JP2021051437A - Coin hopper, coin hopper unit, and coin processor - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a coin hopper unit and a coin processor for appropriately arranging a coin hopper corresponding to a denomination at a predetermined position of a case.SOLUTION: An anti-misinsertion body 34 is placed approximately in the center of a bottom side of a coin hopper 2. A partition plate for individually arranging the coin hopper 2 is provided in a case 3 of a coin hopper unit 1, and an anti-misinsertion pin 20 is arranged in each area. A recess, where a connector is arranged, is provided on a back surface of the coin hopper 2. The direction of arranging the anti-misinsertion pin 20 and the anti-misinsertion body 34 can be changed in a stepwise manner, and it is determined whether or not the coin hopper 2 can be attached to the case 3 depending on an arrangement angle. The coin hopper 2 can be easily and conveniently placed in a predetermined position of the case 3 by using one side surface of the coin hopper 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a coin hopper that ejects coins one by one, a coin hopper unit having a coin hopper, and a coin processing device including a coin hopper unit.

Coins that are popular currency, disk-shaped coins such as medals and tokens used in game machines, or polygonal plate-shaped coins such as hexagons and octagons, medals, tokens, etc. A coin hopper that ejects coins one by one is known. These coins, medals, tokens, etc. are hereinafter referred to as coins.

For example, in a coin hopper, a disk having a plurality of openings for holding coins supplied from the storage container one by one is arranged at the bottom of a storage container for stacking and storing coins in bulk, and a transport path is provided below the disk. Is provided. By rotating the disc, the coins that have entered the opening are transported in a ring shape along the transport path. The coins can be ejected one by one from the ejection port by changing the moving direction as needed by the ejection mechanism arranged in the transport path. For example, a movable pin, roller, plate, etc. is driven and controlled, and the coin is ejected by changing the moving direction of the coin so as to guide the coin from the transport path toward the ejection port.

Further, there is known a coin processing device which is provided with a coin hopper for each type of coin, for example, for each denomination, controls the number of coins to be ejected for each denomination, and ejects a desired amount of coins such as change. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-79318 is known as such a coin processing apparatus.

In the coin processing device, coin hoppers according to the denomination are arranged along the belt, and a plate for receiving coins is arranged at the tip of the belt in the rotation direction. The outlet of the coin hopper is arranged so as to be directed toward the belt so that the coins ejected from the coin hopper are placed on the belt.

Generally, since coin hoppers corresponding to each denomination are arranged, a plurality of coin hoppers are required along the belt.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-79318

In the coin hopper, it is necessary to wire a power supply, a control signal, and the like, and the control circuit of the coin processing device and the control circuit of the coin hopper are connected by using a connector. When the coin hopper is placed in a predetermined position on the device, the connector on the coin hopper side and the connector on the coin processing device main body side can be connected. Further, if the connector is damaged, there is a problem that normal signal input / output cannot be performed.

In addition, it is necessary to accurately arrange the coin hopper with respect to the belt that carries coins, and it is desirable that the coin hopper becomes considerably heavy when it contains coins and is easy to handle when it is attached or detached. ing.

In addition, it is necessary to arrange the coin hopper corresponding to the denomination at a predetermined position of the case, and if the position is incorrect, the denomination of the coin to be paid out will be incorrect. For example, there is a problem that the change is paid out at the wrong amount. It is desired that the coin hopper corresponding to the denomination is placed only in a predetermined position of the device.

The coin hopper unit of the present invention includes a coin hopper that discharges coins stored in a storage container one by one, a case for fixing the coin hopper, a detection unit arranged in the case, and a detection object arranged in the coin hopper. The coin hopper can be attached to the case when the detection unit and the detected unit are engaged, and when the detection unit and the detected unit are not engaged, the coin hopper is attached to the case. In the coin hopper unit that cannot be mounted, the detection unit has an identification member fixed to the mounting portion provided on the case, and when the identification member is mounted on the mounting portion, the mounting direction is set at each predetermined angle in a plan view. The detected portion is determined stepwise, and the detected portion has a identified member fixed to a storage portion provided in the coin hopper, and when the identified member is attached to the storage portion, the mounting direction is set in a plan view. It is determined stepwise for each of the predetermined angles, and it is determined whether or not the detection unit and the detection unit engage with each other according to the attachment direction of the identification member and the attachment direction of the identification member. It is a feature.

The coin processing device of the present invention has the above-mentioned coin hopper unit and a transport path for transporting coins discharged from the coin hopper unit, and the transport path is arranged along the coin hopper unit. It is characterized by that.

The coin hopper of the present invention is arranged outside a storage container for storing coins, a transport path for transporting the coins supplied from the storage container, and a discharge port for discharging the coins one by one from the transport path. In a coin hopper having a detected portion that engages with a detected portion, the detected portion is arranged in a recessed storage portion having an opening on the back surface of the coin hopper, and the detected portion attaches in a predetermined angle every predetermined angle. A member to be identified for selecting whether or not to engage with the detection unit is fixed by gradually changing to, and the storage unit has a shape corresponding to the member to be identified and has the predetermined angle. The identified member can be stored and fixed for each type of coin, and the identified member can be fixed by changing the mounting direction for each type of coin to be used.

