transport part 26 and drops them onto the third chute 144. Further, the third chute 144 is provided with a switching mechanism (not shown). By this switching mechanism, the coins branched from the first transport portion 26 and dropped onto the third chute 144 are used in the operation reject box 104 and the supplementary reject. It is guided and stored in either one of the boxes 105.

  Further, the coin branching mechanism 200d provided on the rightmost side in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 is disposed between the third storing and feeding part 32 and the fourth storing and feeding part 32 from the front in the feeding and conveying direction F2. The coin branching mechanism 200d branches the coins transported along the first transport portion 26 from the first transport portion 26 and drops them onto the fourth chute 146, and the fourth chute 146 causes the coin cassette 92 to be dropped. To the storage space 98.

  Details of the configuration of each of the coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d provided in the first transport portion 26 in the coin transport unit 25 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the gate part 201 of the coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d, where (a) is a diagram showing a state when the branch port 251 is closed. ) Is a diagram showing a state when the branch port 251 is opened. 5 is a perspective view showing configurations of the gate unit 201 and the drive unit 230 of 200a to 200d, and FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a state when the branch port 251 is closed. b) is a diagram showing a state when the branch port 251 is opened. In FIG. 4, reference symbol C indicates a coin.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the coin branching mechanisms 200 a to 200 d according to the present embodiment include a gate unit 201 provided in the coin transport path in the first transport part 26 of the coin transport unit 25, and the gate unit. And a driving unit 230 that drives 201. Here, the gate unit 201 has a passage position (see FIG. 4A and FIG. 5A) that closes the branch port 251 so that coins transported along the coin transport path do not enter the branch port 251. It is movable between a branch position (see FIG. 4B and FIG. 5B) that opens the branch port 251 so that coins transported along the coin transport path enter the branch port 251. . The drive unit 230 drives the gate unit 201 so that the gate unit 201 moves between the passage position and the branch position. Further, when the gate unit 201 is located at the branch position, the gate unit 201 moves from the coin transport surface 250 in the coin transport path to the coin transport region side (specifically, between the belt 43 and the transport surface 250). It protrudes toward the region formed between them.

  More specifically, the gate portion 201 includes a first gate portion 202 that is rotatable about the shaft 204 and a second gate portion 212 that is rotatable about the shaft 214. . Here, the 1st gate part 202 guides the coin conveyed in the delivery conveyance direction F2 (1st direction) along a coin conveyance path, and puts it in the branch port 251. FIG. On the other hand, the second gate portion 212 guides the coins transported in the storage transport direction F1 (second direction opposite to the first direction) along the coin transport path so as to enter the branch port 251. It has become. In addition, the driving unit 230 includes, for example, a solenoid, and the driving unit 230 rotates the first gate portion 202 about the shaft 204 to move the first gate portion 202 between the passing position and the branch position. It is like that. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a rotating portion 234 is attached to the tip portion 232 of the drive unit 230 so as to be rotatable about a shaft 236 provided in the tip portion 232. The shaft 204 of the first gate portion 202 is attached to the end of the rotating portion 234. Accordingly, when the rotation unit 234 rotates about the shaft 236, the first gate portion 202 rotates about the shaft 204. The shaft 204 of the first gate portion 202 is attached with a gear 206 whose part of the outer peripheral surface is gear-shaped, and the shaft 214 of the second gate portion 212 is also part of its outer peripheral surface. A gear 216 having a gear shape is attached. The gear portion of the gear 206 attached to the shaft 204 of the first gate portion 202 and the gear portion of the gear 216 attached to the shaft 214 of the second gate portion 212 are engaged with each other. As a result, when the first gate portion 202 rotates about the axis 204, the second gate portion 212 also rotates integrally about the axis 214, and the first gate portion 202 and the second gate portion 212 are interlocked. As a result, it moves between the passing position and the branching position.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the first gate portion 202 and the second gate are driven by the gear 206 attached to the shaft 204 of the first gate portion 202 and the gear 216 attached to the shaft 214 of the second gate portion 212. An interlocking portion for interlocking the portion 212 is configured, and when the first gate portion 202 is driven by the driving unit 230, the second gate portion 212 is also driven by the interlocking portion. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first gate portion 202 and the second gate portion 212 are interlocked using an interlocking portion including the gear 206 and the gear 216, but the first gate portion 202 and the second gate portion 212 are interlocked by other methods. The two gate portions 212 may be interlocked. Further, the interlocking of the first gate portion 202 and the second gate portion 212 is not essential, and the first gate portion 202 and the second gate portion 212 may be driven separately.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, in this Embodiment, the position sensor 240 for detecting the position of the gate part 201 in the coin branching mechanism 200a-200d is provided. More specifically, the position sensor 240 is a photo interrupter, and when the light of the photo sensor is blocked by the rotating unit 234 (see FIG. 5B), it is detected that the gate unit 201 is at the branch position.

  Further, in the present embodiment, coins branched from the coin transport path via the branch port 251 are guided to the overflow stacker 90, the coin cassette 92, etc. by any one of the first chute 140 to the fourth chute 146. It has come to be. Here, the coins transported in the feeding transport direction F <b> 2 along the coin transport path in the first transport part 26 of the coin transport unit 25 and branched by the first gate part 202 of the gate unit 201, and the coin transport unit 25 Coins that are transported in the storage transport direction F1 along the coin transport path in the first transport portion 26 and branched by the second gate portion 212 of the gate portion 201 are guided by the same chute.

