JP2018132816A - Coin conveyance device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coin conveyance device capable of selectively ejecting, from two outlets, multiple kinds of coins different in diameter or thickness.SOLUTION: A coin conveyance device comprises: a coin guide passage consisting of first and second guide surfaces that guide a peripheral surface of a coin and third and fourth guide surfaces that guide front and rear sides of the coin; multiple turntables that are turned around a rotation axis substantially vertical to the third and fourth guide surfaces; a coin push body that is provided while protruding from a surface of each of the multiple turntables; a first outlet passage that guides a coin positioned at an upper side of an outlet to a first coin outlet; a second outlet passage that guides a coin positioned at an upper side of an outlet to a second coin outlet; a stopper that can protrude and be embedded in an inlet of the first outlet passage; and a coin ejection mechanism that is configured to make an ejection force act on a coin positioned at the upper side of the outlet, toward the second outlet passage when the stopper is embedded, and to make an ejection force act on the coin toward the second outlet passage when the stopper protrudes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a coin transport device, and more particularly to a coin transport device that transports coins sent one by one to a predetermined position and discharges them. More specifically, the present invention relates to a coin transport device that transports a plurality of types of coins having different diameters and selectively releases them from two different positions. Note that “coin” used in the present specification includes coins as currency, substitute money such as medals and tokens of game machines, and the like.

  Various techniques for transporting and discharging coins to a predetermined position have been proposed. For example, “Coin Conveying Device” disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-221281), “Coin Conveying Device” disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 6002906), and Patent Document 3 (Patent Document 3). No. 5066679) discloses a “disc sorting device”.

  The “coin transport device” of Patent Document 1 has a left and right guide surface that guides the peripheral surface of a coin and front and back guide surfaces that guide the front and back surfaces of the coin, and a coin guide passage that extends from the entrance to the exit. A plurality of coin pushing means for projecting into the coin guide passage and rotating around a corresponding rotation axis out of a plurality substantially perpendicular to the front and back guide surfaces, and ejecting the coin in the coin guide passage toward the outlet A coin release means and a coin payout detection sensor for detecting a coin that has been ejected, wherein a plurality of rotation axes are arranged in a predetermined order from the entrance to the exit, and correspond to each pair of adjacent rotation axes One of the coin pushing means and the other are configured to rotate in opposite directions. In this “coin transport device”, coins introduced from the entrance are transported by being sequentially pushed by a plurality of coin pushing means while being guided by the coin guide passage, and discharged from the exit (claim 2, paragraph). 0073 to 0092, 0129 to 0139, FIG. 1, FIGS. 6 to 11, and FIGS. 20 to 30).

  In the “coin transport device” of Patent Document 1, since the coin pushing means protruding into the coin guide passage is disposed between the left and right guide surfaces, the distance between the left and right guide surfaces and the coin pushing means is determined. And a coin having a diameter in a range smaller than the distance between the left and right guide surfaces can be moved and supported while being supported by either one of the left and right guide surfaces and the coin pushing means. Therefore, the diameter range of coins that can be transported is widened. In addition, since coins are pushed and conveyed one by one by each of the coin pushing means, the adjacent coins do not overlap in the coin guide passage, so the distance between the front and back guide surfaces is set wide. However, coins are not jammed, and the thickness range of coins that can be conveyed is widened. Therefore, there is an advantage that a plurality of types of coins having different diameters and thicknesses can be conveyed.

  The “coin transport device” of Patent Document 2 is a coin transport device having a transport path that receives coins sent one by one at the entrance and transports them to the exit, and is disposed on the right side or the left side of the coin as viewed from the front. It has a left side guide surface and a right side guide surface that guide the left side surface or right side surface of the coin, and a front side guide surface and a back side guide surface that guide either one of the front side or the back side of the coin, and exits from the entrance. And a plurality of rotations rotating around corresponding rotation axes that are arranged in a predetermined order from the entrance to the exit and are substantially perpendicular to the front-side guide surface and the back-side guide surface A coin, a coin pusher that is provided on each of the plurality of turntables so as to protrude into the coin guide passage, and rotates around a corresponding rotation axis to push the coin in the coin guide passage; And a drive coupling mechanism that drives and couples the plurality of turntables and rotates one and the other of the adjacent pair of turntables in mutually opposite rotational directions. In the coin transport device, an exit opening is provided in the left guide surface and the right guide surface, and a movable guide body that is selectively positioned at a guide position for guiding coins or a non-guide position for not guiding is disposed in the exit opening. In this “coin transport device”, coins introduced from the entrance are transported by being sequentially pushed by a coin pusher while being guided by a coin guide passage. Then, coins are selectively discharged from exit openings provided on the left guide surface and the right guide surface. (See claim 2, paragraphs 0015, 0016, 0128-0132, FIG. 21)

  Similar to the “coin transport device” of Patent Document 1, the “coin transport device” of Patent Document 2 has an advantage that a plurality of types of coins having different diameters and thicknesses can be transported. Furthermore, there is also an advantage that it can be selectively discharged from a plurality of outlet openings.

  The “Distributing device for discs” of Patent Document 3 arranges a guide passage for guiding the discs in a line, a first exit passage on one side of the guide passage at the outlet of the guide passage, and a second exit passage on the other side. The first baffle means and the second baffle means that can be moved forward and backward in the first outlet passage or the second outlet passage, respectively, are arranged, and one of the first baffle means or the second baffle means is selectively used as the first outlet passage or In the disc sorting apparatus in which the disc is guided to the first exit passage or the second exit passage by advancing into the second exit passage, the first baffle means and the second baffle means are provided from the outlet of the guide passage. They are separated by at least the disk diameter. In this “disc sorting device”, the discs guided in a row by the guide passages advance to the first outlet passage or the second outlet passage. The disk that has advanced to the first outlet passage or the second outlet passage is prevented from moving by the first baffle means or the second baffle means that have selectively advanced into the first outlet passage or the second outlet passage. Since the first baffle means or the second baffle means is arranged at a position separated from the guide passage by the disc diameter or more, the gap between the blocked disc end and the guide passage has a disc diameter or more. Thus, the next disk after the blocked disk is guided by the blocked disk and guided to the exit path opposite the exit path where the disk is blocked from traveling. After the next disk has advanced to the opposite exit passage, the disk that has been stopped by the first baffle means or the second baffle means maintains its position, or moves back to the guide path side by gravity. When the next disk has traveled along the guide path, the blocked disk is pushed and blocked by one of the exit passages in the same way as described above. It is guided and proceeds to the other exit passage to be paid out. (See claim 1, paragraphs 0007, 0013, 0018-0021, 0024-0026, FIGS. 1-9).

  Usually, this type of apparatus is provided with a sensor for detecting coins (or disks) discharged from the outlet.

  In the “coin transport device” of Patent Document 1, a coin detection sensor is arranged immediately before the exit, and coins are detected one by one by the coin detection sensor. From the detection signal output based on this, the number of coins released from the exit can be counted (see paragraphs 0044, 0121 and FIG. 14).

  In the “coin transport device” of Patent Document 2, a photoelectric sensor is arranged corresponding to an outlet opening provided on the left guide surface, and a photoelectric sensor is arranged corresponding to an outlet opening provided on the right guide surface. The These photoelectric sensors detect a coin released by its own weight from the exit opening of the left guide surface and a coin released by its own weight from the exit opening of the right guide surface (see paragraph 0131 and FIG. 21).

  In the “disc sorting device” of Patent Document 3, the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged corresponding to the first outlet passage and the second outlet passage, respectively. The first sensor detects a disk passing through the first outlet passage, and the second sensor detects a disk passing through the second outlet passage. The outputs of the first sensor and the second sensor are used to count the ejected disc (see paragraphs 0040 to 0042, FIGS. 3 and 7).

  When a coin is detected by the sensor as described above, it is preferable to use a mechanism for flipping the coin before passing the sensor. This is because the waveform of the signal output from the sensor is stabilized by flipping the coin at a predetermined speed, and the coin can be detected reliably. The “coin transport device” of Patent Document 1 is provided with coin releasing means for flipping coins in the coin guide passage toward the exit (see paragraphs 0044, 0120 and FIG. 14). In the “apparatus”, the first ejecting means and the second ejecting means are arranged corresponding to the first outlet passage and the second outlet passage, respectively (see paragraphs 0038, 0039, FIGS. 3 and 4).

JP 2012-212280 A Japanese Patent No. 6002906 Japanese Patent No. 5066679

  The “coin transport device” of Patent Document 1 described above has a problem that coins cannot be ejected from the left and right exits because the coins are ejected only from the exit formed at the end of the coin guide passage.

  In the “coin transport device” of Patent Document 2, although coins can be selectively discharged from the outlet openings arranged on the left and right, the coins are discharged from the outlet openings by the weight of the coins. The movement speed is likely to vary. Therefore, there is a problem that stable coin detection cannot be performed as compared with a case where a mechanism for flipping coins is provided. Although it is conceivable to provide coin releasing means similar to the “coin transport device” of Patent Document 1, the structure becomes complicated, the device becomes large, and the cost increases. There is a problem.

  In the “disc sorting device” of Patent Document 3, since the rear disc pushes the front disc sequentially to convey the disc, the disc passage width must be adapted to the disc diameter. Therefore, there is a problem that a disk transport path must be set for each diameter of the disk, and it is not possible to deal with a plurality of types of coins having different diameters.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to deal with a plurality of types of coins having different diameters and thicknesses and to selectively select coins from two exits. It is an object of the present invention to provide a coin transport device that can be discharged to the outside and can reliably detect coins discharged from the outlets.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a coin transport device that can deal with a plurality of types of coins having different diameters and thicknesses by adding a relatively simple mechanism, and can selectively release coins from at least two outlets. It is to provide.
Still another object of the present invention is to cope with a plurality of types of coins having different diameters and thicknesses while suppressing an increase in size and cost of the apparatus, and a coin transport capable of selectively discharging coins from two exits. To provide an apparatus.
Other objects of the present invention which are not specified here will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

In order to achieve this object, the present invention is configured as follows.
The coin transport device according to the present invention includes first and second guide surfaces that guide the peripheral surface of the coin and third and fourth guide surfaces that guide the front and back surfaces of the coin, respectively, and is positioned below. A coin guide passage extending from the entrance toward the exit located above, and adjacent to the coin guide passage in a predetermined order along the first or second guide surface, and substantially disposed on the third and fourth guide surfaces. A plurality of rotating disks that rotate around corresponding vertical rotation axes, and rotations in which one and the other of the two adjacent rotating disks are mutually coupled with each other by drivingly connecting the plurality of rotating disks. And a drive coupling mechanism that rotates in a direction, and protrudes from a surface located on the coin guide path side in each of the plurality of rotating disks, and is disposed to face the rotation axis of the corresponding rotating disk. First and second coin pushers that rotate around the corresponding rotation axis and push the circumference of the coin in the coin guide passage by rotating together with the turntable. A coin transport device, wherein the coin located above the exit is guided to a first coin exit provided on the first guide surface side, and the coin exit is located above the exit. A second outlet passage for guiding coins toward a second coin outlet provided on the second guide surface side; and a first outlet passage that is capable of appearing and retracting at the entrance of the first outlet passage and protruding. When the stopper is immersed, a bullet force acting toward the first exit passage acts on the stopper that prevents the coin from entering the coin and the coin located above the outlet, and the stopper protrudes. The bullet output towards the second outlet passage, characterized in that further comprising a coin bullets out mechanism configured to act upon.