According to the present invention, it becomes easy to place a desired coin hopper in a predetermined position of the device without fail. Since the coin hopper can be easily attached and detached without making a mistake in the mounting position, damage to the coin hopper such as the connector can be reduced or prevented. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coin hopper that can be easily and surely placed at a predetermined position of the device. Further, it is possible to provide a coin hopper unit capable of easily placing a coin hopper corresponding to a denomination at a predetermined position. Further, a coin processing device provided with the coin hopper unit can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the coin hopper unit. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the coin processing device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the coin hopper unit in a state where one storage container of the coin hopper is removed. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a coin hopper unit with three coin hoppers removed. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the case. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the erroneous insertion prevention pin. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the erroneous insertion prevention body. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the coin hopper unit. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the coin hopper. FIG. 10 is a front view of the coin hopper. FIG. 11 is a perspective view from the back surface side of the coin hopper. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the connection of the connector. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the erroneous insertion prevention pin and the erroneous insertion prevention body are engaged.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each figure is only schematically shown to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. Further, in each figure, common components and similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coin hopper unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The coin hopper unit 1 is a unit in which four coin hoppers 2 are placed in a case 3. Each coin hopper 2 corresponds to four types of coins having different denominations of the first coin 4, the second coin 5, the third coin 6, and the fourth coin 7. The coin outlet 8 of each coin hopper 2 is directed in the same direction. A coin hopper 2 having the same outer shape is arranged at a predetermined position of the case 3. The tip of the coin outlet 8 of each coin hopper 2 is arranged so as to project outward from the edge of the case 3. For example, when the belt is arranged along the case 3, the discharge port 8 can be arranged so as to be located above the belt, and the coins discharged from the discharge port 8 can be reliably placed on the belt.

In such a coin hopper unit 1, it is easy to arrange the coin discharge ports 8 of the coin hopper 2 at desired positions. Since the coin hopper 2 can be arranged with high accuracy and the coin hopper 2 can be arranged at a position determined for each denomination, it is possible to prevent accidentally ejecting coins of different denominations.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the coin processing device. The coin processing device 10 uses eight coin hoppers 2 in two rows of four in order to support eight types of denominations. Four coin hoppers 2 are arranged in one coin hopper unit 1. Coin hopper units 1 are arranged on both sides of the belt 11. By arranging them on both sides, the length of the belt 11 is shortened.

Coins are ejected onto the belt 11 from the outlet 8 of the coin hopper 2. The belt 11 on which coins are placed is conveyed in the direction of the saucer 9, and coins are dropped from the end of the belt 11 onto the saucer 9. The coins discharged from each coin hopper 2 can be collected in the saucer 9.

For example, in the case of Japanese coins, coins of 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen, and 500 yen are generally used. Since it is sufficient to use the coin hoppers 2 corresponding to the six types of denominations, three coin hoppers 2 may be mounted on one coin hopper unit 1 and arranged on both sides of the belt 11. In addition, four coin hoppers 2 are mounted on one unit, and two coin hoppers 2 corresponding to denominations such as 1 yen, 10 yen, and 100 yen, which increase the number of ejected coins, are used, and the number of ejected coins is increased. May be configured to control.

The coin hopper 2 is controlled by a control means (not shown) provided on the main body side of the coin processing device 10. A power supply, a signal line, etc. are connected to the main body side and the coin hopper 2 side by a connector described later. The connector on the coin hopper 2 side is used as the first connector, and the connector on the main body side is used as the second connector to connect the first connector and the second connector. As a result, the external board, which is the board on the main body side, and the power supply, signal line, etc. of the control board on the coin hopper 2 side are electrically connected. The external board, which is the control means on the main body side, for example, drives and controls each coin hopper 2, controls the number of coins to be ejected, controls the drive of the belt 11, and controls the tray 9 for each denomination. Pay out the number of coins.

For example, the discharge port 8 of the coin hopper 2 is provided so as to project from the end of the case 3 of the coin hopper unit 1 in the coin discharge direction by about 1/4 to 2/3 of the diameter of the coin when viewed from above. Is preferable. The height of the discharge port 8 is lowered as it approaches the belt 11, and the coins ejected so as to pop out from the discharge port 8 move so as to fall in the direction of the belt 11 due to the inclination of the discharge port 8. Further, if the tip of the discharge port 8 is provided so as to project, the distance between the coin hopper units 1 can be shortened by arranging the coin hopper units 1 on both sides of the belt 11, and the device can be miniaturized.

Further, the discharge port 8 is arranged at a position biased to one side when the coin hopper 2 is viewed from the front, and here to the right side. As a result, when the coin hopper units 1 are arranged so as to face each other on both sides of the belt 11, the discharge ports 8 of the units are arranged alternately without facing each other. It is possible to reduce or prevent unexpected problems caused by the coins being ejected colliding with each other.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the coin hopper unit in a state where one storage container of the coin hopper is removed. The figure is a state in which the storage container 12 of the coin hopper 2 arranged at the end of the coin hopper unit 1 is removed. The coin hopper 2 will be described.

The coin hopper 2 includes a storage container 12 for storing coins, a disk 14 for transporting coins, an annular transport path 15 for coins, a drive device for the disk 14, a base 13 for storing components such as a control circuit and an annular transport path 15, and storage. It is configured to include a stirring member 17 that stirs coins stored in the container 12.