  In addition, the coin processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with a control unit 150 (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 5) that controls each component of the coin processing apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 150 includes a coin transport unit 25, an identification unit 33, passage sensors 29 a and 29 b, each coin branching mechanism 200 a to 200 d, a deposit feeding unit 31, a storage feeding unit 32, a temporary holding unit 38, An overflow stacker 90, a coin cassette 92, a replenishment transport unit 93, and the like are connected to each other. The control unit 150 performs processing by detecting signals from the identification unit 33, the passage sensors 29a and 29b, and other components. Further, the control unit 150 includes the coin transport unit 25, the coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d, the deposit feeding unit 31, the storage and feeding unit 32, the temporary storage unit 38, the overflow stacker 90, the coin cassette 92, the replenishment transport unit 93, and the like. These components are controlled by sending command signals to the components. In addition, each component may have a control part, for example, the control part which controls the said coin branching mechanism 200a-200d for every coin branching mechanism 200a-200d is provided, and it connects with the control part 150. You may come to be. Further, the control unit 150 may identify the coin by processing a signal detected from the coin conveyed by the identification unit 33, or the identification unit 33 may include a control unit and a storage unit that stores information on the coin. The identification unit 33 may identify a coin and transmit an identification result such as a denomination or true / false to the control unit 150.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a storage unit 152 and a communication interface unit 154 are connected to the control unit 150. The storage unit 152 is configured to store information related to the processing status of coins in the coin processing device 10 and information such as the amount of money in each storage and feeding unit 32. In addition, the control unit 150 can transmit and receive various signals to and from the host terminal via the communication interface unit 154. Specifically, for example, when the control unit 150 receives a command for coin deposit processing or withdrawal processing from the upper terminal via the communication interface unit 154, the control unit 150 controls each component of the coin processing apparatus 10 to perform coin deposit processing. And withdrawal processing. In addition, the control unit 150 may transmit information such as the coin processing status in the coin processing device 10 and the amount of coins stored in each storage and feeding unit 32 to the host terminal via the communication interface unit 154. It can be done.

  Next, operation | movement of the coin processing apparatus 10 of this Embodiment which consists of such a structure is demonstrated. In addition, operation | movement of the coin processing apparatus 10 as shown below is performed because the control part 150 controls each component of the said coin processing apparatus 10. FIG.

  First, the coin depositing process by the coin processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 (a) shows an operation for temporarily suspending a received coin in the coin deposit process. As shown in FIG. 7A, the coins inserted into the tray 23 from the deposit / withdrawal port 21 of the machine body 12 are released downward by the reversal of the tray 23 and are received by the depositing / feeding portion 31. The tray 23 returns to the posture of receiving coins after being inverted.

  Coins received by the deposit feeding section 31 are fed one by one from the deposit feeding section 31 to the first transport portion 26 of the coin transport section 25 and fed to the first transport section 26 of the coin transport section 25. Coins are conveyed one by one by the belt 43 in the feeding and conveying direction F2. At this time, the coins conveyed by the coin conveyance unit 25 are identified by the identification unit 33.

  As a result of identification in the identification unit 33, the coins identified as normal coins are distributed from the second conveyance portion 27 of the coin conveyance unit 25 to the temporary retention unit 38 by the distribution member 47 of the temporary retention unit 38, and It is stored in the storage unit 38. Further, as a result of the identification in the identification unit 33, the coin that has not been identified as a normal coin passes through the position of the temporary storage unit 38 and is discharged from the second conveyance portion 27 of the coin conveyance unit 25 to the tray 23. Is returned to the operator.

  FIG. 7B shows a foreign object return operation in the coin deposit process.

  Based on the detection of a residue detection sensor (not shown) that detects residues such as coins and foreign matter in the money paying-out part 31, or when it is determined that there is a foreign matter remaining without being paid out from the money paying-out part 31, or the money paying-out part After completing the payout of all coins from 31, a discharge gate (not shown) provided in the hopper of the payout payout part 31 is opened, and the clip remains in the payout payout part 31 without being drawn out from the payout payout part 31. Also, foreign matters such as paper pieces and deformed coins are discharged to the lower foreign matter chute 83 and returned to the foreign matter return port 22.

  FIG. 7C shows the storing operation of the coin temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 38 in the coin depositing process.

  When the coin storage instruction is given from the upper terminal to the control unit 150 after the counting and temporary holding operation of all the coins inserted into the tray 23 from the deposit / withdrawal port 21 of the machine body 12 is completed, the coins in the temporary storage unit 38 are The coins fed out one by one to the second transport part 27 of the coin transport unit 25 and transported to the second transport part 27 of the coin transport unit 25 are transported one by one by the belt 43 in the storage transport direction F1. . At this time, the coins conveyed by the coin conveyance unit 25 are identified by the identification unit 33.

  As a result of identification in the identification unit 33, the coins identified as normal coins are distributed from the coin transport unit 25 to the storage and feeding unit 32 by the sorting member 47 of the storage and feeding unit 32 that stores the coins of the corresponding denomination. It is stored in the storage and feeding unit 32.