  In the coin transport device of the present invention, the coin introduced into the coin guide passage from the entrance is guided on the circumferential surface by the first and second guide surfaces, and by the third and fourth guide surfaces. While being guided along the front and back surfaces, the peripheral surface is pushed by the first or second coin pusher projecting from the rotating disk, whereby the coin is moved and conveyed toward the exit in the coin guide passage. . Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a plurality of types of coins having different diameters and thicknesses that can be pushed by the first and second coin pushers in the coin guide passage.

  Further, when the stopper is immersed, the bullet output toward the second exit passage acts on the coin moved to the exit of the coin guide passage by the coin ejecting mechanism, and the stopper is immersed. When this occurs, a bullet output toward the first outlet passage acts. For this reason, the coin can be selectively discharged from the first or second coin outlet by immersing or protruding the stopper. In addition, since the coin is ejected by the coin ejecting mechanism, the signal waveform output from the coin detection sensor is stabilized by disposing a coin detection sensor in each of the first and second exit passages. Can be reliably detected. In other words, a plurality of types of coins having different diameters and thicknesses can be handled, coins can be selectively discharged from two outlets, and coins discharged from these outlets can be reliably detected. In addition, although it has a relatively simple configuration of one coin ejection mechanism and a stopper, coins can be ejected in two directions, and an increase in size and cost of the apparatus can be suppressed.

  In a preferred example of the coin transport device of the present invention, the coin ejecting mechanism is supported so that one end thereof is pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces and is bent into a substantially V shape. A lever, a first coin contact portion provided at a bent portion of the lever, a second coin contact portion provided at the other end portion of the lever, and a direction of the lever toward the exit of the coin guide passage And a biasing means for biasing to the coin, and when the stopper protrudes, the peripheral surface of the coin is brought into contact with each of the coin pusher, the stopper, and the first coin contact portion. Further, a state occurs in which the peripheral surface of the coin is in contact with the bottom portion of the second exit passage and the second coin contact portion, and when the stopper is inserted, the peripheral surface of the coin is pushed by the coin. , A state of being in contact with the respective bottom and the first coin contact portion of the first outlet passage is caused.

  In still another preferred example of the coin transport device of the present invention, each of the first coin contact portion and the second contact portion includes a roller that rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces. .

  In still another preferred example of the coin transport device of the present invention, the coin ejecting mechanism includes a lever supported at one end so as to be rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces, A coin contact portion provided at the other end of the lever, and a biasing means for biasing the lever in a direction toward the exit of the coin guide passage. When the stopper protrudes, The surface is brought into contact with each of the coin pusher, the stopper, and the coin contact portion, and when the stopper is retracted, the peripheral surface of the coin is the coin pusher, the bottom of the first outlet passage, and the A state of contact with each of the contact portions is generated.

  In still another preferred example of the present invention, the coin contact portion is composed of a roller that rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces.

  The coin transport device of the present invention can deal with a plurality of types of coins having different diameters and thicknesses, can selectively release coins from two exits, and can reliably detect coins released from these exits. In addition, only a relatively simple mechanism is added, and the increase in size and cost of the apparatus can be suppressed.

It is a perspective view which shows the whole structure of the coin payment apparatus provided with the coin conveying apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the coin payout device of FIG. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the coin payout device of FIG. 1. It is a front view which shows the coin delivery apparatus of FIG. 1, and the lower conveyance unit of a coin conveyance apparatus. It is sectional drawing along the AA line of FIG. It is a principal part disassembled perspective view which shows the coin delivery apparatus of FIG. 4, and the lower conveyance unit of a coin conveyance apparatus. It is the principal part disassembled perspective view which looked at the coin conveying apparatus of FIG. 1 from the front side. It is the principal part disassembled perspective view which looked at the coin conveying apparatus of FIG. 1 from the back side. It is a rear view which shows the top plate of the coin conveying apparatus of FIG. It is a front view which shows the base part of the coin conveying apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing along the BB line of FIG. It is a front view which shows the intermediate | middle conveyance unit of the coin conveying apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the intermediate | middle conveyance unit of FIG. FIG. 2A is a perspective view seen from the front side, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view seen from the back side, showing the upper transport unit of the coin transport apparatus of FIG. FIG. 15A is a front view and FIG. 15B is a rear view showing the upper transport unit of FIG. 14. 14A is a right side view and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 14A. 14A shows a stopper device constituting the upper transport unit of FIG. 14, (A) is a perspective view seen from the back side, (B) is a rear view, and (C) is a plan view when the stopper is located at the retracted position, (FIG. D) is a plan view when the stopper is positioned at the blocking position. It is a perspective view which shows the driving force transmission mechanism of the coin payout apparatus of FIG. It is a front view of the state which removed the top plate for demonstrating operation | movement of the coin conveying apparatus of FIG. FIG. 20 is a front view of the state in which the top plate for explaining the operation of the coin transport device of FIG. 1 is removed, and is a continuation of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a front view of the state in which the top plate for explaining the operation of the coin transport device of FIG. 1 is removed, and is a continuation of FIG. It is a front view of the state which removed the top plate for demonstrating operation | movement of the coin conveying apparatus of FIG. 1, and the case where a coin is paid out from the 1st coin exit is shown. FIG. 23 is a front view of the state where the top plate for explaining the operation of the coin transport device of FIG. 1 is removed, and is a continuation of FIG. 22. FIG. 24 is a front view of the state in which the top plate for explaining the operation of the coin transport device of FIG. 1 is removed, and is a continuation of FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is a front view of the state where the top plate for explaining the operation of the coin transport device of FIG. 1 is removed, and is a continuation of FIG. 24. It is a front view of the state which removed the top plate for demonstrating operation | movement of the coin conveying apparatus of FIG. 1, and shows the case where a coin is paid out from the 2nd coin exit. FIG. 27 is a front view of the state where the top plate for removing the operation of the coin transport device of FIG. 1 is removed and is a continuation of FIG. FIG. 28 is a front view of the state where the top plate is removed for explaining the operation of the coin transport device of FIG. 1 and is a continuation of FIG. 27. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an upper transport unit for explaining an operation when paying out coins from a first coin exit in the coin transport device of FIG. 1, (A) shows a state where a coin has reached a coin ejection mechanism; B) shows a state immediately before the coin is ejected by the coin ejection mechanism. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an upper transport unit for explaining an operation when paying out coins from a second coin exit in the coin transport device of FIG. 1, (A) shows a state where coins have reached a coin ejection mechanism; B) shows a state immediately before the coin is ejected by the coin ejection mechanism. It is a schematic diagram of the upper conveyance unit for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of paying out a coin from the 2nd coin exit in the coin conveying apparatus of FIG. 1, The state after a coin is flipped out by the coin ejection mechanism is shown. It is a schematic diagram of the upper conveyance unit which shows the coin conveying apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
(Overall configuration of coin dispensing device)
A coin payout device 1 including a coin transfer device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The coin payout device 1 has a function of transporting the stacked coins C to a predetermined payout position and paying them one by one, and roughly includes a coin sending device 10 and a coin transport device 20. The The coin payout device 1 can pay out a plurality of types of coins C having different diameters or thicknesses, and functions as a so-called size-free coin payout device.

(Coin delivery device)
First, the coin sending device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. The coin sending device 10 has a function of separating and sending out the coins C in a stacked state one by one. As the coin sending device 10, substantially the same configuration as that disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-221282 is employed. That is, the coin delivery device 10 includes a holding bowl 102 for holding a large number of coins C, a mounting base 104 for supporting and fixing the holding bowl 102 in an upwardly inclined manner, a rotating disk 106 for sorting coins C one by one, A driving device 108 for driving the disk 106, a coin receiving means 112 for receiving a coin C from the rotating disk 106, and a coin dropping means 118 are provided.

  The holding bowl 102 has a function of holding a large number of coins C in a loosely stacked state and feeding them toward the rotating disk 106. The storage bowl 102 projects forward (right side in FIG. 3) from the mounting base 104 and increases in depth as it approaches the rotating disk 106, in other words, the bottom wall 122 is inclined downward toward the rotating disk 106. The head portion 102 </ b> A, a coin insertion slot 102 </ b> B for inserting coins C, and an exterior portion 102 </ b> C that is in close contact with the mounting base 104 and surrounds at least the lower outer periphery of the rotating disk 106.

  The inclination of the bottom wall 122 is an angle at which the coin C can slide to the rotating disk 106 side by its own weight. The head portion 102 </ b> A has a so-called saddle shape in which the rotating disk 106 side is opened, and an open end portion thereof is closely fixed to the mounting base 104. As shown in FIG. 5, a narrow vertical groove 124 is formed in front of the lower portion of the rotary disk 106 so that the dropped coin C can easily stand. The vertical groove 124 is formed by a vertical wall 126 inclined to the rotating disk 106 side with respect to a perpendicular line substantially parallel to the rotating disk 106 formed subsequent to the exterior part 102C, the rotating disk 106, and the exterior part 102C. In this case, the distance between the upper surface of the rotating disk 106 and the vertical wall 126 of the holding bowl 102 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the minimum coin and 5 to 10 times the thickness of the maximum thickness coin. The interval is set to be wider toward the downstream side in the rotation direction. This is because the coin C is stood and further tilted toward the rotary disk 106 so that the coin C can be paid out by being locked to a coin locking body 128 described later until the last one.

  The exterior portion 102 </ b> C has a cylindrical ring shape, and is disposed close to the outer periphery of the rotating disk 106. Accordingly, the coins C having different diameters are retained in a stacked state in the retaining bowl 102, slide down on the inclined bottom wall 122 by their own weight, and are fed into the rotating disk 106. Further, the coin C rotated by the rotating disk 106 is guided so as to remain on the rotating disk 106 by the exterior portion 102C.