The stirring member 17 is rotationally driven in the rotational direction of the disc 14 to stir the coins in the storage container 12.

The disk 14 is arranged between the storage container 12 and the base 13. Further, the upper part of the storage container 12 is open. You can insert coins through this upper opening. The bottom of the storage container 12 is provided with a substantially circular opening facing the disc 14. The bottom surface is inclined toward the opening, and the coins are formed in a substantially funnel shape, and the coins stacked in bulk fall in the direction of the disc 14. Due to the inclination of the bottom surface, the coins to be placed are set to slide down naturally due to their own weight. The coins piled up in the storage container 12 are guided in the direction of the disc 14 along the slope and supplied to the opening 16 provided in the disc 14. The diameter of the opening at the bottom of the storage container 12 is smaller than the diameter of the disc 14. The disc 14 is sandwiched between the storage container 12 and the base 13 and can be restrained so as not to come off.

As the disc 14 rotates, the coin held in the opening 16 slides on the annular transport path 15 and is transported in an annular shape. Further, the stored coins are agitated by the stirring member 17 provided in the center of the disc 14 and rotating together with the disc 14.

The coin hopper 2 is provided with a discharge port 8 for discharging coins one by one. The coins are ejected by changing the moving direction of the coins cyclically conveyed on the annular transport path 15 in the direction of the discharge port 8 by a discharge means (not shown). For example, by driving and controlling movable pins, rollers, plates, etc., the coins are ejected by changing the moving direction of the coins so as to guide them in the eight ejection ports.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a coin hopper unit with three coin hoppers removed. The coin hopper unit 1 has an area in which four coin hoppers 2 can be mounted, and in this example, one coin hopper 2 is mounted in the end area. In the case 3, the area where each coin hopper 2 is arranged is divided by a partition plate 18. As a result, it serves as a guide plate when the coin hopper 2 is arranged on the case 3, and also serves as a positional guideline. It is divided into four areas evenly by three partition plates 18. One coin hopper 2 can be placed in each area.

In the case 3, a wall portion is formed from the outer peripheral portion of a base having a rectangular flat bottom surface in the thickness direction of the bottom surface, that is, in the vertical direction. The case 3 has walls on four sides around it, and is formed in the shape of a container with an upper opening facing the bottom surface. Further, three partition plates 18 are provided along the lateral direction of the case 3 to form four equal areas for accommodating the coin hopper 2. The partition plate 18 is formed integrally with the wall portion. The partition plate 18 is formed to have the same thickness as the wall portion and also functions as a rib, which contributes to the improvement of strength. Further, since the case 3 is for mounting the heavy coin hopper 2, it is preferably made of a highly rigid metal or resin material. The partition plate 18 may be attached and detached separately. The partition plate 18 is preferably provided in the shape of a single plate between the wall portions, but may be intermittently or partially formed with an opening or the like.

A pedestal 19 is provided in each area, and the pedestal 19 is provided at a position including the central portion of the area. An erroneous insertion prevention pin 20, which is an identification member for identifying the coin hopper 2 to be mounted, is fixed on the pedestal 19. The outer circumference of the pedestal 19 has the same shape as the outer circumference of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20. The pedestal 19 is provided so as to project from the bottom surface of the case 3 as a mounting portion for the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 which is an identification member. The erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 is provided with a hollow cylindrical central pin 21 protruding from the center. Further, the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the center, and a columnar peripheral pin 22 is provided so as to project. The central pin 21 is formed thicker than the peripheral pin 22. The erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 is fixed on the pedestal 19 with a screw or the like, and the direction of the peripheral pin 22 can be changed in various directions.

The erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 is an identification member for detecting the coin hopper 2 mounted on the case 3. The detection unit including the identification member can detect whether or not the coin hopper 2 can be mounted depending on whether or not it engages with the detection unit including the erroneous insertion prevention body which is the identification member fixed to the coin hopper 2 described later. The erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 functions as a detection unit arranged outside the coin hopper 2. The erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 can be fixed to the pedestal 19 of the case 3, that is, the mounting portion. The peripheral pins 22 can be arranged in eight directions, that is, in different directions every 45 degrees. That is, a plurality of types, here eight types, can be identified according to the arrangement direction by the identification member having the same shape. In addition, the target object can be confirmed by visually recognizing the arrangement angle of the identification member. In this way, the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 is used in four areas having the same shape, but the coin hopper 2 corresponding to eight types of denominations is selectively arranged due to the difference in the direction of the peripheral pins 22. be able to. In other words, the type can be identified by changing the attachment angle of the identification member and the identification member for each different type of coin.

Since the peripheral pins 22 are arranged in different directions in the erroneous insertion prevention pins 20 in the three areas where the coin hopper 2 is not attached, the coin hoppers 2 of different denominations can be attached.

In each area, a connector hole 23 is provided along the partition plate 18. The connector hole 23 is, for example, a connector on the main body side of the coin processing device 10. The socket 24 connected to the control board on the main body side is inserted into the connector hole 23 and fixed to the case 3 in a state of penetrating the front and back surfaces of the bottom surface of the case 3. The control board on the main body side becomes an external board when viewed from the coin hopper 2, and is connected via a connector. Both ends of the socket 24 are fixed to the case 3 with screws 25. The longitudinal direction of the socket 24 is arranged along the partition plate 18, and the lateral direction is arranged along the wall portion of the case 3. Each is arranged at the corner of the rectangular area so as to be in the vicinity of each of the partition plate 18 and the wall portion. When the coin hopper 2 is mounted, the partition plate 18 and the wall portion form a kind of guide portion around the coin hopper 2, and by moving along these, the mounting position is determined and the coin hopper 2 can be easily mounted. Further, it is preferable that the member to be fitted is also in the vicinity of these guiding members.