  When the number of coins stored in the storing and feeding unit 32 reaches a predetermined full number, the coins of the corresponding denominations thereafter are regarded as overflow coins, and the overflow coins are stored in the coin transport unit 25 by the coin branching mechanism 200a. 1 is branched from the one transport portion 26, sent to the overflow stacker 90, and stored in the overflow stacker 90.

  As a result of identification in the identification unit 33, coins that have not been identified as normal coins are branched from the first conveyance portion 26 of the coin conveyance unit 25 by the coin branching mechanism 200a, and sent to the overflow stacker 90 to correspond to the coins. It is stored in the overflow stacker 90 or branched from the first transfer portion 26 of the coin transfer unit 25 by the coin branching mechanism 200c, sent to the operation reject box 104 of the coin cassette 92, and stored in the operation reject box 104. Is done.

  FIGS. 7D and 7E show the operation of returning the coin temporarily held in the temporary holding unit 38 in the coin deposit process.

  When a coin return command is given from the host terminal to the control unit 150 after the counting and temporary holding operation of all coins inserted into the tray 23 from the deposit / withdrawal port 21 of the machine body 12 is completed, as shown in FIG. In addition, the coins in the temporary storage unit 38 are fed one by one to the second transport part 27 of the coin transport unit 25, and the coins fed to the second transport part 27 of the coin transport unit 25 are belted one by one. 43, the sheet is transported in the storage transport direction F1 and stored in the deposit feeding part 31.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7 (e), coins are fed one by one from the deposit feeding part 31 to the first transport part 26 of the coin transport part 25, and the first transport part 26 of the coin transport part 25. The coins that are fed out are conveyed one by one by the belt 43 in the feeding and conveying direction F2, discharged to the tray 23 of the deposit / withdrawal port 21, and returned to the operator.

  Next, a coin dispensing process performed by the coin processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8A shows the counting and dispensing operation of the dispensing coins in the coin dispensing process. As shown in FIG. 8 (a), when a coin withdrawal instruction including the denomination and number of coins to be withdrawn or the amount of coins to be withdrawn is given from the upper terminal to the control unit 150, it corresponds. The coins in the storage and feeding unit 32 are fed one by one to the coin transport unit 25, and the coins fed to the coin transport unit 25 are transported one by one by the belt 43 in the feed and transport direction F <b> 2 and transported by the coin transport unit 25. The recognized coins are identified by the identification unit 33.

  As a result of identification in the identification unit 33, the coins identified as normal coins are discharged from the second conveyance portion 27 of the coin conveyance unit 25 to the tray 23 of the deposit / withdrawal port 21. On the other hand, coins that have not been identified as normal coins as a result of identification by the identification unit 33 are distributed from the second conveyance portion 27 of the coin conveyance unit 25 to the temporary retention unit 38 by the distribution member 47 of the temporary retention unit 38. And stored in the temporary storage unit 38. For coins that have not been identified as normal coins, a deficient coin is additionally thrown from the storage and feeding unit 32 corresponding to the denomination of the coin.

  In this way, the withdrawn coins are withdrawn to the tray 23 of the deposit / withdrawal port 21.

  FIG. 8B shows a coin return operation that was not identified as a normal coin in the coin dispensing process.

  Coins are fed one by one from the temporary storage unit 38 storing the coins that have not been identified as normal coins to the second transport part 27 of the coin transport unit 25, and fed to the second transport part 27 of the coin transport unit 25. The coins are conveyed one by one by the belt 43 in the storing and conveying direction F1. Further, the coins conveyed by the coin conveyance unit 25 are re-identified by the identification unit 33.

  As a result of re-identification in the identification unit 33, the coins identified as normal coins are distributed from the coin transport unit 25 to the storage and feeding unit 32 by the sorting member 47 of the storage and feeding unit 32 that stores the coins of the corresponding denomination. It is stored in the storage and feeding part 32.

  As a result of re-identification by the identification unit 33, coins that have not been identified as normal coins are branched from the coin transport unit 25 by the coin branching mechanism 200 d, sent to the overflow stacker 90, and stored in the overflow stacker 90.

  FIGS. 8C and 8D show the operation of collecting forgotten coins in the coin dispensing process.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (c), when it is detected by a sensor (not shown) that coins are not taken out even if a predetermined time has elapsed after dispensing coins to the receiving tray 23 of the deposit / withdrawal port 21. The control unit 150 determines that the operator has forgotten to take the coin, reverses the tray 23 and discharges the coin to the depositing and feeding unit 31. The coins received by the deposit feeding part 31 are fed one by one to the first transport part 26 of the coin transport part 25, and the coins fed to the first transport part 26 of the coin transport part 25 are belted one by one. 43 is conveyed in the feeding conveyance direction F2. The coins transported by the coin transport unit 25 are identified by the identification unit 33, and are sorted by the sorting member 47 of the temporary storage unit 38 from the second transport part 27 of the coin transport unit 25 to the temporary storage unit 38 to be temporarily stored. It is stored in the part 38.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8 (d), coins are fed one by one from the temporary storage unit 38 to the second transport part 27 of the coin transport part 25, and the second transport part 27 of the coin transport part 25. Are fed one by one in the storing and conveying direction F1 by the belt 43. And the coin conveyed by the coin conveyance part 25 is branched from the 1st conveyance part 26 of the coin conveyance part 25 by the coin branching mechanism 200b, is sent to the forgetting box 127, and is accommodated in the said forgetting box 127. .