  The mounting base 104 has a function of rotatably supporting the rotating disk 106 and fixing the storage bowl 102. The mounting base 104 includes two horizontal mounting bases 104A arranged on the left and right in FIG. 2, a first mounting part 104B (see FIG. 5) that is inclined with respect to the mounting base 104A, and an upper end of the first mounting part 104B. 104C (see FIG. 5) extending vertically upward from the support side, and supporting side walls 104L and 104R (see FIG. 2) erected substantially perpendicular to the mounting table 104A. The mounting table portion 104A has a rectangular flat plate shape and is formed integrally with the supporting side walls 104L and 104R. The first mounting portion 104B has a flat plate shape and is inclined at an upward angle of about 60 degrees with respect to the mounting table portion 104A. The rotating disk 106 is disposed on the upward upper surface 104U side (see FIG. 6), and the rear surface side. A drive device 108 (see FIG. 5) is attached to the. The second attachment portion 104C is formed integrally with the first attachment portion 104B and supports the coin transport device 20.

  The rotating disk 106 has a function of sorting the coins C having different diameters one by one and transporting them to the coin receiving means 112. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotating disk 106 is a disc, and a circular central protrusion 132 is formed at the center, a ring-shaped holding surface 134 is formed around the central protrusion 132, and coins are radially locked to the holding surface 134. A body 128 is formed, and the back surface is disposed close to the upward upper surface 104U. The rotating disk 106 is inclined upward and rotated counterclockwise in FIG. It is preferable to form the protrusion 133 on the upper surface of the central protrusion 132 and thereby stir the coin C.

  The outer periphery of the central protrusion 132 is a support shelf 136, and the support shelf 136 is substantially perpendicular to the holding surface 134, and the amount of protrusion from the holding surface 134 is set lower than the thickness of the thinnest coin C expected to be used. Has been. The support shelf 136 has a function of holding only one coin C on the holding surface 134 between the coin locking bodies 128. This is because the two coins C are not supported by the support shelf 136.

  The holding surface 134 has a function of holding the coin C in surface contact with one surface of the coin C whose peripheral surface is supported by the support shelf 136. The holding surface 134 is a ring-shaped flat surface formed on the outer periphery of the central protrusion 132 and is inclined about 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane.

  The coin locking body 128 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the coin C and has a function of pushing the coin C. The coin locking body 128 is a rib-like ridge formed in a fixed state radially at equal intervals with respect to the rotation axis of the rotary disk 106. In this embodiment, the coin locking body 128 has a trapezoidal shape with a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front, and pushes the coin C by the pushing edge 138 at the front end in the rotation direction. The pushing edge 138 extends vertically upward with respect to the holding surface 134, and the height from the holding surface 134 may be a height at which the coin C can be pushed. However, when the height of the pushing edge 138 is low, the contact pressure per unit length when pushing the coin C increases, so it is preferable that it is as high as possible. On the other hand, when the height of the pushing edge 138 is higher than a predetermined amount, the length of the climbing slope 142 for the coin receiving means 112 described later becomes long, and the coin with the smallest diameter is pushed by the pushing edge 138. Sometimes it is pushed up by the climbing slope 142, and the coin with the smallest diameter is easily dropped from the coin receiving means 112. Therefore, it is preferable that the pushing edge 138 is formed as high as possible within a range in which the coin having the smallest diameter is pushed by the pushing edge 138 and is not pushed up by the riding slope 142.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the rotation direction downstream edge 144 of the coin locking body 128 is a pushing edge so that the entire length of the receiving edge 146 of the coin receiving body 145 constituting the coin receiving means 112 is simultaneously close to the holding surface 134. It is preferable to form it inclined with respect to 138. This is because when the coin receiver 145 comes close to the holding surface 134, the coin C is not sandwiched between the holding surface 134 and the coin receiver 145. The top portion 147 and the downstream edge 144 of the coin locking body 128 are formed on a stepped slope 149. One surface of the coin C is held in surface contact with the holding surface 134 between adjacent coin locking bodies 128. Therefore, the distance between the pushing edge 138 and the downstream edge 144 on the holding surface 134 is such that the support shelf 136 side is narrow and gradually expands toward the periphery of the rotating disk 106, and the holding surface 134 has a central protrusion 132. In contrast, it exhibits an inverted trapezoid. When one of the minimum diameter coins expected to be used is supported on the support shelf 136, the other minimum diameter coin is set not to be supported by the support shelf 136. In other words, the two coins having the smallest diameter are set so as not to come into surface contact with the holding surface 134 at a position close to the support shelf 136. This is to prevent two coins C from being continuously paid out.

  The climbing slope 142 has a function of pushing up the end of the receiving edge 146 of the coin receiving body 145 on the support shelf 136 side from the holding surface 134 along this end. As shown in FIG. 4, the climbing slope 142 is formed at a corner formed by the support shelf 136 and the pushing edge 138, and slopes from the holding surface 134 to the top 147 of the coin locking body 128, and has a minimum diameter. When the coin C is in contact with the support shelf 136 and the pushing edge 138, it is preferable that the coin C be formed in a triangular space formed by them. When the climbing slope 142 is too large, a part of the coin C is placed on the climbing slope 142 in a state where the coin C is guided to the receiving edge 146, and the coin C easily falls from the receiving edge 146. It is.

  The driving device 108 has a function of rotating the rotating disk 106 at a predetermined speed. In the present embodiment, the drive device 108 includes an electric motor 152 and a speed reducer 154. A reduction gear 154 is fixed to the back surface of the first mounting portion 104B, and an output gear (not shown) of an electric motor 152 fixed to the reduction gear 154 is engaged with the input gear. An output shaft (not shown) of the speed reducer 154 passes through the first mounting portion 104B, and is tightly inserted and fixed in a fitting hole (not shown) in the center of the rotary disk 106.

  The driving device 108 has an overload prevention function. That is, when the drive device 108 is overloaded due to an abnormality such as a coin jam, a reverse polarity current flows through the electric motor 152 by a control device (not shown) and the rotating disk 106 is rotated in reverse. As a result, when the abnormality is resolved and the load state of the drive device 108 becomes normal, the rotating disk 106 is rotated forward again by the control device.

  The coin receiving means 112 has a function of moving the coins C divided and sent one by one by the rotating disk 106 in the circumferential direction of the rotating disk 106 and performing an escaping movement with respect to the coin locking body 128. In this embodiment, the coin receiving means 112 is a pentagonal plate body, the edge facing the pushing edge 138 is formed as a straight receiving edge 146, and the other end is supported movably by the floating support means 174. In addition, the coin receiving member 145 is urged toward the rotary disk 106 by a biasing means (not shown) at the intermediate portion.

  When the receiving edge 146 extends in a straight line from the vicinity of the support shelf 136 in the circumferential direction of the rotary disk 106 and is opposed to the pushing edge 138 (when the coin C is positioned between them), an extension line of these edges Is formed to form an acute angle. In other words, as shown in FIG. 4, the receiving edge 146 is offset upward with respect to the center of the rotary disk 106 and faces the entire length of the holding surface 134 in the circumferential direction.

  The floating support means 174 has a function of supporting the coin receiving means 112 so that the posture can be changed in any direction, up, down, left, and right within a predetermined range. Specifically, the coin receiving means 112 can move so as to get over the coin locking body 128 while being in contact with the climbing slope 142 and the position where the receiving edge 146 is close to the holding surface 134.

  The coin dropping means 118 has a function of dropping the coin C placed on the coin C held in contact with the holding surface 134 so that the overlapping coin C does not reach the coin receiving means 112. The coin dropping means 118 is disposed above the axis of the rotating disk 106 and relative to the periphery of the rotating disk 106. In other words, the coin dropping means 118 is at a position of about 2 o'clock with respect to the rotating disk 106, and as shown in FIG. 4, the coin dropping means 118 is moved forward and backward in a plane parallel to the holding surface 134 of the rotating disk 106. It is configured to be possible.

(Coin transport device)
Next, the coin transport device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. The coin transfer device 20 includes a coin guide passage 210 extending from the inlet 202 toward the outlet 203, a coin distribution passage 211 located above the outlet 203, and a first one located on the right side of FIG. 2 from the coin distribution passage 211. A coin guide 200 having a first outlet passage 220R extending toward the coin outlet 204R and a second outlet passage 220L extending from the coin sorting passage 211 toward the second coin outlet 204L located on the left side of FIG. A coin pushing mechanism 500 having twelve rotary plates 501 to 512 each provided with a pair of coin pushing bodies 550A and 550B, a coin ejecting mechanism 230 disposed above the outlet 203, and a first outlet A stopper device 750 having a stopper 760 that can be moved in and out of the inlet 220Ra of the passage 220R, and the first outlet passage 220R. Includes 1 coin sensor 240R, and a second coin detecting sensor 240L arranged in the second outlet passage 220L, the. The coin transport device 20 includes a lower transport unit 21, an intermediate transport unit 22, and an upper transport unit 23 that divide the coin guide passage 210 into three in the extending direction. In other words, the coin transport device 20 is configured such that the coin guide passage 210 is formed by connecting the lower transport unit 21 and the upper transport unit 23 via the intermediate transport unit 22. An inlet 202 of the coin guide passage 210 is provided in the lower transport unit 21, and an outlet 203 of the coin guide passage 210 is provided in the upper transport unit 23. As will be described later, the coin distribution passage 211, the first outlet passage 220R, the second outlet passage 220L, the first coin outlet 204R, and the second coin outlet 204L are provided in the upper transport unit 23.

  Next, the coin guide unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. The coin guide unit 200 includes a base body 300, a top plate 400 provided on the surface 302 of the base body 300, and an entrance guide member 450. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10, on the surface 302 side of the base body 300, turntables 501 to 512 that are rotatably supported around the rotation axes 701 to 712 are arranged. The rotation axes 702 to 712 are substantially perpendicular to the surface 302 of the base body 300.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the surface 302 of the base body 300 includes a first guide surface portion 222 and a second guide surface portion 224. The first guide surface portion 222 is parallel to the upward upper surface 104U of the first mounting portion 104B. In other words, the first guide surface portion 222 has an inclination angle of about 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane in the same manner as the holding surface 134 of the rotating disk 106. The second guide surface portion 224 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane and intersects the first guide surface portion 222 at an angle of about 150 degrees. In other words, the first and second guide surface portions 222 and 224 have normals that intersect each other at an angle of about 30 degrees. A first curved surface portion 226 is formed between the first and second guide surface portions 222 and 224. In other words, the first and second guide surface portions 222 and 224 are smoothly connected via the first curved surface portion 226.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the rotation axes 701 and 702 are arranged on the first axis arrangement line 312 at a predetermined interval d1, and as shown in FIG. The guide passage 210 is disposed so as to intersect at a predetermined angle α when viewed from a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the guide passage 210 and substantially parallel to the surface 302 of the base body 300. Since the rotation axis 701 is substantially perpendicular to the first guide surface portion 222 and the rotation axis 702 is substantially perpendicular to the second guide surface portion 224, the angle α is about 30 degrees.