The first side surface 26 on one side of the storage container 12 of the coin hopper 2 is formed in a substantially flat shape. At least a part of the second side surface 27 on one side of the base 13 of the coin hopper 2 is formed to be substantially flat with respect to the first side surface 26. The side surface including the first side surface 26 and the second side surface 27 on one side of the coin hopper 2 is configured so as not to extend beyond the partition plate 18 to the adjacent area. In addition, the coin hopper 2 can be stored in each area.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, an erroneous insertion prevention mechanism for preventing the coin hopper 2 other than the corresponding denomination from being set by arranging the identification member in each area will be described. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the case. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the erroneous insertion prevention pin. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the erroneous insertion prevention body.

In the case 3, a side wall is formed vertically around the bottom surface of the rectangular base, and the upper side facing the bottom surface is open. The wall is composed of four side walls. A partition plate 18 is provided parallel to the side wall in the lateral direction, and is divided into four areas: a first area 29, a second area 30, a third area 31, and a fourth area 32. The partition plate 18 is formed vertically from the bottom surface of the case 3. Further, although the partition plate 18 is formed in a plate shape, an opening may be partially provided.

A pedestal 19 is arranged at a substantially central portion of each area of the case 3, and an erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 which is an identification member is fixed on the pedestal 19. The erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 is provided with eight protrusions at equal intervals on the circumference when viewed from the thickness direction, that is, in a plan view, and a peripheral pin 22 which is a columnar protrusion is formed at one of the protrusions. Has been done. In a plan view, the tips of the eight protruding portions correspond to the outer peripheral shape of the peripheral pin 22. Between the two concentric circles centered on the center of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20, eight protrusions and approximately half of the portion of the peripheral pin 22 in the tip direction are inserted.

When the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 is fixed to the case 3, the peripheral pins 22 of each erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 may be arranged so as to face in eight different directions with respect to the central pin 21. It can be arranged so that eight types of coin hoppers 2 can be identified.

The central line 28 indicated by the alternate long and short dash line indicates a line passing through the center of the case 3 in the lateral direction. The erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 is arranged at a position where the center pin 21 includes the center line. Preferably, the coin hopper 2 is arranged at a position including the position of the center of gravity when viewed from the thickness direction of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20, that is, when viewed in a plane view. When the coin hopper 2 is attached to the case 3, it is placed from the opening side of the case 3, so that it is easy to handle if the center of gravity is substantially in the center. Since the coin hopper 2 becomes particularly heavy when coins are stored, it is desired to facilitate handling during work such as attachment / detachment operation. It is easy to handle if the center of gravity is near the center.

The coin hopper 2 of the denomination that can be mounted is determined by the direction of the peripheral pins 22 of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 arranged on the case 3. For example, in the first area 29, the peripheral pins 22 are arranged in the lower right direction on the paper surface, in the second area 30 in the right direction, in the third area 31 in the diagonally upward right direction, and in the fourth area 32 in the upward direction. .. Based on this, coin hoppers 2 corresponding to four different denominations can be set without mistake.

Further, the longitudinal direction of the socket 24 and the side wall and the partition plate 18 in the lateral direction of the case 3 are parallel to each other, and the socket 24 is arranged along the vicinity thereof. Further, the lateral direction of the socket 24 is arranged parallel to the wall in the longitudinal direction of the case 3 and is arranged in the vicinity of the wall on one side. At the corners of the area separated by the partition plate 18 of the case 3, the longitudinal direction of the socket 24 is arranged along the side wall or the partition plate 18 of the case 3, and the lateral direction of the socket 24 is arranged along the wall portion of the case 3. ing. Since the socket 24 is arranged along the partition plate 18 and the position close to the wall portion, the connector can be fitted accurately by mounting the coin hopper along the socket 24 as a guide member. it can.

When the coin hopper 2 is mounted on the case 3, the coin hopper 2 is moved along the side wall or the partition plate, and therefore it is preferable to arrange the coin hopper 2 in parallel in the vicinity thereof. Further, in the fixing portion for fixing the socket 24 to the case 3, the screw 25 arranged on one side is arranged at a position including the center line 28. This is to make the positions of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 and the socket 24 as close as possible. Since both are members that fit into the coin hopper 2, it is easier to handle when they are closer to each other than when they are separated. On the other hand, it is preferable to arrange it at a position along the partition plate 18 or the like, so it is desirable to make it as close as possible, but since it is related to the arrangement of other members, it is arranged at least at a position where a part overlaps with the center line 28. It is preferable to do so.

The mark 33 of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 is provided on a peripheral protrusion. A peripheral protrusion protrudes at a corresponding position on the back surface side of the mark 33. The peripheral protrusion is provided at a position corresponding to the center of the peripheral pin 22 of the protrusion. That is, it is provided on the circumference having the same radius from the center of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20. In addition, through holes are provided at positions corresponding to the eight protruding portions of the pedestal 19. That is, eight through holes are provided at equal intervals on the circumference of the above-mentioned radius from the center of the pedestal 19. Eight protruding portions around the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 are arranged between the circumference where the mark 33 is located and the circumference passing through the tip of the protruding portion. A curved surface is formed in the tip direction with the circumference where the mark 33 is located as the hem. Both protrusions have the same shape.