  Next, coin recovery processing by the coin processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  When a command for collecting coins is issued from the upper terminal to the control unit 150, coins in one storage and feeding unit 32 are fed one by one to the coin transport unit 25, and the coins fed to the coin transport unit 25 are 1 Each sheet is conveyed by the belt 43 in the feeding and conveying direction F2. After the coins conveyed by the coin conveyance unit 25 are identified by the identification unit 33, they are stored in the deposit feeding unit 31 or the temporary storage unit 38. Here, coins that have been identified by the identification unit 33 and then stored in the deposit feeding unit 31 are fed one by one from the deposit feeding unit 31 to the first transport portion 26 of the coin transport unit 25, and this coin transport unit. The coins fed to the 25 first conveying portions 26 are conveyed one by one by the belt 43 in the feeding and conveying direction F2. And the coin conveyed in the feeding conveyance direction F2 in the 1st conveyance part 26 of the coin conveyance part 25 is branched from the 1st conveyance part 26 by the coin branching mechanism 200d, is sent to the coin cassette 92, and the said coin cassette 92. Further, coins that are identified by the identification unit 33 and then stored in the temporary storage unit 38 are fed one by one from the temporary storage unit 38 to the second transport part 27 of the coin transport unit 25, and the coin transport unit 25. The coins fed to the second transport portion 27 are transported one by one by the belt 43 in the storage transport direction F1. And the coin conveyed in the accommodation conveyance direction F1 in the 1st conveyance part 26 of the coin conveyance part 25 is branched from the 1st conveyance part 26 by the coin branching mechanism 200d, is sent to the coin cassette 92, and the said coin cassette 92. And after such collection | recovery operation | movement is sequentially performed about all the accommodation | drawer feeding parts 32, an operator will collect | recover coins with the said coin cassette 92 by taking out the coin cassette 92 from the fuselage | body 12. FIG.

  More specifically, when the coin collecting process is performed, the storage and feeding unit 32 (that is, a 5-yen coin, a 10-yen coin, and a 100-yen coin provided on the downstream side of the coin branching mechanism 200d in the feeding and conveying direction F2). When the coins in the storage and feeding unit 32) for storing coins are fed to the coin transport unit 25, the coins transported by the coin transport unit 25 are identified by the identifying unit 33 as shown in FIG. Then, it is sent to the deposit / withdrawal port 21 and falls from the deposit / withdrawal port 21 without being received by the tray 23, and is sent to the deposit / feedout unit 31 via the chute 30 and stored in the deposit / payout unit 31. . And in parallel with the operation | movement which conveys a coin to the deposit | payout delivery part 31 by the coin conveyance part 25 from the storage | payout delivery part 32, the coin sent to the receipt | payout delivery part 31 is carried out from the said receipt | payout delivery part 31 one by one. The coins fed to the first transport portion 26 and fed to the first transport portion 26 of the coin transport section 25 are transported one by one by the belt 43 in the transport direction F2. And the coin conveyed in the feeding conveyance direction F2 in the 1st conveyance part 26 of the coin conveyance part 25 is branched from the 1st conveyance part 26 by the coin branching mechanism 200d, is sent to the coin cassette 92, and the said coin cassette 92. As described above, when the coin collecting process is performed, the coins in the storing and feeding unit 32 provided on the downstream side of the coin branching mechanism 200d in the feeding and conveying direction F2 (that is, five-yen coins, ten-yen coins, and 100 With regard to (yen coins), when being fed from the storage and feeding section 32 to the coin transport section 25 and then transported by the coin transport section 25, the coin branching mechanism 200d branches from the coin transport path without changing the transport direction. Will be able to.

  Further, when the coin collecting process is performed, the storing and feeding unit 32 provided on the upstream side of the coin branching mechanism 200d in the feeding and conveying direction F2 (that is, storing one-yen coin, 50-yen coin, and 500-yen coin, respectively) When the coins in the storage and feeding unit 32) are fed to the coin transport unit 25, as shown in FIG. 9B, after the coins transported by the coin transport unit 25 are identified by the identifying unit 33, The sorting member 47 corresponding to the temporary storage unit 38 distributes the second transport part 27 of the coin transport unit 25 to the temporary storage unit 38 and stores it in the temporary storage unit 38. Then, after all the coins in a storage and feeding unit 32 are sent to the temporary storage unit 38, as shown in FIG. 9C, coins are transferred from the temporary storage unit 38 one by one to the second of the coin transport unit 25. The coins fed to the second transport portion 27 of the coin transport section 25 are transported one by one by the belt 43 in the storage transport direction F1. And the coin conveyed in the accommodation conveyance direction F1 in the 1st conveyance part 26 of the coin conveyance part 25 is branched from the 1st conveyance part 26 by the coin branching mechanism 200d, is sent to the coin cassette 92, and the said coin cassette 92.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the coin branching mechanism 200d includes the coins conveyed in the storage conveyance direction F1 in the first conveyance part 26 and the coins conveyed in the feeding conveyance direction F2 in the first conveyance part 26. Can be branched from the first transport portion 26, so that the coins fed from the deposit feeding portion 31 to the first transport portion 26 of the coin transport portion 25 and transported in the feeding and transporting direction F2. (See FIG. 9A), and coins (see FIG. 9C) that are fed from the temporary storage unit 38 to the second transport portion 27 of the coin transport unit 25 and transported in the storage transport direction F1 respectively. The branch mechanism 200d can be branched from the first transport portion 26 of the coin transport section 25 and sent to the coin cassette 92.