  The rotation axes 702 to 712 are substantially parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 10, the rotation axes 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712 are arranged in a row at a predetermined interval d2 on the first axis array line 312, and the rotation axes 703, 705, 707, 709 are arranged. , 711 are arranged in a line on the second axis array line 314 with a predetermined interval d2. The first and second axis array lines 312 and 314 are parallel to each other and arranged at a predetermined interval w. The rotation axes 703, 705, 707, 709, and 711 are horizontally separated from the rotation axes 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, and 712 by a predetermined distance on the surface 302 of the base body 300. In other words, the rotation axes 702 to 712 are arranged in a zigzag shape along the extending direction of the coin guide passage 210.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a coin guide groove 406 extending from the inlet 202 toward the outlet 203, the first coin outlet 204A, and the second coin outlet 204B is formed on the back surface 404 side of the top plate 400. ing. The coin guide groove 406 has a bottom surface 410 and first and second side surfaces 412 and 414. The top plate 400 is fixed to the base body 300 with the back surface 404 of the top plate 400 superimposed on the front surface 302 of the base body 300. The width wg of the coin guide groove 406 is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the maximum coin C, and the depth dg (see FIG. 11) is set to be slightly larger than the thickness of the maximum coin C. ing. In other words, a plurality of types of coins C having different diameters and thicknesses are guided by the bottom surface 410 and the first and second side surfaces 412, 414 so that they can pass through the inside of the coin guide groove 406. A width wg and a depth dg of the guide groove 406 are set. In other words, it is set so that coins C having only a different diameter or thickness can be conveyed within a predetermined range.

  The first side surface 412 of the coin guide groove 406 is formed along a curved line 418 formed by connecting a plurality of arcs around the rotation axes 703, 705, 707, 709, 711. The second side surface 414 of the coin guide groove 406 is formed along a curve 416 formed by connecting a plurality of arcs around the rotation axes 702, 704, 706, 708, and 710.

  The front surface 402 and the back surface 404 of the top plate 400 are substantially parallel to the front surface 302 of the base body 300 and are curved corresponding to the shape of the front surface 302 of the base body 300. The bottom surface 410 of the coin guide groove 406 has a second curved surface portion 228 that faces the first curved surface portion 226 of the base body 300.

  The top plate 400 has a right extension portion 400R and a left extension portion that protrude and extend in the left-right direction (in other words, parallel to the third and fourth guide surfaces 212, 214 and in the horizontal direction) at the top thereof. 400L. The coin guide groove 406 of the top plate 400 extends in the left-right direction in FIG. As a result, the coin guide groove 406 has a first groove portion 407 that extends while meandering from below to above, and a second groove portion that is located above the first groove portion 407 and whose lower end is connected to the first groove portion 407. 408, and third and fourth groove portions 409R and 409L that are disposed on the left and right sides of the second groove portion 408 and one end of which is connected to the second groove portion 408.

  An annular groove 422 that prevents contact with the top plate 400 when the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the turntables 501 to 512, which will be described later, circulate, is formed on the back surface 404 of the top plate 400. It is formed corresponding to each of. The top plate 400 is fixed while being aligned with the base body 300.

  A coin guide passage 210 is constituted by the surface 302 of the base body 300, the bottom surface 410 of the coin guide groove 406 (more specifically, the first groove portion 407) of the top plate 400, and the first and second side surfaces 412, 414. Is done. In other words, the first and second side surfaces 412 and 414 of the coin guide groove 406 of the top plate 400 function as the first and second guide surfaces 212 and 214 of the coin guide passage 210. Further, the bottom surface 410 of the coin guide groove 406 of the top plate 400 functions as the third guide surface 216 of the coin guide passage 210, and the surface 302 of the base body 300 functions as the fourth guide surface 218 of the coin guide passage 210. In the coin guide passage 210, the circumferential surface of the coin C introduced from the entrance 202 is the first and second guide surfaces 212 and 214 of the coin guide passage 210 (that is, the first and second side surfaces of the coin guide groove 406). 412, 414). One of the front and back surfaces of the coin C is guided by the third guide surface 216 of the coin guide passage 210 (that is, the bottom surface 410 of the coin guide groove 406), and the other of the front and back surfaces of the coin C is the fourth guide. Guided by surface 218 (ie, surface 302 of base body 300).

  A coin distribution passage 221 is formed between the bottom surface 410 of the second groove 408 of the top plate 400 and the surface 302 of the base body 300. A first outlet passage 220R is formed between the bottom surface 410 of the third groove 409R of the top plate 400 and the surface of a first back plate 352R described later. A second outlet passage 220L is formed between the bottom surface 410 of the fourth groove 409L of the top plate 400 and the surface of a second back plate 352L described later. The lower end of the coin distribution path 221 is connected to the outlet 203 which is the upper end of the coin guide path 210. One end of each of the first outlet passage 220R and the second outlet passage 220L is connected to the coin sorting passage 221. In other words, the inlet 220Ra of the first outlet passage 220R is formed between the coin distribution passage 221 and the first outlet passage 220R (in other words, the boundary), and the coin distribution passage 221 and the second outlet passage 220L The inlet 220La of the second outlet passage 220L is formed between (in other words, the boundary). The other ends of the first outlet passage 220R and the second outlet passage 220L constitute a first coin outlet 204R and a second coin outlet 204L.

  The inlet guide member 450 forms the inlet 202 of the coin guide passage 210 together with the top plate 400. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the inlet guide member 450 includes a substantially pentagonal attachment portion 452, a protrusion 456 extending from the attachment portion 452 toward the rotation axis 701, and a disc having the rotation axis 701 as a central axis. And a body 454. The disc body 454 is disposed on the back surface side of the protrusion 456 so as to cover a recess 501a formed in a central portion of the rotating disk 501 described later. As shown in FIG. 4, the protrusion 456 is arranged with its downward side surface 458 facing the coin delivery port 190 of the coin delivery device 10. The downward side surface 458 of the protrusion 456 has a function of guiding the peripheral surface of the coin C delivered from the coin delivery port 190 and smoothly introducing the coin C into the entrance 202 of the coin guide passage 210.

  Next, the coin pushing mechanism 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and 10, the coin pushing mechanism 500 includes turntables 501 to 512 that rotate around rotation axes 701 to 712. The turntables 501 to 512 are rotatably supported by support shafts 801 to 812 arranged on the base body 300. The support shafts 801 to 812 have a substantially cylindrical outer shape with the rotation axes 701 to 712 as central axes, and have substantially the same diameter. The turntable 501 has an outer shape that is substantially circular in a plan view, and a circular recess 501a (see FIG. 6) is formed at the center. In other words, the turntable 501 has an annular peripheral portion that protrudes in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 701. The turntables 502 to 512 have an outer shape that is substantially circular in plan view.

  A pair of coins having a substantially trapezoidal planar shape that bends and extends along the outer periphery of the turntable 501 on the surface of the turntable 501 and a columnar outer shape that protrudes in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 701. Pushers 550A and 550B are provided. Since the coin pushers 550A and 550B have a function of pushing the coin C toward the bottom of the substantially trapezoidal shape, the coin pushers 550A and 550B have a mechanical strength and durability against wear. Can be increased. The coin pushers 550A and 550B are arranged opposite to each other with the rotation axis 701 in the periphery of the turntable 501. In other words, the coin pushers 550A and 550B are arranged symmetrically with the rotation axis 701 on the turntable 501. Has been. The coin pushers 550A and 550B have a function of circling around the rotation axis 701 and pushing the coin C as the turntable 501 rotates.

  A pair of surfaces having the same planar shape as the coin pushers 550 </ b> A and 550 </ b> B of the turntable 501 and having a columnar outer shape projecting in a direction parallel to the rotation axes 702 to 712 on the surfaces of the turntables 502 to 512. Coin pushers 550A and 550B are provided. Similar to the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the turntable 501, the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the turntables 502 to 512 are disposed to face each other with the rotation axis 702 to 712 interposed therebetween. In other words, the rotating disks 502 to 512 are arranged symmetrically with the corresponding rotation axes 702 to 712 in each of the rotating disks 502 to 512. The coin pushers 550A and 550B of the turntables 502 to 512 have a function of turning around the corresponding rotation axes 702 to 712 and pushing the coins C as the corresponding turntables 502 to 512 rotate.

  The height of the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the turntable 501 and the turntable 502 (in other words, the protruding length from the surface of the turntable 501 and the turntable 502) is the coin pusher 550A of the turntable 503 to the turntable 512. It is set so as to increase with respect to the height of 550B. This is because in order to convey the coin C while changing the advancing angle of the coin C, it is necessary to reliably push the coin C even when the coin C is inclined. The heights of the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the turntable 503 to the turntable 512 are the same.

  The coin pushers 550A and 550B may be formed integrally with the turntables 501 to 512, or may be formed separately by being fixed to the turntables 501 to 512 by an appropriate method. In this embodiment, they are integrally formed from the viewpoint of reducing manufacturing costs. Further, the coin pushers 550A and 550B may be columnar bodies, or may be a rotatable roller type in which a support shaft is covered with a cylindrical collar. In the case of the roller type, there is an advantage that wear of the coin pushers 550A and 550B is suppressed and durability can be enhanced.

  As described above, the rotation axes 702 to 712 are alternately arranged in a zigzag manner on the first and second axis arrangement lines 312 and 314. Coin pushers 550A and 550B corresponding to the rotation axes 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, and 712 arranged on the first axis array line 312 constitute a first pusher group. Coin pushers 550A and 550B corresponding to the rotation axes 703, 705, 707, 709, and 711 arranged on the second axis array line 314 constitute a second pusher group. The turntables 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, and 512 constitute a first turntable group, and the turntables 503, 505, 507, 509, and 511 constitute a second turntable group.

  Gears 902 to 912 for rotationally driving the rotating disks 502 to 512 are provided coaxially on the back surfaces of the rotating disks 502 to 512, respectively. A shaft insertion hole 560 shown in FIG. 11 is formed in each of the turntables 502 to 512 and the gears 902 to 912. Corresponding support shafts 802 to 812 are inserted into the shaft insertion holes 560, respectively. The gears 902 to 912 may be formed integrally with the turntables 502 to 512, or may be formed separately by fixing them to the turntables 502 to 512 by an appropriate method. It is only necessary that the rotating disks 502 to 512 and the gears 902 to 912 can rotate integrally. In this embodiment, they are integrally formed from the viewpoint of reducing the manufacturing cost and improving the coaxial accuracy.