The through hole provided in the pedestal 19 and the above-mentioned peripheral protrusion on the back surface side also serve as a positioning member when the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 is set on the pedestal 19. By fitting the peripheral protrusion into the through hole, the direction of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 can be determined at a stepwise determined angle. Further, the central pin 21 is a columnar protruding portion, and the center is open. There is a screw hole in the center of this opening, and the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 set on the pedestal 19 is fixed by the screw. The heights of the central pin 21 and the peripheral pins 22 are the same. It is preferable that these heights are set as low as possible. Since it is inserted into the coin hopper 2, the higher the height, the larger the coin hopper 2. Further, the pedestal 19 is formed in the case 3 and is arranged at a substantially central portion of each area. The pedestal 19 and the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 can also be used as members for determining the position of the coin hopper 2.

The case 3 is nothing but a detection unit including an identification member for identifying the coin hopper 2. The detected portion is arranged on the coin hopper 2.

On the other hand, on the coin hopper 2 side, an erroneous insertion prevention body 34, which is a member to be identified corresponding to the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20, is fixed. The erroneous insertion prevention body 34 includes a first recess 35 which is a recess corresponding to the central pin 21 of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20, and a second recess 36 which is a recess corresponding to the peripheral pin 22.

Further, a screw hole 37, which is a through hole provided for fixing to the coin hopper 2, is provided in the center of the first recess 35 of the erroneous insertion prevention body 34, and is fixed to the coin hopper 2 with a screw. Further, when the erroneous insertion prevention body 34 is fixed to the coin hopper 2, the position where it can be attached to the case 3 is determined according to the position of the second recess 36. That is, it can be mounted when the second recess 36 of the erroneous insertion prevention body 34 fixed to the coin hopper 2 is arranged at a position corresponding to the peripheral pin 22 of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 arranged in the case 3. Become. By arranging the second recess 36 at a position corresponding to the denomination, the coin hopper 2 corresponding to the denomination can be obtained. By providing a detected portion including the erroneous insertion prevention body 34, which is a member to be identified, on the coin hopper 2 side, it is possible to identify whether or not it can be mounted.

With this configuration, the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20, the erroneous insertion prevention body 34, the coin hopper 2, and the case 3 can be of the same shape even if the denomination is changed. That is, by changing the mounting position, it is possible to correspond to eight types of denominations, so that the parts can be used efficiently. Further, the denomination of the coin hopper 2 to be mounted can be easily determined from the position of the peripheral pin 22 of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 fixed to the case 3. Further, the denomination to be used can be easily identified from the position of the second recess 36 of the erroneous insertion prevention body 34 arranged on the back surface of the coin hopper 2. When visually recognizing, it is determined by the position of the objects arranged on the circumference, so that it can be easily determined without wondering what number it is, as compared with the case of the position of the objects arranged on a straight line.

In order to change the object that can be identified by changing the arrangement direction for each predetermined angle, a convex portion or a concave portion may be provided on the base of a circle or a regular polygonal shape. Further, a shape without the central pin 21 may be used. On the other hand, it is desired that the arrangement is easy even if the direction is changed and the arrangement direction is easy to see. Further, the erroneous insertion prevention body 34 may be arranged in the case, and the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 may be arranged in the coin hopper 2. That is, it is also possible to arrange the convex portion and the concave portion in reverse.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the coin hopper unit. It is a figure when viewed from the back side of the coin hopper unit 1. Four coin hoppers 2 are arranged in the case 3. Each coin hopper 2 is arranged in the case 3 as a dedicated coin hopper 2 for each of the first coin 4, the second coin 5, the third coin 6, and the fourth coin 7.

On the bottom surface of the case 3, a central hole 38 and a peripheral hole 39 are provided in an area corresponding to each coin hopper 2. Eight peripheral holes 39 are arranged on the same circumference centered on the central hole 38 so that the adjacent holes are evenly spaced. The central hole 38 is arranged at a position corresponding to the central pin 21 of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20, and the peripheral hole 39 is arranged at a position corresponding to the peripheral pin 22 and the protruding portion of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20. A peripheral protrusion 40 is provided at a corresponding position on the back surface side of the mark 33 of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20, and this protrusion is inserted into the peripheral hole 39. That is, from the back surface side of the case 3, it is possible to know at which position of the peripheral hole 39 the protrusion is inserted.

For example, in the peripheral hole 39 of the case 3 corresponding to the coin hopper 2 for the fourth coin 7, it can be seen that the peripheral protrusion 40 is inserted into the peripheral hole 39 on the right and left sides of the paper surface of the central hole 38. Similarly, in the coin hopper 2 for the first coin 4, the peripheral protrusions 40 are inserted into the peripheral holes 39 on the diagonally upper left and diagonally lower right sides of the central hole 38. In the coin hopper 2 for the second coin 5, peripheral protrusions 40 are inserted into the peripheral holes 39 on and below the paper surface of the central hole 38. In the coin hopper 2 for the third coin 6, the peripheral protrusions 40 are inserted into the peripheral holes 39 on the diagonally upper right side and the diagonally lower left side of the paper surface of the central hole 38.