  In the prior art, the coin branching mechanism that branches the coins from the first transport portion 26 of the coin transport unit 25 and sends the coins to the coin cassette 92 is only transported in one direction (for example, transported in the storage transport direction F1). Only the coins to be used) can be branched from the first transport portion 26 of the coin transport unit 25. For this reason, coins of all denominations are fed out from the storage and feeding unit 32 and identified by the identification unit 33 and then stored in the temporary storage unit 38. All the coins in the storage and feeding unit 32 are all stored in the temporary storage unit 38. After being sent, it is necessary to feed coins one by one from the temporary storage unit 38 to the second transport portion 27 of the coin transport unit 25 and send them to the coin cassette 92 by the coin branching mechanism 200d. In such a case, for all denominations of coins, the coins cannot be sent from the temporary holding unit 38 to the coin cassette 92 unless all the coins in the storage and feeding unit 32 are sent to the temporary holding unit 38. There was a problem that it took time to collect coins. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the coins in the storing and feeding unit 32 provided on the downstream side of the coin branching mechanism 200d in the feeding and conveying direction F2 (that is, 5-yen coins, 10-yen coins, and 100-yen coins). Since, in parallel with the operation of conveying coins from the storage and feeding unit 32 to the depositing and feeding unit 31 by the coin transporting unit 25, it can be sent from the depositing and feeding unit 31 to the coin cassette 92. Compared with the case where coins are sent from the temporary storage unit 38 to the coin cassette 92 after all the coins have been sent to the temporary storage unit 38, the time required for the coin recovery operation can be shortened. The time required for the processing of collecting all denomination coins can be shortened.

  According to the coin processing apparatus 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d are provided in the coin transport path, and a coin transported along the coin transport path is a branch port 251. A gate that is freely movable between a passage position that closes the branch port 251 so as not to enter and a branch position that opens the branch port 251 so that coins conveyed along the coin conveyance path enter the branch port 251. And a drive unit 230 that drives the gate unit 201 so that the gate unit 201 moves between the passage position and the branch position. Further, the control unit 150 conveys the coins in the storage conveyance direction F1 which is opposite to the supply conveyance direction F2 when the coins are conveyed in the feeding conveyance direction F2 along the coin conveyance path. By controlling the drive unit 230 in both cases, the gate unit 201 can be moved to the branch position, and coins conveyed along the coin conveyance path can be put into the branch port 251 and branched from the coin conveyance path. It is like that. According to such coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d, with a compact configuration, the coins conveyed in both forward and reverse directions along the coin conveyance path can be put into the branch port 251 and reliably branched from the coin conveyance path. become able to.

  Moreover, according to the coin processing apparatus 10 provided with such coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d, when coins are transported in the feeding transport direction F2 along the coin transport path, and coins are transported along the coin transport path. The coin processing time can be shortened because the coin can be surely branched from the coin transport path both when transported in the storage transport direction F1, which is the opposite direction to the direction F2. Specifically, when performing the coin collecting process, the coins in the storage and feeding portion 32 provided on the downstream side of the coin branching mechanism 200d in the feeding and conveying direction F2 among the six storage and feeding portions 32 (that is, 5 coins, 10 yen coins and 100 yen coins), the coin feeding unit 31 to the coin cassette 92 in parallel with the operation of transporting coins from the storage and feeding unit 32 to the deposit feeding unit 31 by the coin transport unit 25. Since it can be sent, the time required for the coin collecting operation is shortened as compared with the case where coins are sent from the temporary holding unit 38 to the coin cassette 92 after all the coins in the storing and feeding unit 32 are sent to the temporary holding unit 38. Therefore, the time required for the entire recovery process (that is, the recovery process of coins of all denominations) can be shortened.

  Moreover, in the coin branching mechanism 200a-200d of this Embodiment, when the gate part 201 is located in a branch position as mentioned above, the said gate part 201 is a coin from the conveyance surface 250 of the coin in a coin conveyance path. It protrudes to the transport area side (see FIG. 4B).

  Moreover, in the coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d of the present embodiment, as described above, the gate unit 201 guides the coins that are transported in the feeding transport direction F2 along the coin transport path and branches the coins. A first gate portion 202 for guiding, a second gate portion 212 for branching the coin by guiding the coin conveyed in the storing and conveying direction F1 along the coin conveyance path, the first gate portion 202 and the second gate It has an interlocking part (specifically, gear 206 and gear 216) that interlocks the gate part 212. In this case, the driving unit 230 drives either one of the first gate portion 202 and the second gate portion 212 (specifically, the first gate portion 202) in the gate portion 201. When one gate portion is driven by the driving unit 230, the other gate portion (specifically, the second gate portion 212) is also driven by the interlocking portion.