  The gears 902 to 912 are meshed with each other adjacent to each other. For example, the gear 903 meshes with the gears 902 and 904, and the gear 905 meshes with the gears 904 and 906. Similarly, the gear 907 is engaged with the gears 906 and 908, the gear 909 is engaged with the gears 908 and 910, and the gear 911 is engaged with the gears 910 and 912. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the turntables 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512 belonging to the first turntable group rotate counterclockwise, and the turntable 503 belonging to the second turntable group, 505, 507, 509, and 511 rotate clockwise. That is, the turntables 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512 belonging to the first turntable group and the turntables 503, 505, 507, 509, 511 belonging to the second turntable group are mutually contradictory. Rotate in the direction. Therefore, coin pushers 550A and 550B provided on each of the turntables 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 and 512 belonging to the first turntable group, and turntables 503 and 505 belonging to the second turntable group. , 507, 509, and 511 rotate around in directions opposite to each other.

  In two adjacent ones of the rotary plates 502 to 512, the coin pusher 550A and the coin pusher 550B are arranged so as to maintain a predetermined rotational phase difference. For example, the coin pushers 550A of the adjacent turntable 502 and turntable 503 are arranged so as to maintain a predetermined rotational phase difference. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when a plane P including the rotation axes 702 and 703 is defined, when the coin pusher 550A of the turntable 502 reaches the plane P, the coin pusher 550A of the turntable 503 is reached. , The coin pusher 550A of the turntable 502 and the coin pusher 550A of the turntable 503 are arranged so that they reach a position before ½ of the gear pitch with respect to the plane P. Similarly, when the coin pusher 550B of the turntable 502 reaches the plane P, the coin pusher 550B of the turntable 503 reaches a position in front of the plane P by 1/2 of the gear pitch. A coin pusher 550A of the turntable 502 and a coin pusher 550A of the turntable 503 are arranged. Rotating disk 503 and rotating disk 504, rotating disk 504 and rotating disk 505, rotating disk 505 and rotating disk 506, rotating disk 506 and rotating disk 507, rotating disk 507 and rotating disk 508, rotating disk 508 and rotating disk 509, rotating disk The same applies to 509 and the rotating disk 510, the rotating disk 510 and the rotating disk 511, and the rotating disk 511 and the rotating disk 512, respectively.

  As described above, the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the rotary disks 502 to 512 circulate around the corresponding ones of the rotation axes 702 to 712 synchronously while maintaining a predetermined rotational phase difference. In addition, among the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the turntables 502 to 512, those adjacent to each other in the rotation axis circulate in directions opposite to each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 18, a gear 612 having a spur gear portion 622 and a bevel gear portion 626 is coaxially provided on the back surface of the rotating disk 501. A gear 614 having a spur gear portion 624 and a bevel gear portion 628 is coaxially provided on the back surface of the gear 902 of the rotating disk 502. These two gears 612 and 614 have the same shape, and the bevel gear portions 626 and 628 each have a cone angle of about 30 degrees. In other words, the bevel gear portions 626 and 628 each have a cone angle corresponding to the angle α formed by the rotation axis 701 and the rotation axis 702.

  The bevel gear portion 626 of the gear 612 and the bevel gear portion 628 of the gear 614 mesh with each other. Therefore, the turntable 501 and the turntable 502 rotate in directions opposite to each other. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the turntable 501 rotates clockwise and the turntable 502 rotates counterclockwise. Accordingly, the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the rotary disk 501 and the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the rotary disk 502 circulate in directions opposite to each other. Also in the rotary plates 501 and 502, the coin pusher 550A of the rotary disc 501 and the coin pusher 550A of the rotary disc 502 are arranged so as to maintain a predetermined rotational phase difference, and the coin pusher 550B of the rotary disc 501 and the rotary disc. The coin pusher 550B 502 is arranged so as to maintain a predetermined rotational phase difference. As a result, the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the turntable 501 and the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the turntable 502 are synchronized while maintaining a predetermined rotational phase difference around the corresponding rotation axes 701 and 702 in opposite directions. And go around.

  As described above, the bevel gear portions 626 and 628 have a cone angle corresponding to the angle α formed by the rotation axis 701 and the rotation axis 702. Therefore, the rotating disks 501 and 502 can be rotationally driven in a state where the angle α formed by the rotation axes 701 and 702 is formed, with a simple configuration in which the gears 612 and 614 are engaged with each other.

  The spur gear portion 622 and the bevel gear portion 626 may be formed integrally, or may be formed separately and fixed to each other by an appropriate method. In this embodiment, they are integrally formed from the viewpoint of reducing the manufacturing cost and improving the coaxial accuracy. The same applies to the spur gear portion 624 and the bevel gear portion 628. The gear 612 can be formed integrally with the rotating disk 501, and the gear 614 can be formed integrally with the gear 902. When formed integrally, it is advantageous in reducing the manufacturing cost and increasing the coaxial accuracy. In this embodiment, it is formed integrally. However, the separately formed members are fixed to each other by an appropriate method. Of course, it is also possible. Any configuration may be used as long as the turntables 501 and 502 and the gears 612 and 614 can rotate integrally.

  As described above, the gears 612 and 614 and the gears 902 to 912 drive-couple the rotating disks 501 to 512 and rotate one and the other of the pair of adjacent rotating disks among the rotating disks 501 to 512 in mutually opposite rotational directions. A drive coupling mechanism 950 is configured.

  Next, the driving force transmission mechanism 600 will be described with reference to FIG. The driving force transmission mechanism 600 is a gear 602 disposed on the back side of the rotary disk 106 of the coin delivery device 10, a gear 604 that meshes with the gear 602, a gear that is provided coaxially with the gear 604, and that is equipped with a torque limiter 611. 610, a gear 606 that meshes with the gear 610, and a gear 608 that is coaxial with the gear 606. The gear 602 is fixed to the rotating disk 106, and the gear 608 meshes with the spur gear portion 622 of the gear 612.

  When the rotating disk 106 is rotated by the driving device 108 of the coin delivery device 10, the gear 602 rotates integrally with the rotating disk 106, and the rotational driving force is transmitted to the gear 612 via the gears 604, 610, 606 and 608. Is done. The gear 612 to which the rotational driving force is transmitted rotates, and the rotational driving force is transmitted to the gears 902 to 912 via the gear 614. In other words, the drive coupling mechanism 950 is driven by the drive device 108 and all of the rotating disks 501 to 512 rotate.

  The driving force transmission mechanism 600 is configured such that the rotating disk 106 of the coin delivery device 10 and the rotating disk 501 of the coin transport device 20 have a predetermined rotational speed difference. That is, the rotational speeds of the rotating disk 106 and the rotating disk 501 are set so that the rotating disk 501 rotates 180 degrees every time the rotating disk 106 rotates 45 degrees. By setting the rotation speed in this way, when each of the eight pushing edges 138 of the rotating disk 106 cooperates with the coin receiving means 112 to send out the coin C, the coin pushing body 550A of the turntable 501 is used. 550B moves to the optimum position for pushing each of the fed coins C. In other words, all of the coins C sent out by each of the eight pushing edges 138 of the rotary disk 106 can be reliably pushed by any one of the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the turntable 501. It becomes.

  A rotation shaft (not shown) of a gear 604 is connected and fixed to a central shaft (not shown) that is an input shaft of the torque limiter 611, and an outer peripheral surface 611 b that is an output shaft of the torque limiter 611 is attached to the outer surface 611 b of the torque limiter 611. A fitting hole (not shown) is fitted and fixed. As a result, when an excessive torque greater than or equal to a predetermined value is applied to the gear 604, the torque is interrupted and the gear 604 idles. In other words, when excessive rotation resistance of a predetermined value or more is applied to the rotary plates 501 to 512 due to the biting of the coin C in the coin transport device 20, the input shaft and output of the torque limiter 611 are output. A rotational force is released from the shaft so that the rotating disks 501 to 512 are not forcibly rotated. Thereby, since an excessive load is not applied to related parts, there is an advantage that durability is improved.

  Next, the lower transport unit 21, the intermediate transport unit 22, and the upper transport unit 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIGS. 12 to 17. As described above, the coin transport device 20 includes the lower transport unit 21, the intermediate transport unit 22, and the upper transport unit 23. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the lower transport unit 21 includes a first base portion 300 </ b> A and a first top plate portion 400 </ b> A provided on the first base portion 300 </ b> A. As shown in FIG. 10, turntables 501 to 504 are arranged on the first base portion 300 </ b> A. In other words, the rotation axes 701 to 704 and the turntables 501 to 504 are arranged in the lower transport unit 21. The first base portion 300A includes a cover body 180, a first member 306A, and a second member 308A that are formed integrally with the storage bowl 102.

  The cover body 180 has an inclined surface 181 formed in parallel with the upward upper surface 104U of the first attachment portion 104B, and an opening 188 is formed in the upper left portion of the cover body 180. A recess 182 having a peripheral wall 184 is formed around the opening 188, and a part of the recess 182 is further retracted to form a partial annular surface 186. The bottom surface 183 of the concave portion 182 is parallel to the upward upper surface 104U of the first mounting portion 104B of the mounting base 104. In other words, the bottom surface 183 has an inclination angle of about 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane in the same manner as the holding surface 134 of the rotating disk 106. . The depth of the recess 182 (in other words, the height of the peripheral wall 184) is set to be greater than the thickness of the thickest coin. A turntable 501 is disposed in the opening 188, and the above-described inlet guide member 450 is disposed in the upper right portion of the recess 182.

  The first member 306A of the first base portion 300A includes left and right divided portions 306Aa and 306Ab, and a part of the through hole 315 shown in FIG. 7 is formed in a state where these divided portions 306Aa and 306Ab are combined. . The second member 308A of the first base portion 300A includes a flat plate-like first plate portion 308Aa and a pair of second plate portions 308Ab extending at right angles from both side ends of the first plate portion 308Aa. Support shafts 803 and 804 are provided on the first plate portion 308Aa. A support shaft 803 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 560 of the rotating disk 503 and the gear 903, and a support shaft 804 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 560 of the rotating disk 504 and the gear 904. An opening 308Ac is formed below the first plate portion 308Aa. The second member 308A is attached to the second attachment portion 104C by fixing the second plate portion 308Ab to the second attachment portion 104C. The second mounting portion 104C is provided with a support shaft 802 that projects from the first plate portion 308Aa through the opening 308Ac. A support shaft 802 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 560 of the rotating disk 502, the gear 902, and the gear 614. In a state in which the second member 308A is attached to the second attachment portion 104C, a space 308Ad is formed between the first plate portion 308Aa of the second member 308A and the second attachment portion 104C of the attachment base 104. It has become. A part of the gear 614 is accommodated in the space 308Ad. The first member 306A of the first base portion 300A is fixed on the second member 308A with the lower portion thereof disposed on the partial annular surface 186.