From the central hole 38 on the back surface side of the case 3, a screw 41 for fixing the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 can be confirmed.

With the above configuration, the direction of the peripheral pin 22 of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 can be confirmed by confirming at which position of the peripheral hole 39 the peripheral protrusion 40 is arranged from the back surface side of the case 3. can do. That is, the denomination of the coin hopper 2 to be mounted can be seen from the back surface side of the case 3. Further, by checking the screw 41 from the central hole 38, it can be confirmed whether the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 is fixed.

In this way, various checks such as the denomination set from the back side of the case 3 and the fixing status of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 are possible, so how to check when the coin processing device 10 is set. The variation of is increasing and spreading, and the certainty of confirmation is improved.

Next, the coin hopper 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the coin hopper. FIG. 10 is a front view of the coin hopper. FIG. 11 is a perspective view from the back surface side of the coin hopper. Here, the coin hopper 2 for the fourth coin 7 will be described. Further, the mounting position on the case 3 is determined based on the arrangement direction of the second recess 36 of the erroneous insertion prevention body 34 in the body storage portion 52. By changing the arrangement direction of the second recess 36 for each denomination, it is possible to prevent the second recess 36 from being accidentally attached to the case 3. The erroneous insertion prevention body 34 is fixed to the coin hopper 2 by using a screw 53 as a fixing means through a screw hole provided in the center of the first recess 35. Further, a wedge-like object can be fitted and fixed in the gap between the erroneous insertion prevention body 34 and the body storage portion 52.

The coin hopper 2 is provided with a storage container 12 for storing coins at the upper part, a disk 14 at the lower part, an annular transport path 15 for coins, and a base 13 for storing members such as a driving device thereof. The coin ejection port 8 is arranged above the front inclined portion 47. On the front side of the base 13, a front inclined portion 47 is formed above the front lower portion 46 facing the wall surface of the case 3. The lower front portion 46 is arranged so as to face and be parallel to the wall surface of the case 3 when mounted. That is, the lower front portion 46 can be moved along the wall surface of the case 3. Further, the front inclined portion 47 projects in a direction in which it protrudes from the front lower portion 46 as it goes upward. For example, the edge of the front inclined portion 47, which is the end of the ejection port 8 for ejecting the fourth coin 7, is formed so as to protrude. By arranging a part of the belt 11 so as to overlap with each other in the upper view below the protruding front inclined portion 47, the discharged fourth coin 7 can be suitably placed on the transport path such as the belt 11. it can.

The first side surface 26, which is one side surface of the storage container 12, and the second side surface 27, which is a part of one side surface of the base 13, are configured to be substantially flat. Further, the third side surface 42, which is the other side surface of the storage container 12, and the fourth side surface 43, which is a part of the other side surface of the base 13, are configured to be substantially flat. Further, a step portion 45 is provided in a portion of the base 13 of the fourth side surface 43 corresponding to the partition plate 18 of the case 3, and the fifth side surface 44 is formed at a position shifted by the step portion 45 with respect to the fourth side surface 43. Has been done. As a result, when the coin hopper 2 is attached to the case 3, the other side surface of the partition plate 18, the third side surface 42, and the fourth side surface 43 are arranged in a substantially planar shape.

On the back surface side of the base 13, a lower back surface 48 facing the wall surface of the case 3 is configured. The lower back surface 48 is arranged so as to face and be parallel to the wall surface of the case 3 when mounted. That is, the lower back surface 48 can be moved along the wall surface of the case 3.

The connector accommodating portion 49 has a substantially rectangular concave portion having an opening provided on the bottom surface of the base 13 of the coin hopper 2. A header 50 is fixed to the bottom surface of the recess by a screw 51. The header 50 is provided to supply a signal, a power source, and the like for operating the coin hopper 2. The longitudinal direction of the header 50 is arranged parallel to the fifth side surface 44. Since the connector housing portion 49 is arranged so as to surround the header 50, physical contact with other objects can be prevented.

The body storage portion 52 is a recess provided on the bottom surface of the base 13 for inserting and fixing the erroneous insertion prevention body 34. The opening has a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer circumference of the erroneous insertion prevention body 34. The erroneous insertion prevention body 34 can be easily arranged in eight different directions. The second recess 36 of the erroneous insertion prevention body 34 is inserted into the body storage portion 52 in a predetermined direction determined for each denomination, and is fixed by a screw 53 as a fixing means. If it does not come off, it may be fixed by another method such as an adhesive. It is preferable that the body storage portion 52 and the header 50 are arranged as close to each other as possible. The body storage portion 52 is arranged substantially in the center of the bottom surface of the base 13, and the connector storage portion 49 for storing the header 50 is arranged in the vicinity thereof so as to be parallel to the third side surface 42, the fourth side surface 43, and the fifth side surface 44. Has been done. The body storage portion 52 arranges the erroneous insertion prevention body 34 in the back so that the coin hopper 2 fits to the base of the pedestal 19 when the coin hopper 2 is set in the case 3.

The header 50 is the male side of the connector and the socket 24 is the female side of the connector. It is also possible to configure it in reverse.