  Note that the coin branching mechanism according to the present embodiment and the coin processing device including such a coin branching mechanism are not limited to the above-described aspects, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, among the four coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d provided in the first transport part 26 of the coin transport unit 25, the coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200c other than the coin branching mechanism 200d provided on the rightmost side are coins. The thing of the structure which branches only the coin conveyed in one direction in the coin conveyance path in the 1st conveyance part 26 of the conveyance part 25 from the said coin conveyance path may be used.

  Further, the coin branching mechanism 200d that branches the coins from the coin transport path in the first transport portion 26 of the coin transport unit 25 and sends the coins to the coin cassette 92 is replaced with the third storing / feeding unit 32 from the front in the transporting direction F2. And the fourth storage / feeding part 32 may be arranged between the depositing / feeding part 31 and the frontmost storage / feeding part 32 in the feeding and conveying direction F2. In other words, the coin branched from the coin conveyance path by the coin branching mechanism 200a located on the leftmost side in FIGS. 1 and 3 may be sent to the coin cassette 92. In this case, when performing the coin collecting process, the coin feeding section is performed in parallel with the operation of transporting coins from the storage and feeding section 32 to the deposit feeding section 31 by the coin feeding section 25 for all denomination coins. 31 to the coin cassette 92, the entire collection process (i.e., compared with the case where coins of only some denominations are transported from the storage and feeding unit 32 to the depositing and feeding unit 31 by the coin transport unit 25). , It is possible to further reduce the time required for the processing of collecting coins of all denominations.

  Moreover, in said description of the coin processing apparatus 10, when performing the collection | recovery process of a coin, the aspect which sends to the coin cassette 92 after identifying all the coins paid out from each accommodation feeding part 32 by the identification part 33 is described. However, since the coins stored in each storage and feeding unit 32 are determined in stock, the coins fed out from each storage and feeding unit 32 when the coins are collected are identified by the identification unit 33. You may make it send to the coin cassette 92, without making it identify. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the coin branching mechanism 200 d that branches the coins from the coin transport path in the first transport portion 26 of the coin transport unit 25 and sends them to the coin cassette 92 is fed and transported. Even if it is arranged between the third storage / feeding part 32 and the fourth storage / feeding part 32 from the front in the direction F2, the storage / feeding part provided on the upstream side of the coin branching mechanism 200d in the feeding / conveying direction F2. Before sending the coins fed out to the first transport part 26 of the coin transport unit 25 from 32 (that is, the storing and feeding unit 32 storing 1-yen coin, 50-yen coin and 500-yen coin, respectively) to the identification unit 33 The coin branching mechanism 200d can branch the first transport portion 26 and send it to the coin cassette 92. Thus, when performing the coin collection processing, when coins fed from the storage and feeding sections 32 are sent to the coin cassette 92 without being identified by the identification section 33, the coin branching mechanism 200d in the feeding and conveying direction F2 The coins stored in the storage and feeding unit 32 provided on the upstream side are fed from the storage and feeding unit 32 to the coin transport unit 25 and sent to the temporary storage unit 38 by the coin transport unit 25, and then the temporary storage unit 38. Since the operation of sending the coins to the coin cassette 92 is unnecessary, the time required for the coin collecting operation can be shortened, and thus the time required for the entire collecting process (that is, the collecting process of all denomination coins) is also achieved. It becomes possible to shorten.

  Moreover, the coin branch which can branch the coin conveyed in the conveyance conveyance direction F2 in the coin conveyance path, and the coin conveyed in the storage conveyance direction F1 which is a reverse direction to the supply conveyance direction F2 from a coin conveyance path, respectively. The mechanism is not limited to the one shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As the coin branching mechanism according to the modification, one having a configuration as shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11 may be used.

  In the coin branching mechanism 260 shown in FIG. 10, a first gate portion 262 and a second gate portion 264 that rotate integrally around a shaft 266 are used as the gate portion 261. Such a gate portion 261 is driven by a driving source such as a 3-position solenoid (not shown) or a stepping motor. Here, FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a state when the gate portion 261 is in a passing position where the branch port 251 is blocked so that coins transported along the coin transport path do not enter the branch port 251. FIG. 10B shows a first branch in which the first gate portion 262 opens the branch port 251 so that coins transported in the feeding transport direction F2 along the coin transport path enter the branch port 251 and are sent to the chute 252. FIG. 10C is a diagram showing a state when it is in the position, and FIG. 10C shows the second gate so that coins conveyed in the storage conveyance direction F1 along the coin conveyance path enter the branch port 251 and are sent to the chute 252. It is a figure which shows a state when the part 264 exists in the 2nd branch position which opens the branch port 251. FIG.

  When the coin transported along the coin transport path is not branched from the coin transport path by the coin branching mechanism 260, the gate portion 261 is positioned at the passing position as shown in FIG. In this case, since the branch port 251 is blocked by the gate portion 261, the coins conveyed along the coin conveyance path continue along the coin conveyance path through the upper surface of the gate portion 261 without entering the branch port 251. Will be transported. In addition, when the coins transported in the feeding transport direction F2 along the coin transport path are branched from the coin transport path by the coin branching mechanism 260, the gate unit 261 is driven by a drive source (not shown) to drive the gate. The part 261 comes to be located at the first branch position as shown in FIG. In this case, the coins conveyed along the coin conveyance path are sent from the branch port 251 to the chute 252 by the first gate portion 262, and are branched from the coin conveyance path. In addition, when the coin transported in the storage transport direction F1 along the coin transport path is branched from the coin transport path by the coin branching mechanism 260, the gate unit 261 is driven by a driving source (not shown) to drive the gate. The part 261 comes to be located at the second branch position as shown in FIG. In this case, the coins conveyed along the coin conveyance path are sent from the branch port 251 to the chute 252 by the second gate portion 264, and are branched from the coin conveyance path.