  A support shaft 801 is provided on the upper left portion of the first mounting portion 104B of the mounting base 104. The support shaft 801 is arranged to be coaxial with the opening 188 of the cover body 180 in a state where the cover body 180 (that is, the storage bowl 102) is attached to the attachment base 104. A support shaft 801 is inserted into a shaft insertion hole (not shown) of the rotary disk 501 and the gear 612. Thereby, the turntable 501 is disposed in the opening 188 of the cover body 180. Further, a gear 604 and a gear 608 are disposed on the first mounting portion 104 </ b> B of the mounting base 104.

  The first top plate portion 400A has a first coin guide groove portion 406A for forming a first coin guide passage portion 210A corresponding to the rotation axes 701 to 704. The second curved surface portion 228 described above is formed in the first top plate portion 400A. A groove 422 is formed in the first top plate portion 400A to prevent contact when the coin pushers 550A to 550B of the turntables 501 to 504 go around the rotation axes 701 to 704.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the intermediate transport unit 22 includes a second base portion 300B and a second top plate portion 400B provided on the second base portion 300B. As shown in FIG. 10, turntables 505 to 510 are arranged on the second base portion 300 </ b> B. In other words, the rotation axes 705 to 710 and the rotating disks 505 to 510 are arranged in the intermediate transport unit 22 as shown in FIG. The second base portion 300B has a first member 306B and a second member 308B.

  A portion (not shown) of the through hole 315 shown in FIG. 7 is formed in the first member 306B of the second base portion 300B. Support shafts 805 to 810 are provided on the second member 308B. A support shaft 805 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 560 of the rotating disk 505 and the gear 905. Similarly, support shafts 806 to 810 are inserted into the shaft insertion holes 560 of the rotating disks 506 to 510 and the gears 906 to 910.

  The second top plate portion 400B has a second coin guide groove portion 406B for forming a second coin guide passage portion 210B corresponding to the rotation axes 705 to 710. Grooves 422 are formed in the second top plate portion 400B to prevent contact when the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the rotary plates 505 to 510 rotate around the rotation axes 705 to 710 (see FIG. 9). .

  14 to 16, the upper transport unit 23 is attached to the third base portion 300C, the third top plate portion 400C provided on the third base portion 300C, and the third top plate portion 400C. The coin ejection mechanism 230, the stopper device 750 disposed on the right side of the back surface of the third base portion 300C, the first coin detection sensor 240R for detecting the coin C in the first outlet passage 220R, and the second outlet passage 220L. And a second coin detection sensor 240L for detecting the coin C. As shown in FIG. 15A, the rotating base plates 511 and 512 are arranged on the third base portion 300C. In other words, the rotation axes 711 and 712 and the rotating disks 511 and 512 are arranged in the upper transport unit 23. The third base portion 300C has a first member 306C and a second member 308C.

  A part (not shown) of the through hole 315 shown in FIG. 7 is formed in the first member 306C of the third base portion 300C. Support shafts 811 and 812 are provided on the second member 308C. A support shaft 811 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 560 of the rotary disk 511 and the gear 911. A support shaft 812 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 560 of the rotary disk 512 and the gear 912.

  The third top plate portion 400C has a third coin guide groove portion 406C for forming a third coin guide passage portion 210C corresponding to the rotation axes 711 and 712. In the third top plate portion 400C, a groove 422 is formed to prevent contact when the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the turntables 511 and 512 go around the rotation axes 747 and 712 (see FIG. 9). . As shown in FIG. 15A, the upper end of the third coin guide passage portion 210C (in other words, the coin guide passage 210) is an outlet 203 of the coin guide passage 210.

  As shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B, a first back plate 352R and a second back plate 352L are arranged on both sides of the third base portion 300C. The first back plate 352R is fixed to the back surface of the right extension 400R of the top plate 400, and the second back plate 352L is fixed to the back surface of the left extension 400L of the top plate 400. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 16B, the first outlet passage 220R and the second outlet passage 220L described above are formed, and the first coin outlet 204R and the second coin outlet 204L are It is formed. Further, a coin distribution passage 221 located between the first outlet passage 220R and the second outlet passage 220L is formed above the outlet 203 of the coin guide passage 210. In addition, an opening 238 shown in FIG. 16B is formed in the first back plate 352R. A stopper 760, which will be described later, can project through the opening 238 to the boundary between the coin sorting passage 221 and the first outlet passage 220R (that is, the inlet 220Ra of the first outlet passage 220R).

  The coin ejection mechanism 230 has a function of ejecting the coin C in the coin distribution path 221 toward the first coin outlet 204R or the second coin outlet 204L. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 15A, the coin ejection mechanism 230 includes a support member 231 for mounting a predetermined part, and a lever whose one end is rotatably supported by a support shaft 239. 233, a first roller 232A and a second roller 232B that contact the peripheral surface of the coin C, a biasing means 234 that biases the other end of the lever 233 toward the outlet 203 of the coin guide passage 210, and a lever 233. , And a stopper 235 that receives and holds at a predetermined stationary position.

  The support member 231 includes a plate-like fixing portion 231a parallel to the surface of the third top plate portion 400C (in other words, the third and fourth guide surfaces 216 and 218 of the coin guide passage 210), and a right angle to the fixing portion 231a. And a stopper mounting portion 231c formed by being bent so as to form a right angle with the fixing portion 231a. The fixing portion 231a, the latching portion 231b, and the stopper mounting portion 231c are integrally formed, and the fixing portion 231a is fixed to the surface of the third top plate portion 400C. The support shaft 239 is fixed to the fixing portion 231a of the support member 231, and is suspended from the surface of the fixing portion 231a. In other words, the support shaft 239 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces 216 and 218 of the coin guide passage 210.

  The lever 233 has a substantially V-shaped outer shape when viewed from the front, and includes a bent portion 233c formed at the center, a first lever portion 233a extending from the bent portion 233c toward the support shaft 239, and a support from the bent portion 233c. And a second lever portion 233b extending obliquely upward on the opposite side of the shaft 239. Support shafts 237A and 237B that are substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces 216 and 218 of the coin guide passage 210 are attached to the end portions of the bent portion 233c and the second lever portion 233b. The shaft hole of the first roller 232A is inserted into the support shaft 237A, and the shaft hole of the second roller 232B is inserted into the support shaft 237B. As a result, the first roller 232A and the second roller 232B can rotate around a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces 216, 218. The first roller 232A and the second roller 232B function as a first coin contact portion and a second coin contact portion that come into contact with coins in the coin distribution path 221. The first roller 232A and the second roller 232B have entered the coin distribution path 221 through the opening 236 formed in the third top plate portion 400C (in other words, the top plate 400).

  In the present embodiment, a torsion spring 234a is used as the biasing means 234. A support shaft 239 is inserted into the coil portion 234aa of the torsion spring 234a. One end of the torsion spring 234 a is latched in the groove of the latching portion 237, and the other end is fixed to the lever 233. As a result, the lever 233 is urged to rotate counterclockwise about the support shaft 239. In other words, the free end of the lever 233 is urged toward the outlet 203 of the coin guide passage 210. The stopper 235 has a disk shape having elasticity, and is attached to the stopper attachment portion 234c of the support member 231. When the lower surface of the bent portion 233c of the lever 233 urged by the urging means 234 contacts the stopper 235, the lever 233 is stopped at the standby position PR1. As the biasing means 234, a string spring can be used instead of the torsion spring 234a.

  The stopper device 750 has a function of preventing the coin C from entering the first outlet passage 220R in the coin sorting passage 221. As shown in FIGS. 14 (B), 15 (B), 16 (A), and 17, the stopper device 750 is provided with a support member 758 for mounting predetermined parts, and a swing with respect to the support member 758. The oscillating body 754 movably supported, an urging member 756 that urges the oscillating body 754 in a predetermined direction, and a solenoid 752 that displaces the oscillating body 754 are configured.

  The support member 758 includes a plate-like fixing portion 758a parallel to the back surface of the first back plate 352R, a vertical portion 758b bent to be perpendicular to the surface of the fixing portion 758a, and a part of the vertical portion 758b. And a latching portion 758c formed by cutting and raising. The vertical portion 758b is perpendicular to the back surface of the first back plate 352R, and the latching portion 758c is parallel to the back surface of the first back plate 352R. The fixing portion 758a of the support member 758 is fixed to the back surface of the first back plate 352R. A concave groove 754d is formed at the end of the vertical portion 758b of the support member 758.

  The rocking body 754 has a plate-like outer shape bent in a substantially L shape, and includes a rocking lever 754b that faces the fixed portion 758a of the support member 758, and a vertical portion 754a that suspends at one end of the rocking lever 754b. , And a latching portion 754c formed to project from the other end of the swing lever 754b. The swing lever 754b has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and has a groove 754d formed on each of two side surfaces corresponding to the long sides thereof. A shaft insertion hole 754e penetrating from the front surface to the back surface is formed in the vicinity of the central portion of the swing lever 754b. The vertical portion 754a is substantially rectangular in plan view, and its tip extends toward the opening 238 (see FIG. 16B). The vertical portion 754a is a stopper 760 that prevents the coin C located in the coin sorting passage 221 from entering the first outlet passage 220R. The stopper 760 is inclined inward so that the upper end is directed toward the second outlet passage 220L. The concave groove 754d of the swing lever 754b is inserted into the concave groove 758d of the support member 758. Thereby, the movement in the plane corresponding to the surface of rocking lever 754b is controlled.

  The biasing member 756 has a string spring that has one end hooked to the hooking portion 758c of the support member 758 and the other end hooked to the hooking portion 754c of the rocking body 754, and the hooking portion 758c is the hooking portion. It is urged to approach 754c. Accordingly, the swinging body 754 can swing with respect to the support member 758 using the pair of concave grooves 754d as fulcrums, and the stopper 760 moves accordingly.