When the coin hopper 2 is attached to the case 3, it is preferable that the wall surface or the partition plate 18 of the case 3 is used as a guide portion along the front lower portion 46, the back lower portion 48, the second side surface 27, and the fifth side surface 44 of the coin hopper 2. By sliding and mounting, it can be mounted at a desired position.

If the coin hopper 2 is mounted on the case 3, the third side surface 42 and the fourth side surface 42 and the fourth side surface of the coin hopper 2 to be mounted are attached to the first side surface 26, the second side surface 27, and the partition plate 18 of the mounted coin hopper 2. It is mounted along the side surface 43 and the fifth side surface 44. It can be mounted at a desired position by preferably mounting it while sliding it. On the contrary, the coin hopper 2 is mounted on the third side surface 42, the fourth side surface 43, and the partition plate 18 so as to be along the first side surface 26 and the second side surface 27 of the coin hopper 2 to be mounted. It can be mounted at a desired position, preferably by sliding it.

Since the coin hopper 2 is provided with the step portion 45 and the case 3 is provided with the partition plate 18, when the coin hopper 2 is arranged in the case 3, the gap between the coin hoppers 2 can be reduced or eliminated without interference. , Can be miniaturized. It is possible to arrange the adjacent coin hoppers 2 with or without a gap between them. Further, the gap between the coin hoppers 2 can be made smaller than the thickness of the coin, and it is possible to prevent the coin or the like from being caught in the gap due to an accidental or intentional cause, and it is possible to prevent an unexpected defect. Further, the size of the storage container 12 can be increased by the thickness of the partition plate 18.

Since the side surface of the coin hopper 2 or the partition plate and the wall surface of the case 3 serve as a guiding means for arranging the coin hopper 2 at a suitable position when the coin hopper 2 is mounted, workability is improved, and damage due to mounting mistakes, etc. The problem can be solved.

Further, by arranging the center of gravity of the coin hopper 2 at a position where it overlaps with the body storage portion 52 in a top view, the balance between the left, right, front and back is improved when the coin hopper 2 is mounted, and the mountability is improved. Especially when a large number of coins are contained in the storage container 12, it is desired that the weight becomes large and the handling becomes easy.

Further, when the coin hopper 2 is attached, the third side surface 42, the fourth side surface 43, and the fifth side surface 44 side, which are the sides on which the header 50 is arranged, are placed on the coin hopper 2 or the case already arranged in the case 3. It is preferable to move it along the wall surface of 3. The weak header 50 of the coin hopper 2 to be mounted can be suitably guided to the socket 24. This is because the socket 24 is arranged parallel to the partition plate 18, and the header 50 is arranged parallel to the fourth side surface 43 and the third side surface 42. By sliding and mounting the portion closest to the connector, the socket 24 and the header 50 can be reliably fitted. Further, since the connector including the socket 24 and the header 50 constitutes a floating connector, even if the position is moved to some extent after fitting, it will not be damaged or poor contact will occur.

On the back surface of the coin hopper 2, a plurality of ribs 55 are arranged between the front side and the back surface side in order to improve the strength of the back surface side, and the edge of the body storage portion 52 and the edge of the connector storage portion 49 and the back surface. It is also composed of the surrounding edges. Further, the legs 54 are arranged near the four corners on the back surface. The tip of the rib 55 is formed flat, and the entire surface of the flat tip of the rib 55 is in contact with the bottom surface of the case 3. Since the ribs are widely distributed on the back surface side of the coin hopper 2, it can be stably placed on the case 3. Each area of the case 3 is provided with a through hole at a position corresponding to the foot 54 so that the coin hopper 2 can be fitted when the coin hopper 2 is attached to the case 3. The height of the foot 54 is smaller than the thickness of the bottom surface of the case 3, and even if it is attached, it does not protrude, and it can be confirmed from the back surface side of the case 3 whether or not the coin hopper 2 is attached.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the connection of the connector. It is a partial perspective view of the coin hopper 2 when the vicinity of the socket 24 is cut in the lateral direction of the case 3 with the coin hopper 2 attached to the case 3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the erroneous insertion prevention pin and the erroneous insertion prevention body are engaged. It is a partial perspective view of the coin hopper 2 when the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 and the erroneous insertion prevention body 34 are cut in the lateral direction of the case 3 with the coin hopper 2 attached to the case 3.

The case height 56 of case 3 is shown by double-headed arrows in FIG. The case height 56 represents the height of the wall portion of the case 3 and the partition plate 18. The socket height 57 is indicated by double-headed arrows in FIG. The socket height 57 is the height of the socket 24 from the bottom surface of the case 3. The case height 56 is larger than the socket height 57. Further, the header 50 is arranged so as to fit in the connector accommodating portion 49, and is configured so that the tip does not protrude from the opening. The pin height 58 is shown by a double-headed arrow in FIG. The pin height 58 is the height from the bottom surface of the case 3 of the peripheral pin 22 and the central pin 21 of the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20. The case height 56 is larger than the pin height 58. Further, the socket height 57 is larger than the pin height 58.