  Also in the coin branching mechanism 260 configured as shown in FIG. 10, when coins are transported in the feeding transport direction F2 along the coin transport path and when coins are transported in the storage transport direction F1 along the coin transport path. In both cases, the drive source moves the gate part 261 to the first branch position or the second branch position, respectively, so that coins transported along the coin transport path are put into the branch port 251 and sent to the chute 252 to transport the coins. It will be possible to branch off the road. In such a coin branching mechanism 260 as well, as in the coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d configured as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. By feeding the chute 252 through the branch port 251, it can be surely branched from the coin transport path.

  Moreover, in the coin branching mechanism 270 shown in FIG. 11, as the gate part 271, the 1st guide surface 272 for guiding the coin conveyed in the feeding conveyance direction F2 along a coin conveyance path, and branching the said coin, 11 has a second guide surface 274 for guiding the coin conveyed in the storage conveyance direction F1 along the coin conveyance path and branching the coin, and the gate portion 271 moves in the vertical direction in FIG. It is possible. Further, in the coin branching mechanism 270 shown in FIG. 11, a solenoid, a linear motor, or the like is provided as a drive source for moving the gate portion 271 in the vertical direction. Here, Fig.11 (a) is a figure which shows a state when the gate part 271 exists in the passage position which block | closes the branch port 251 so that the coin conveyed along a coin conveyance path may not enter into the branch port 251, FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a state when the gate portion 271 is at a branch position where the branch port 251 is opened so that coins transported along the coin transport path enter the branch port 251.

  When the coins transported along the coin transport path are not branched from the coin transport path by the coin branching mechanism 270, the gate portion 271 is positioned at the passing position as shown in FIG. In this case, since the branch port 251 is blocked by the gate portion 271, the coins conveyed along the coin conveyance path continue along the coin conveyance path through the upper surface of the gate portion 271 without entering the branch port 251. Will be transported. In addition, when a coin transported in the storage transport direction F1 or the feeding transport direction F2 along the coin transport path is branched from the coin transport path by the coin branching mechanism 270, the gate unit 271 is driven by a drive source (not shown). As a result, the gate portion 271 moves upward from the state shown in FIG. 11A and is located at a branch position as shown in FIG. In this case, the coins conveyed in the storing and conveying direction F1 and the feeding and conveying direction F2 along the coin conveying path are guided by the first guide surface 272 and the second guide surface 274 of the gate portion 271, thereby the gate portion. 271 is sent to the chute 252 via the branch port 251 and branched from the coin conveyance path.

  Even in the coin branching mechanism 270 configured as shown in FIG. 11, when coins are transported in the feeding transport direction F2 along the coin transport path and when coins are transported in the storage transport direction F1 along the coin transport path. In both cases, when the drive source moves the gate portion 271 to the branch position, the coins transported along the coin transport path can be put into the branch port 251 and branched from the coin transport path. Even in such a coin branching mechanism 270, coins transported in both forward and reverse directions along the coin transporting path are formed in a compact configuration, similar to the coin branching mechanisms 200a to 200d configured as shown in FIGS. It can enter into the branch port 251 and can be reliably branched from the coin conveyance path.