  The solenoid 752 has a cylindrical outer shape, and its bottom surface is fixed to the surface of the fixing portion 758 a of the support member 758. The solenoid 752 has a rod 752b that can be projected and retracted with respect to the upper surface thereof. A connecting shaft 752a is provided at the tip of the rod 752b at a position corresponding to the shaft insertion hole 754e of the swing lever 754b. The connecting shaft 752a is fixed to the swing lever 754b in a state of being inserted into the shaft insertion hole 754e of the swing lever 754b. As a result, the swinging body 754 swings in conjunction with the movement of the rod 752b of the solenoid 752. That is, in the state where the solenoid 752 is demagnetized, as shown in FIG. 17C, the rod 752b protrudes, and the swinging body 754 is separated from the fixed portion 758a of the support member 758 by the biasing force of the biasing member 756. At this time, the stopper 760 is positioned at the standby position PS1 where the stopper 760 is immersed in the inlet 220Ra of the first outlet passage 220R. In the state where the solenoid 752 is excited, as shown in FIG. 17D, the rod 752b is immersed, and in conjunction with this, the rocking body 754 moves counterclockwise against the biasing force of the biasing member 756. To do. At this time, the stopper 760 is positioned at the blocking position PS2 that protrudes to the inlet 220Ra of the first outlet passage 220R through the opening 236. Therefore, the stopper 760 can appear and disappear at the inlet 220Ra of the first outlet passage 220R according to the demagnetization or excitation state of the solenoid 752.

  When the coin C is released from the first coin outlet 204R, the solenoid 752 is demagnetized so that the stopper 760 is positioned at the standby position PS1. This is because the coin C located in the coin distribution path 221 (in other words, located above the outlet 203 of the coin guide path 210) can enter the first outlet path 220R. When the coin C is discharged from the second coin outlet 204L, the solenoid 752 is excited so that the stopper 760 is positioned at the blocking position PS2. This is to prevent the coin C located in the coin distribution path 221 (in other words, located above the exit 203 of the coin guide path 210) from entering the first exit path 220R.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first coin detection sensor 240R is disposed so as to straddle the first outlet passage 220R. The first coin detection sensor 240R is a photoelectric sensor that has a channel-shaped resin outer case 242 and has a projector built in one of the two columnar portions 244 and a light receiver built in the other, and is opposed to each other. is there. When the coin C passes between the two columnar portions 244 in the first exit passage 220R, the optical path is blocked, and the coin C is detected one by one based on the coin detection signal output based on the light path. The second coin detection sensor 240L is disposed so as to straddle the second outlet passage 220L. Since the second coin detection sensor 240L has the same configuration as the first coin detection sensor 240R, the corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.

  By connecting the lower transport unit 21, the intermediate transport unit 22, and the upper transport unit 23 described above, the states of FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 7 to 10 are realized. That is, the base body 300 is configured by the first to third base portions 300A to 300C, and the top plate 400 is configured by the first to third top plate portions 400A to 400C. First to third coin guide passage portions 210A to 210C are communicated to form a coin guide passage 210. 7, in the base body 300, the first members 306A to 306C of the first to third base portions 300A to 300C constitute the first member 306, and the first to third base portions 300A to 300C. The second members 308 </ b> A to 308 </ b> C constitute the second member 308.

  That is, the base body 300 includes a structure in which the second member 308 is stacked on the first member 306, and the through hole 315 is formed in the second member 308. The through hole 315 has a planar shape in which eleven circular holes having the same inner dimension are connected in a zigzag manner with a part thereof being overlapped, and as shown in FIG. It has the 1st opening 315a with a small internal dimension arrange | positioned at the surface side, and the 2nd opening 315b with a large internal dimension arrange | positioned at the back surface side. The back surface side of the through hole 315 is closed by the second member 308, and a recess 316 is formed in the base body 300.

  The turntables 502 to 512 are accommodated in the first opening 315a. Gears 902 to 912 corresponding to the rotating plates 502 to 512 are accommodated in the second opening 315b. Support shafts 803 to 812 are provided on the bottom surface 318 of the recess 316. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the support shafts 803 to 812 are fixed to the base body 300 by fixing screws 310 inserted into the screw holes 340 from the back surface 304 side of the base body 300 through the second member 308. The

  The respective surfaces of the turntables 501 to 512 are arranged so as to be substantially flush with the surface 302 of the base body 300. Therefore, the coin pushers 550 </ b> A and 550 </ b> B provided on the respective surfaces of the rotary plates 501 to 512 protrude above the surface 302 of the base body 300. In other words, the coin pushers 550A and 550B protrude into the coin guide passage 210, respectively.

  The coin pushers 550A and 550B projecting into the coin guide passage 210 circulate around the corresponding rotation axes 701 to 712 as the turntables 501 to 512 rotate, and one coin C in the coin guide passage 210 is obtained. Push one by one. The pushed coin C is guided in the coin guide passage 210 while the circumferential surface is guided by the first and second guide surfaces 212 and 214 and the front or back surface is guided by the third and fourth guide surfaces 216 and 218. Is moved and transported. In this case, the range of the diameter or thickness of the coin C that can be conveyed is widened. That is, since the coin pushers 550A and 550B protruding into the coin guide passage 210 are disposed between the first and second guide surfaces 212 and 214, the first and second guide surfaces 212 and 214 and the coin pusher 550A. (In other words, larger than the interval generated between the first and second guide surfaces 212, 214 and the orbit of the coin pushers 550A, 550B), and the first If the coin has a diameter smaller than the distance between the first and second guide surfaces 212 and 214, either one of the first and second guide surfaces 212 and 214 and the coin pusher 550A or the coin pusher 550B It can be transported while being supported. Therefore, the diameter range of the coins C that can be transported is widened. On the other hand, since the coins C are pushed and conveyed one by one by the coin pushers 550A and 550B of the turntables 501 to 512, adjacent coins do not overlap in the coin guide path 210. Therefore, even if the distance between the third and fourth guide surfaces 216 and 218 is set wide, coin clogging does not occur. Therefore, the thickness range of the coin C that can be conveyed is widened.

(Operation of coin transfer device)
Next, the operation of the coin transport device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that one coin C is conveyed.

  First, the case where the coin C is discharged from the first coin exit 204R will be described. As shown in FIG. 19, the coin C is pushed by the coin locking body 128 while being in contact with the receiving edge 146 of the coin receiving means 112, and is moved in the circumferential direction of the rotating disk 106. Then, in a state where the coin C is pushed out of the rotating disk 106, the coin C is stopped at a delivery position supported by the tip of the coin locking body 128 and the peripheral wall 184. When the coin pusher 550A of the rotating disk 501 rotating in the clockwise direction comes into contact with the circumferential surface of the coin C at the delivery position, the coin C is pushed by the coin pusher 550A and introduced into the coin guide passage 210 from the inlet 202. Is done.

  When the turntable 501 further rotates, the coin C is continuously pushed by the coin pusher 550A, and the circumferential surface of the coin C is pressed against the second guide surface 214 of the coin guide passage 210 as shown in FIG. Moved upwards. At this time, the coin pusher 550A of the turntable 502 approaches the coin C due to the counterclockwise rotation of the turntable 502.

  Next, the coin pusher 550A of the turntable 502 comes into contact with the coin C and pushes the coin C, and the coin C moves upward while being guided by the first guide surface 212 of the coin guide passage 210 as shown in FIG. Moved to.

  The state shown in FIG. 22 is obtained by repeating the operation of the coin pushing mechanism 500 described above. When the turntable 512 further rotates counterclockwise from this state, the coin C is pushed by the coin pusher 550A of the turntable 512, resulting in the state shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 29A, the coin C pushed by the coin pusher 550A of the turntable 512 is introduced into the coin distribution path 221 through the outlet 203 of the coin guide path 210, and While being guided by the second guide surface 214 of the coin guide passage 210, the coin guide ejection mechanism 230 comes into contact with the first roller 232 </ b> A. When the coin C is released from the first coin outlet 204R, the stopper 760 is located at the standby position PS1, and is immersed from the inlet 220Ra of the first outlet passage 220R. For this reason, the coin C located in the coin sorting path 221 enters the first outlet path 220R without being blocked by the stopper 760.

  When the turntable 512 is further rotated, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 29B, the coin C is kept in contact with the first roller 232A, and the upward push by the coin pusher 550A of the turntable 512 is maintained. The lever 233 of the coin ejecting mechanism 230 is rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. 29B against the urging force of the urging means 234 by the power. As a result, the lever 233 moves from the standby position PR1 to the first ejecting position PR2, and the circumferential surface of the coin C contacts the coin pusher 550A of the rotating disk 512, the bottom 220Rb of the first outlet passage 220R, and the first roller 232A. The state to do is born. More specifically, the circumferential surface of the coin C is sandwiched between the first roller 232A and the corner portion CN formed between the second guide surface 214 of the coin guide passage 210 and the bottom portion 220Rb of the first outlet passage 220R. The state is generated. Here, when the contact point CP1 between the coin pusher 550A and the coin C of the rotating plate 512 is CP2, the contact point between the corner CN and the coin C is CP2, and the contact point between the first roller 232A and the coin C is CP3, the contact point CP2 A state occurs in which the center CC of the coin C is located on the virtual line L1 connecting the contact point CP3. When the coin C is pushed by the coin pusher 550A of the turntable 512 in this state, the bullet output FR toward the first outlet passage 220R is applied to the coin C by the biasing force by the biasing means 234 of the coin ejection mechanism 230. Works. In other words, when the maximum diameter portion of the coin C passes the first roller 232A, the lever 233 returns toward the standby position PR1 due to the elasticity of the biasing means 234, and the coin C is Bounced toward the one coin exit 204R.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the flipped coin C moves toward the first coin outlet 204R while being guided by the first outlet passage 220R, and is detected by the first coin detection sensor 240R in the moving process. The first coin outlet 204R is discharged.

  Next, the case where the coin C is discharged from the second coin exit 204L will be described. The process from FIG. 19 to FIG. 22 is the same as the case where the coin C is discharged from the first coin outlet 204R, and therefore the description thereof is omitted here. In the process following FIG. 22, the state shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. That is, the coin C pushed by the coin pusher 550 </ b> A of the turntable 512 is introduced into the coin sorting passage 211 through the outlet 203 of the coin guide passage 210 and the second guide surface 214 of the coin guide passage 210. The first roller 232 </ b> A of the coin ejecting mechanism 230 comes into contact with the first ejecting mechanism 230. When the coin C is released from the second coin outlet 204L, the stopper 760 is positioned at the blocking position PS2 and protrudes to the inlet 220Ra of the first outlet passage 220R. For this reason, the coin C located in the coin sorting passage 211 is prevented from entering the first outlet passage 220R by the stopper 760, and the circumferential surface of the coin C contacts the stopper 760.