When the coin hopper 2 is attached to the case 3, the side surface of the coin hopper 2 is brought into contact with the wall portion and the partition plate 18 of the case 3, and the lower back surface 48 is brought into contact with the wall portion of the case 3, preferably sliding in that state. insert. The tolerance of the shape of the inner circumference of the area separated by the partition plate 18 of the case 3 and the outer circumference of the coin hopper 2, and the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 fixed to the case 3 and the erroneous insertion prevention body 34 fixed to the coin hopper 2. There is a shape tolerance. To prevent the connector from being damaged by these tolerances, the floating mechanism of the connector including the socket 24 and the header 50 deforms or moves the connector parts in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction from the start to the end of mounting the coin hopper 2. To do. After it is found that the tips of the socket 24 and the header 50 are fitted and can be engaged, the socket 24 and the header 50 are moved to the proper contact positions while being inserted, so that the engagement can be ensured. Since it is not forcibly concluded in a positional relationship where it is not known whether or not it fits, damage or the like can be prevented.

With a part of the header 50 inserted in the socket 24, the erroneous insertion prevention pin 20 is inserted into the erroneous insertion prevention body 34, and then inserted deeper so that the coin hopper 2 reaches the bottom surface of the case 3 and is attached. Become.

1 Coin hopper unit 2 Coin hopper 3 Case 4 1st coin 5 2nd coin 6 3rd coin 7 4th coin 8 Outlet 9 Receiving tray 10 Coin processing device 11 Belt 12 Storage container 13 Base 14 Disk 15 Circular transport path 16 Opening 17 Stirring member 18 Partition plate 19 Pedestal 20 False insertion prevention pin 21 Central pin 22 Peripheral pin 23 Connector hole 24 Socket 25 Screw 26 1st side surface 27 2nd side surface 28 Central line 29 1st area 30 2nd area 31 3 Area 32 4th Area 33 Mark 34 False Insertion Prevention Body 35 1st Recess 36 2nd Recess 37 Screw Hole 38 Central Hole 39 Peripheral Hole 40 Peripheral Protrusion 41 Screw 42 3rd Side 43 4th Side 44 5th Side 45 Step 46 Front lower part 47 Front inclined part 48 Front lower part 49 Connector storage part 50 Header 51 Screw 52 Body storage part 53 Screw 54 Foot 55 Rib 56 Case height 57 Socket height 58 Pin height

Claims (10)

A coin hopper that ejects coins stored in the storage container one by one,
The case for fixing the coin hopper and
The detector placed in the case and
The detected part arranged in the coin hopper and
Have,
In a coin hopper unit in which the coin hopper can be attached to the case when the detection unit and the detected unit are engaged, and the coin hopper cannot be attached to the case when the detection unit and the detected unit are not engaged.
The detection unit has an identification member fixed to the attachment portion provided on the case, and when the identification member is attached to the attachment portion, the attachment direction is determined stepwise for each predetermined angle in a plan view. ,
The detected portion has a identified member fixed to a storage portion provided in the coin hopper, and when the identified member is attached to the storage portion, the mounting direction is stepwise at each predetermined angle in a plan view. It has been decided,
A coin hopper unit, characterized in that it is determined whether or not the detection unit and the detection unit engage with each other according to the attachment direction of the identification member and the attachment direction of the identification member. The coin according to claim 1, wherein the case has a bottom surface, a wall portion protruding from the bottom surface in the thickness direction to form a periphery, and a partition plate for dividing the case into a plurality of areas. Hopper unit. The identification member has a protrusion on the side facing the mounting portion and has a protrusion.
2. The attachment portion is provided in each of the areas and has a plurality of holes that engage with the protrusions at each predetermined angle in order to fix the identification member at each predetermined angle. The coin hopper unit described. The coin hopper is provided with a step portion at a position corresponding to the partition plate so that the partition plate and the coin hopper overlap in a plan view from the thickness direction, and the partition plate is inserted into one side surface of the coin hopper. The coin hopper unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the coin hopper unit is made. The coin hopper has a first connector that electrically connects to an external board.
The first connector is housed in a recess having an opening provided on the back surface of the coin hopper, and the opening is arranged in the vicinity of one side surface of the coin hopper.
When the coin hopper is mounted on the case, the longitudinal direction of the first connector is arranged parallel to the partition plate.
The coin hopper unit according to claim 4, wherein the case has a through hole formed at a position facing the opening. A second connector connected to the external board and connected to the first connector is inserted into the through hole, arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the second connector is parallel to the partition plate, and fixed to the case. Connector
The coin hopper unit according to claim 5, wherein the fixing portion on one side of the second connector is fixed at a position including the center in the lateral direction of the case. The coin hopper unit according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the mounting portion is arranged substantially in the center of the area. The coin hopper unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
A transport path for transporting coins discharged from the coin hopper unit and
A coin processing device, characterized in that the transport path is arranged along the coin hopper unit. A storage container for storing coins and
A transport path for transporting the coins supplied from the storage container, and
A discharge port for discharging the coins one by one from the transport path, and
The detected part that engages with the detected part located outside,
In a coin hopper with
The detected portion is arranged in a recessed storage portion having an opening on the back surface of the coin hopper.
The detected unit has a member to be identified that determines whether or not to engage with the detected unit by stepwise changing the mounting direction at predetermined angles.
The accommodating portion can fix the identified member at each predetermined angle.
A coin hopper, characterized in that the identified member is fixed by changing the mounting direction for each type of coin used. The coin hopper according to claim 9, wherein the detected portion is arranged at a position including the center of gravity of the coin hopper in a plan view.

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