  Moreover, in this invention, it is conveyed in the accommodation conveyance direction F1 along the coin conveyed by the feeding conveyance direction F2 along the coin conveyance path, and branched by the gate part 201 of coin branching mechanism 200a-200d. It is not limited to the structure which the coin branched by the gate part 201 of the coin branching mechanism 200a-200d is guided by the same chute | shoot. As shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of chutes 253 and 254 are provided for one coin branching mechanism 200 a to 200 d, and the first chute of the gate unit 201 is conveyed in the feeding conveyance direction F <b> 2 along the coin conveyance path. The coins branched by the portion 202 and the coins conveyed in the storage conveyance direction F1 along the coin conveyance path and branched by the second gate portion 212 of the gate portion 201 are guided by different chutes 253 and 254. It may be. Specifically, the coins that are transported in the feeding and transporting direction F2 along the coin transport path and branched by the first gate portion 202 of the gate unit 201 fall from the branch port 251 to the left chute 253, and this left chute. On the other hand, the coin guided along the coin transport path in the storing and transporting direction F1 and branched by the second gate portion 212 of the gate portion 201 falls from the branch port 251 to the right chute 254 and this right side. It is guided by the chute 254. In this case, coins branched from the coin transport path by one coin branching mechanism can be sent to different locations based on the coin transport direction in the coin transport path.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Coin processing apparatus 12 Machine body 13 Deposit / withdrawal part 14 Replenishment collection part 21 Deposit / withdrawal port 22 Foreign substance return port 23 Receptacle 24 Base 25 Coin conveyance part 26 1st conveyance part 27 2nd conveyance part 28 3rd conveyance part 29a Passing Sensor 29b Pass sensor 30 Chute 31 Deposit feeding part 31a Rotating disk 31b Protrusion 32 Storage feeding part 32a Rotating disk 32b Protrusion 33 Identification part 38 Temporary holding part 38a Rotating disk 38b Protrusion 43 Belt 43a Pin 44 Pulley 47 Distributing member 83 Foreign material chute 90 Overflow stacker 92 Coin cassette 93 Replenishment transport unit 95 Storage space 96 Delivery port 97 Belt 98 Storage space 99 Delivery port 100 Belt 104 Rejection reject box 105 Rejection reject box 108 Horizontal transport part 109 Vertical transport part 110 Transport conveyor 110a Protrusion 127 Bo 128 spare box 140 first chute 142 second chute 142a switching mechanism 144 third chute 146 fourth chute 150 control unit 152 storage unit 154 communication interface unit 200a to 200d coin branching mechanism 201 gate unit 202 first gate portion 204 shaft 206 Gear 212 Second gate portion 214 Shaft 216 Gear 230 Drive portion 232 Tip portion 234 Rotating portion 236 Shaft 240 Position sensor 250 Conveying surface 251 Branch port 252 to 254 Chute 260 Coin branch mechanism 261 Gate portion 262 First gate portion 264 Second Gate portion 266 Shaft 270 Coin branching mechanism 271 Gate portion 272 First guide surface 274 Second guide surface F1 Storage conveyance direction F2 Feeding conveyance direction

Claims (10)

A coin branching mechanism for branching a coin transported along the coin transport path from the coin transport path through a branch port provided in the coin transport path;
A passage position that is provided in the coin transport path and closes the branch port so that coins transported along the coin transport path do not enter the branch port, and a coin transported along the coin transport path is branched. A gate portion that is movable between a branch position that opens the branch port so as to enter the mouth;
A drive unit that drives the gate unit so that the gate unit moves between the passage position and the branch position;
Both when coins are transported along the coin transport path in the first direction and when coins are transported along the coin transport path in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. So that the gate is moved to the branch position by controlling the drive unit so that coins transported along the coin transport path can be branched into the branch port. A control unit,
A coin branching mechanism.   2. The coin branching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein when the gate portion is positioned at the branch position, the gate portion protrudes from a coin transport surface in the coin transport path toward a coin transport region. .   The gate portion includes a first gate portion for branching coins conveyed in the first direction along the coin conveyance path, and coins conveyed in the second direction along the coin conveyance path. 3. The coin branching mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising: a second gate portion for branching the first gate portion; and an interlocking portion for interlocking the first gate portion and the second gate portion.   The driving unit is configured to drive one of the first gate portion and the second gate portion of the gate unit, and when the driving unit drives one of the gate portions. The coin branching mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the other gate part is also driven by the interlocking part.   The gate portion includes a first guide surface for branching coins conveyed in the first direction along the coin conveyance path, and coins conveyed in the second direction along the coin conveyance path. The coin branching mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising: a second guide surface for branching. A guide unit for guiding coins branched from the coin conveyance path through the branch port;
The coins conveyed in the first direction along the coin conveyance path and branched by the gate part and the coins conveyed in the second direction along the coin conveyance path and branched by the gate part are The coin branching mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the coin branching mechanism is guided by the same guide portion. A plurality of guides for guiding coins branched from the coin conveyance path through the branch port;
A guide section that guides the coins that are transported in the first direction along the coin transport path and branched by the gate section, and is transported in the second direction along the coin transport path, by the gate section. The coin branching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the coin branching mechanism is different from a guide unit for guiding the branched coins. A coin transport section for transporting coins in the first direction and the second direction along the coin transport path;
A coin branching mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A coin processing apparatus. An identification unit that is provided in the coin conveyance path and identifies a coin conveyed by the coin conveyance path;
The coin conveyance path has a loop shape,
The same coin that has been transported in the first direction along the coin transport path and passed through the identification unit, and the same coin that has been transported in the second direction along the coin transport path and passed through the recognition unit The coin processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the coin branching mechanism branches the coin transport path. A plurality of denomination storage units for storing coins sent from the coin transport path in denominations and feeding the stored coins to the coin transport path and transporting them in the first direction;
A temporary storage unit for storing coins sent from the coin transport path and feeding the stored coins to the coin transport path and transporting them in the second direction;
The denomination storage unit, the identification unit, and the temporary storage unit are arranged in order from the upstream side in the first direction in the coin conveyance path, and at least between the coin branching mechanism and the identification unit. One said denomination storage part is arranged,
The coins fed out from the denomination storage unit provided on the upstream side of the coin branching mechanism in the first direction in the coin transport path are stored in the temporary storage unit and then stored in the temporary storage unit. When being fed out to the transport path and transported in the second direction, the coin branching mechanism branches off the coin transport path, and the coin transport path is more than the coin branching mechanism in the first direction. When the coins fed out from the denomination storage unit provided on the downstream side are transported in the first direction in the coin transport path without being sent to the temporary storage unit, the coins are transported by the coin branching mechanism. The coin processing device according to claim 9, wherein the coin processing device is branched from the road.

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