  When the turntable 512 further rotates, as shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 31 (B), the coin C is kept in contact with the first roller 232A and the stopper 760, and the coin pusher 550A of the turntable 512 is used. With the upward pushing force, the lever 233 of the coin ejecting mechanism 230 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 31B against the urging force of the urging means 234. As a result, the lever 233 moves from the standby position PR1 to the second ejecting position PR3 positioned above the first ejecting position RP2, and the peripheral surface of the coin C has the coin pusher 550A, the stopper 760, and the stopper 760 of the rotating disk 512. A state of contacting the first roller 232A is generated. The stopper 760 is inclined inward so that the upper end faces the second outlet passage side. Therefore, the coin C that moves upward while contacting the stopper 760 also moves to the second outlet passage 220L side (left side of FIG. 31B) along the oblique inclination of the stopper 760. Thereby, it is possible to further optimize the state in which the peripheral surface of the coin C is in contact with the coin pusher 550A, the stopper 760, and the first roller 232A of the rotating disk 512. Here, assuming that the contact point CP4 between the coin pusher 550A and the coin C of the rotating plate 512 is CP5, the contact point between the stopper 760 and the coin C is CP5, and the contact point between the first roller 232A and the coin C is CP6, the contact point CP5 A state occurs in which the center CC of the coin C is located on the virtual line L2 connecting the contact CP6. When the coin C is pushed by the coin pusher 550A of the turntable 512 in this state, the bullet output FL toward the second outlet passage 220L is applied to the coin C by the biasing force by the biasing means 234 of the coin ejection mechanism 230. Works. In other words, when the maximum diameter portion of the coin C passes the first roller 232A, the lever 233 returns toward the standby position PR1 due to the elasticity of the biasing means 234, and the coin C is Bounced toward the 2-coin exit 204L.

  In the process of returning the lever 233 to the standby position PR1, the second roller 232B moves downward and contacts the circumferential surface of the coin C that has been flipped. Thereby, the peripheral surface of the coin C is pressed against and contacts the bottom 220Lb of the second outlet passage 220L. That is, a state occurs in which the peripheral surface of the coin C is in contact with the bottom 220Lb of the second outlet passage 220L at the contact CP7 and is in contact with the second roller 232B at the contact CP8. Thereby, since the rebound at the bottom 220Lb of the second exit passage 220L of the coin C bounced off by the first roller 232A is suppressed, the trajectory of the coin C can be stabilized.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the coin C thus flipped moves toward the second coin outlet 204L while being guided by the second outlet passage 220L, and is detected by the second coin detection sensor 240L during the movement process. Then, it is discharged from the second coin outlet 204L.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 32 shows an upper transport unit 23A applied to the coin transport device of the second embodiment of the present invention. The coin transport device of this embodiment is different from the coin transport device 20 of the first embodiment in that the coin ejecting mechanism 230A does not have the second lever portion 233b and the second roller 232B. Other than that, it is the same as the coin transfer device 20 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in FIG. 32, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure corresponding to the coin conveying apparatus 20 of 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The coin ejecting mechanism 230A has a lever 233A corresponding to the first lever portion 233a in the coin ejecting mechanism 230 of the coin transport device 20 of the first embodiment. One end of the lever 233A is rotatably supported by the support shaft 239, and a support shaft 237 is provided at the other end of the lever 233A. The shaft hole of the roller 232 is inserted into the support shaft 237, and the roller 232 can rotate around a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces. The roller 232 functions as a contact portion that contacts the peripheral surface of the coin C, similarly to the first roller 232A of the coin transport device 20 of the first embodiment.

  Also in the coin transport device of the present embodiment, when the coin C is released from the first coin outlet 204R, the stopper 760 is located at the standby position and is immersed, so that the coin C is allowed to enter the first outlet passage 220R. The Therefore, the state where the peripheral surface of the coin C contacts the coin pusher 550A of the rotating disk 512, the bottom 220Rb of the first outlet passage 220R, and the roller 232 is generated as in the coin transport device 20 of the first embodiment. Then, the urging force by the urging means of the coin ejecting mechanism 230 </ b> A causes the bullet output toward the first outlet passage 220 </ b> R to act on the coin C, and when the maximum diameter portion of the coin C passes the roller 232, the urging means Due to this elasticity, the lever 233A returns toward the standby position, and the coin C is flipped toward the first coin outlet 204R by the turning force at that time.

  When the coin C is discharged from the second coin outlet 204L, the stopper 760 protrudes at the blocking position, so that the coin C is prevented from entering the first outlet passage 220R. Therefore, the state where the peripheral surface of the coin C is in contact with the coin pusher 550 </ b> A, the stopper 760, and the roller 232 of the rotating disk 512 is generated as in the coin transport device 20 of the first embodiment. Then, the urging force from the urging means of the coin ejecting mechanism 230 </ b> A causes the bullet output toward the second outlet passage 220 </ b> L to act on the coin C, and when the maximum diameter portion of the coin C passes the roller 232, the urging means Due to this elasticity, the lever 233A returns toward the standby position, and the coin C is flipped toward the second coin outlet 204L by the turning force at that time.

  The present invention can be suitably used for a coin processing device that processes coins such as coins and medals, and is suitable for use in, for example, a money changer, a vending machine, a ticket vending machine, a game machine, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Coin dispensing apparatus 10 Coin delivery apparatus 20 Coin conveyance apparatus 21 Lower conveyance unit 22 Intermediate conveyance unit 23 Upper conveyance unit 23A Upper conveyance unit 102 Reservation bowl 106 Rotating disk 108 Drive apparatus 112 Coin receiving means 128 Coin latching body 132 Central protrusion 133 Protrusion 134 Holding surface 136 Support shelf 138 Pushing edge 145 Coin receiving body 146 Receiving edge 174 Floating support means 180 Cover body 184 Perimeter wall 190 Coin outlet 200 Coin guide portion 202 Inlet 203 Outlet 204R First coin outlet 204L Second coin outlet 210 Coin guide passage 211 Coin distribution passage 212 First guide surface 214 Second guide surface 216 Third guide surface 218 Fourth guide surface 220R First exit passage 220L Second exit passage 220Ra, 220La Inlet 220Rb, 220L b Bottom portion 221 Coin sorting passage 230 Coin ejection mechanism 231 Support member 231a Fixing portion 231b Hooking portion 231c Stopper mounting portion 232 Roller 232A First roller 232B Second roller 233, 233A Lever 233a First lever portion 233b Second lever portion 233c Bending portion 234 Energizing means 237, 237A, 237B Support shaft 238 Opening 239 Support shaft 240R First coin detection sensor 240L Second coin detection sensor 300 Base body 352R First back plate 352L Second back plate 400 Top plate 400L Left extension Residual portion 400R Right extending portion 406 Coin guide groove 407 First groove portion 408 Second groove portion 409R Third groove portion 409L Fourth groove portion 450 Entrance guide member 500 Coin pushing mechanism 501 to 512 Turntable 550A, 550B Coin pusher 612 Wheel 614 Gear 701 to 712 Rotating axis 750 Stopper device 752 Solenoid 752a Connecting shaft 752b Rod 754 Oscillating body 754a Upright part 754b Oscillating lever 754c Hooking part 754d Recessed groove 754e Shaft insertion hole 756 Energizing member 758 Supporting member 758a Fixing part 758b Vertical portion 758c Hook portion 758d Groove 760 Stopper 801-812 Support shaft 902-912 Gear 950 Drive coupling mechanism C Coin CC Center CN Corner portion CP1-CP8 Contact FR, FL Bullet output L1, L2 Virtual line PR1 Standby position PR2 First ejection position PR3 Second ejection position PS1 Standby position PS2 Blocking position

Claims (5)

The first and second guide surfaces for guiding the peripheral surface of the coin and the third and fourth guide surfaces for guiding the front and back surfaces of the coin, respectively, and from the lower entrance to the upper exit A coin guide passage extending toward the
A plurality of turntables arranged adjacent to each other in a predetermined order along the first or second guide surface, and rotating around corresponding rotation axes substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces;
A drive coupling mechanism for drivingly coupling the plurality of rotating disks to rotate one and the other of the two adjacent rotating disks among the plurality of rotating disks in mutually opposite rotational directions;
Each of the plurality of turntables protrudes from a surface located on the coin guide passage side, is disposed opposite to the rotation axis of the corresponding turntable, and rotates integrally with the corresponding turntable. The first and second coin pushers that respectively circulate around the corresponding rotation axis to push the circumferential surface of the coin in the coin guide passage,
A coin transport device comprising:
A first outlet passage for guiding the coin located above the outlet toward a first coin outlet provided on the first guide surface side;
A second outlet passage for guiding the coin located above the outlet toward a second coin outlet provided on the second guide surface side;
A stopper capable of appearing and retracting at the entrance of the first exit passage and preventing the coin from entering the first exit passage when protruding;
A bullet output directed to the first outlet passage acts on the coin located above the outlet when the stopper is immersed, and a bullet output directed to the second outlet passage when the stopper protrudes. A coin ejection mechanism configured to act;
Further comprising: a coin transport device. The coin ejecting mechanism is provided at one end of which is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces and bent in a substantially V shape, and a bent portion of the lever. A first coin contact portion, a second coin contact portion provided at the other end of the lever, and biasing means for biasing the lever in a direction toward the exit of the coin guide passage. ,
When the stopper protrudes, a state occurs in which the peripheral surface of the coin is in contact with each of the coin pusher, the stopper, and the first coin contact portion, and then the peripheral surface of the coin further becomes the second outlet passage. And a state of contacting each of the bottom portion of the second coin contact portion and the second coin contact portion,
2. The coin transport device according to claim 1, wherein when the stopper is immersed, a state occurs in which the peripheral surface of the coin is in contact with each of the coin pusher, the bottom of the first exit passage, and the first coin contact portion. .   3. The coin transport device according to claim 2, wherein each of the first coin contact portion and the second contact portion includes a roller that rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces. The coin ejecting mechanism includes a lever whose one end is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces, and a coin contact portion provided at the other end of the lever. Urging means for urging the lever in a direction toward the exit of the coin guide passage,
When the stopper protrudes, a state occurs in which the peripheral surface of the coin is in contact with each of the coin pusher, the stopper, and the coin contact portion,
2. The coin transport device according to claim 1, wherein when the stopper is immersed, a state in which the peripheral surface of the coin is in contact with each of the coin pusher, the bottom of the first exit passage, and the contact portion is generated. 5. The coin transport device according to claim 4, wherein the coin contact portion includes a roller that rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth guide surfaces.

Images